The six principles of safeguarding – Empowerment, Prevention, Proportionality, Protection, Partnership, and Accountability – are more than just a checklist. They’re the ethical backbone of adult safeguarding practice, especially under the Care Act 2014 and the Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) framework.

But what happens when the lines blur?

What do we do when the person we’re trying to safeguard doesn’t want our help? When the risk is real, but the rights are too? When the harm is subtle, relational, or digital – and doesn’t fit neatly into a category?

These aren’t abstract dilemmas. They’re the daily reality for practitioners across adult social care, health, housing, and beyond.

The Tension Between Empowerment and Protection

Take the example of someone experiencing serious self-neglect. They may be living in unsafe conditions, refusing support, and at risk of harm. The principle of empowerment tells us to respect their autonomy. But protection urges us to intervene.

So how do we decide?

This is where professional curiosity and relationship-based practice come into play. We ask: Does the person have capacity? Are they making an informed choice? Is there a history of trauma or coercion? We weigh the risks, consult with others, and – crucially – keep the person at the centre of the conversation, even if they’re reluctant to engage.

Financial Abuse and the Complexity of Family Dynamics

Now consider a vulnerable adult being financially exploited by a family member. The person may not see it as abuse. They may even defend the abuser. Here, proportionality and partnership become vital. We need to act sensitively, involve the right agencies, and avoid escalating harm.

But we also need to be brave. Safeguarding isn’t always comfortable. It often means challenging assumptions, asking difficult questions, and holding space for complexity.

Digital Exploitation and the New Frontiers of Risk

In today’s world, safeguarding doesn’t stop at the front door. Online scams, misinformation, and digital exclusion are growing threats – especially for those who lack digital confidence. Prevention here means more than awareness-raising. It means building digital resilience, advocating for accessible tech, and ensuring safeguarding keeps pace with the digital age.

Making Safeguarding Personal – Even When It’s Hard

The MSP approach asks us to tailor safeguarding to the individual. But what if the person lacks insight? What if they decline intervention? Can we still make safeguarding personal?

Yes – but it takes skill, time, and trust. It means working with, not around, the person. It means recognising that “no” doesn’t always mean never – it might mean “not yet,” or “not like this.”

Let’s Talk About It

Safeguarding is rarely black and white. It’s a practice of nuance, negotiation, and navigating the grey. So let’s talk about it.

• How do you uphold the six principles when the path isn’t clear?
• What helps you stay grounded in values when the stakes are high?
• How do you support colleagues wrestling with these dilemmas?

Your insights could help others build confidence in complexity – and remind us all that safeguarding is, above all, a human practice.