The Care Act (2014) established Safeguarding Adults Boards ("SABs") in law. The Care and Support Statutory Guidance to the Act set out expectations of Safeguarding Adults Boards chairs. SABs existed before they were made a legal requirement and the network started in 2009 as a peer support group for independent chairs. The Care and Support Statutory Guidance says that where possible the chair should be independent, but this is not a requirement, and the network opened up membership to all SAB chairs in 2016. The network model is not one of subscription or affiliation that brings in money from members or SABs.
Welcome to the National Network for Chairs of Adult Safeguarding Boards website. Here you will find lots of useful information. Please use the navigation menu to the left to access the information you need.
| WHY ARE SABS IMPORTANT | WHAT WE DO |
|---|---|
| The year has seen constant media coverage of adult safeguarding issues. In part this was due to the COVID pandemic. By March 2020 there were huge concerns from relatives, and professional bodies that run, arrange and regulate care homes. These concerns centred on devastating outbreaks of COVID in some care homes, and on how to prevent reoccurrences and keep residents safe. | Our network enables us to share best practice, and to take agile and consistent approaches to issues of national importance. Our connections and influence have grown greatly during the pandemic. |
| OUR NETWORK | MEMBERSHIP |
| The network is open to chairs in England and Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. | On 31 March 2021 at year-end, 101 individuals were chairing 140 adult safeguarding partnerships. Some chairs work across areas as part of their contract, others choose to work in more than one area. You can find information relating to registration here. |