Legal Literacy in Adult Safeguarding and Court Skills (4 Days)

Course Outline:

Effective adult safeguarding practice requires professionals to navigate complex legal, ethical, and procedural frameworks while ensuring that the rights, wishes and wellbeing of adults remain at the centre of decision-making. This four-day programme provides practitioners with the legal knowledge and practical skills required to undertake safeguarding responsibilities confidently and lawfully.

During the first two days, delegates will develop their understanding of the legal and policy framework underpinning adult safeguarding. The programme explores the purpose of safeguarding, what adults want from safeguarding systems, the importance of organisational culture, and the concept of legal literacy. Participants will examine key legislation including the Care Act 2014, Human Rights Act 1998, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Mental Health Act 1983, Continuing Healthcare frameworks, information governance and data protection requirements, and the principles of Making Safeguarding Personal.

The course also considers the practical application of safeguarding duties, including recognising different forms of abuse and neglect, understanding the “5 Rs” of safeguarding, maintaining professional accountability, and producing accurate and defensible records. Delegates will explore how legal principles and professional judgement inform safeguarding decision-making in complex situations.

The final two days focus on the skills required to communicate evidence effectively within formal legal settings. Participants will learn how to prepare clear, structured and objective statements for the Coroner's Court and the Court of Protection, ensuring that reports meet the expectations of judicial and legal professionals.

The programme concludes with practical court skills training, enabling delegates to understand court processes, present evidence with confidence, and respond effectively to questioning. By combining legal literacy with report writing and court skills, the course equips professionals to contribute confidently to safeguarding processes from investigation through to legal proceedings.

Key Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this programme, delegates will be able to:

• Explain the purpose of adult safeguarding and its role in protecting adults while promoting wellbeing, choice and independence.
• Describe what adults expect from safeguarding services and apply the principles of Making Safeguarding Personal in practice.
• Demonstrate an understanding of legal literacy and its relevance to professional decision-making in adult safeguarding.
• Identify and apply key legislative and policy frameworks that inform safeguarding practice, including the Care Act, Human Rights Act, Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act and Continuing Healthcare provisions.
• Recognise the impact of equality, human rights and public law principles when undertaking safeguarding activities.
• Apply information governance and data protection requirements appropriately when sharing and recording safeguarding information.
• Explain and apply the 5 Rs of safeguarding within organisational and multi-agency contexts.
• Identify different forms of abuse and neglect and understand the responsibilities of practitioners in responding to safeguarding concerns.
• Produce accurate, proportionate and defensible safeguarding records that support accountability and evidence-based decision-making.
• Structure and write clear, objective and professional statements for use by the Coroner's Court and Court of Protection.
• Understand the purpose, procedures and expectations of the Coroner's Court and Court of Protection.
• Demonstrate effective communication and evidence-giving skills when participating in court proceedings.
• Present professional evidence confidently and respond appropriately to questioning in a legal setting.
• Apply learning from the programme to strengthen safeguarding practice, improve professional confidence and support legally compliant decision-making.