New National Policy Framework for Adult Safeguarding in the Health and Social Care Sector

On 9th December, the Irish Government launched a landmark National Policy Framework for Adult Safeguarding in the Health and Social Care Sector, setting out a consistent and comprehensive approach to safeguarding adults at risk of abuse or harm. The framework strengthens how safeguarding is delivered across public, private, and voluntary providers, reinforcing a rights-based approach aligned with the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015.

Significant elements of the policy include:

• the policy and forthcoming legislation will apply to all health and social care providers – public, voluntary and private
• an emphasis on a rights-based approach that respects the autonomy of individuals and reflects the principles of the Assisted Decision Making (Capacity) Act, 2015
• the Health Service Executive (HSE) will have responsibility for leading and coordinating adult safeguarding across the sector and will have statutory functions, duties and powers to underpin this role
• current safeguarding structures within the HSE will be strengthened and legislation will provide that they will operate independently in the performance of their functions
• new powers of entry for safeguarding and protection teams and powers to obtain court protection orders
• the Health Information and Quality Authority’s (HIQA’s) remit will be extended to include independent oversight and monitoring of adult safeguarding services for the Health and Social care sector delivered by the HSE
• new obligations for service providers including undertaking risk evaluations, developing and publishing adult safeguarding statements and ensuring staff are appropriately trained
• the introduction of mandatory reporting in specified circumstances
• the National Independent Review Panel (NIRP) process for adult safeguarding learning reviews for serious incidents will be strengthened and placed on a statutory footing
• strengthened cooperation between service providers and relevant state agencies
• dedicated implementation structures will be established, including processes for engaging with experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience, and an implementation plan will be developed by the HSE to support implementation

View the policy here: National Policy Framework for Adult Safeguarding in the Health and Social Care Sector

How HCI Can Help

As providers prepare to implement the enhanced requirements set out in the new National Policy Framework for Adult Safeguarding, HCI is uniquely positioned to offer expert support. Our team can assist services in conducting safeguarding risk evaluations, developing and updating adult safeguarding policies and procedures, and ensuring their safeguarding statements align with regulatory expectations.

We also offer tailored training programmes to equip staff with the knowledge and confidence to identify, report, and respond to safeguarding concerns. With deep expertise in regulatory compliance, governance, and quality assurance, HCI supports organisations in embedding safeguarding practices into their wider quality and safety management systems — ensuring a compliant, robust, and person-centred approach to care.

Contact HCI at info@hci.care or call +353 (0)1 629 2559.