Last updated: 16 April 2025

Next review: 16 April 2026

Safeguarding is everyone's business, and it’s important organisations work together to protect people who need help and support.

The Safeguarding Partnership Arrangements (PDF) provides an overview of the safeguarding partnership arrangements in Waltham Forest that are in line with statutory requirements for safeguarding children and adults.

Safeguarding is the process of making sure vulnerable children, young people, and adults are protected from being abused, neglected, and exploited.

The Care Act 2014 requires local authorities to set up a Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB). The Act says that the SAB must:

  • include the local authority, the NHS, and the police, who should meet regularly to discuss and act upon local safeguarding issues
  • develop shared plans for safeguarding, working with local people to decide how best to protect adults in vulnerable situations
  • publish this safeguarding plan and report to the public annually on its progress, so that different organisations can make sure they’re working together in the best way

For more information about the Safeguarding Adults Board please contact Strategicpartnerships@walthamforest.gov.uk

What to do if you are worried about a vulnerable adult

London multi-agency adults safeguarding policy and procedures

London multi-agency adult safeguarding policy and procedures guides professionals to:

  • prevent abuse and neglect where possible
  • provide a consistent approach when responding to safeguarding concerns

Escalation / How to resolve professional disagreements

Visit the Strategic Partnership Boards page to find out how to take action using the appropriate channels when you believe that your professional opinions have not been acted on appropriately.

Statutory reviews: Published and referrals to One Panel

To see our statutory reviews and for more information on One Panel visit the main Strategic Partnership Board page.

Resources to improve practice

Visit our resources to improve practice page for more information and ways to develop the way you work..

Annual reports

Read our Safeguarding Adults Board annual report 2023 to 2024 (PDF)

The annual report provides an overview of work in Waltham Forest from 2023 to 2024.

In Waltham Forest, these boards worked together on shared and individual priorities. 

  • Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB)
  • Waltham Forest Safeguarding Children Board (WFSCB)
  • Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB)
  • SafetyNet Waltham Forest's Community Safety Partnership

This report shares the Boards’ collective and individual achievements, the challenges, and how a focus on priority areas agreed together as a Partnership made a difference to individuals and families in Waltham Forest. 

Should you wish to view previous annual reports, please contact Strategicpartnerships@walthamforest.gov.uk