This is an essential, practical guide to best practice in adult safeguarding which supports students and practitioners to develop the skills, knowledge and ethical awareness to confidently address the challenges of adult safeguarding across a wide range of practice contexts in the UK.

The authors explore the current context of adult safeguarding in the UK, together with the legislation, rights and principles that are the basis of best practice, and with a focus on developments in practice following the implementation of the Care Act (2014).

Practitioners are supported to develop their practice by exploring new research and innovative ways of working within the field, while promoting the importance of learning from experience and building resilience in adult safeguarding work. This book includes:

• helpful case studies and examples of professional decision making from experienced adult safeguarding practitioners

• top tips and models to enable confident application of knowledge to practice

• tools for reflection to extend the practitioner’s development

“This is a valuable handbook for all practitioners in adult social care, providing important updates on some of the emerging and complex issues being faced in adult safeguarding practice today.” Sarah Jasper, Head of Safeguarding Adults Services, Gloucestershire County Council

“Safeguarding adults is a fast-evolving area of social work practice. It is often hard for students and practitioners to keep on top of the law, guidance and research in this area. Kate Spreadbury and Rachel Hubbard use their expertise as seasoned social workers and in Safeguarding Adults Reviews to provide a clear and accessible guide for social workers and social work students working within this area.” Jeremy Dixon, Cardiff University

“Covers both the legal framework and practice information about adult safeguarding in a balanced and well-informed manner. It will become a valuable tool for professionals working within this area.” Laura Pritchard-Jones, Keele University

"A thought-provoking book which enables the reader to be guided through the legal complexities of adult safeguarding using practical examples within a social care setting." Iwan Dowie, University of South Wales

"This book provides the practitioner with a valuable tool to use in their everyday work. Read it in full or refer to it in the course of your work." Doug Bale, former Head of Adult Safeguarding

Kate Spreadbury is an independent social worker specialising in adult safeguarding.

Rachel Hubbard is Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Programme Leader for social work Continuing Professional Development at UWE Bristol. She is an experienced social worker and Best Interests Assessor.