The Future of Adult Safeguarding: Understanding the Casey Review and the Care Act
If you work in adult social care, you have probably noticed the headlines about Baroness Louise Casey’s urgent call for action in adult safeguarding and the government’s rapid response. It is understandable to wonder if your day-to-day practice is about to change, or if you need to do anything differently right now.
The short answer is no, not yet. Your legal duties are the same as always, but there is real momentum for reform. It is worth knowing what is driving these changes and what to look out for.
Where Are We Now? The Care Act Still Guides Your Practice
The Care Act 2014, including Section 42, continues to be the foundation for safeguarding adults in England. Your responsibilities are unchanged. When you have reasonable cause to suspect that an adult with care and support needs is at risk of abuse or neglect, and cannot protect themselves, you must make or cause enquiries to decide what action is required. Safeguarding Adults Boards continue to oversee local coordination and learning, and Safeguarding Adults Reviews are still required for serious cases.
You can always revisit the Care Act Statutory Guidance or use SCIE’s practical resources for up-to-date advice.
Why All the Focus on Safeguarding Now?
Baroness Casey, chair of the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, has drawn attention to long-standing gaps in the system. As she put it, “Instead of a robust national safeguarding system, serious safeguarding failures are addressed as isolated local problems, meaning the same concerns are identified repeatedly without national scrutiny, action, or consequences.”
One of the main concerns is the lack of a clear statutory power of entry for safeguarding professionals. Unlike child safeguarding, adult safeguarding can stall when practitioners cannot lawfully gain access, and lessons from serious cases are often not captured nationally.
The government has accepted Baroness Casey’s main recommendations and is taking steps to strengthen the national system. You can read her full speech to the Nuffield Trust Summit and the government’s response letter for more detail.
What Is Changing, and What Should Practitioners Watch For?
As of March 2026, here is what you need to know:
- A new National Safeguarding Board is being set up. The board will be chaired by the Chief Social Worker and will provide national oversight, review Safeguarding Adults Reviews, identify patterns and risks, and commission thematic reviews. The aim is to ensure national learning and raise standards everywhere, not just in a few areas.
- There is also an urgent review of the statutory duties and powers under the Care Act. The Department of Health and Social Care is looking at whether the current legal framework gives practitioners enough authority in high-risk situations. A key issue is whether safeguarding professionals should have new statutory powers of entry to better protect adults at risk.
These changes are happening alongside the work of the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, which is working toward a National Care Service. The Commission’s first phase report, focusing on immediate improvements, is expected later in 2026. You can keep up with updates on the Casey Commission website.
What Does This Mean for Your Practice Right Now?
Your responsibilities remain the same. When you have concerns, continue to assess using the Section 42 criteria, carry out person-centred and proportionate enquiries, and work with other agencies to reduce or remove risks. Apply the principles of Making Safeguarding Personal, wellbeing, and proportionality.
If you are refused access to an adult at risk, you must still use existing legal routes, such as police welfare checks or Court of Protection applications. No new powers are in place, so your workflow remains unchanged for now.
What Should You Look Out For?
In the coming months, pay attention to:
- Announcements from the new National Safeguarding Board
- Findings and recommendations from the review of Care Act statutory duties and powers, especially anything about access or new practitioner powers
- Updates to Care Act statutory guidance, or changes in the national role of Safeguarding Adults Boards or Reviews
- The release of the Casey Commission’s first phase report and what it means for your practice.
If legislative change comes, you can expect local procedures and guidance, including tri.x manuals, to be updated so you stay confident and compliant.
Where Is Safeguarding Heading?
England is moving toward a more joined-up, nationally consistent safeguarding system for adults. There will likely be greater national oversight and learning, possible new statutory powers to help you access adults at risk, and more consistent standards and support across local areas.
These reforms are being shaped to give practitioners stronger legal backing, clearer learning from every serious case, and a national system that recognises and supports your work.
Final Thoughts
Policy reviews can create uncertainty, but real change in social care law is always measured and phased. For now, the Care Act 2014 remains your anchor. The current debate is about ensuring you have the clarity, powers, and support you need. Keep working as you are, stay alert to official updates, and know your experience is helping shape the next chapter of safeguarding law in England. The changes ahead are about giving you the recognition, tools, and support you deserve.
Blog written by Maxine Marney.
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