Safeguarding Adults Reviews
The Care Act 2014 sets out that SABs have a statutory duty to undertake a Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR) when:
an adult has died (including death by suicide), and abuse or neglect is known or suspected to be a factor in their death;
or
an adult has experienced serious abuse or neglect which has resulted in: permanent harm, reduced capacity or quality of life (whether because of physical or psychological effects), or the individual would have been likely to have died but for an intervention;
and
there is concern that partner agencies could have worked more effectively to protect the adult.
Purpose of a SAR
The purpose of a SAR is not to to apportion blame, it is to:
- establish whether there are any lessons to be learnt from the circumstances of the case, about the way in which local professionals and agencies work together to safeguard adults,
- review the effectiveness of procedures,
- inform and improve local inter-agency practice,
- improve practice by acting on learning, and,
- highlight good practice.
The Sussex SAR Protocol adopted by Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex SABS aims to ensure there is a consistent approach to the process and practice of SARs across Sussex that follows both statutory guidance and local policies.
A SAR Referral Learning Briefing has been produced to support understanding of the SAR criteria and the key considerations when making a referral.
Any agency or professional can make a referral for a SAR where the criteria are met, using the SAR Referral Form .