Launch of Revised Pan Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Multi‑Agency Policy, Procedures and Guidance - 30/03/2026
We are pleased to announce the launch of the revised Pan Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Multi‑Agency Policies and Procedures, along with an updated Information Sharing Protocol and a programme of new practice guidance resources.
These documents have been formally endorsed by the West of Berkshire, Bracknell Forest, Slough, and Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Safeguarding Adults Boards. They have been developed by the Pan Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Policies and Procedures Subgroup to support effective, consistent multi‑agency safeguarding practice across the county.
What’s the difference between Policy, Procedure, and Guidance?
- Policy: Sets out the high-level principles and framework for safeguarding adults. It explains why actions are taken and requires Board approval.
- Procedure: Details the specific steps and processes for responding to safeguarding concerns. It describes how to carry out tasks and is endorsed by the agencies involved.
- Guidance: Offers practical advice and tips for individuals and teams delivering safeguarding responses. It’s endorsed by subject experts and helps with day-to-day decision-making.
Why have these changes been made?
The revised documents aim to:
- Simplify and streamline safeguarding processes across Berkshire
- Ensure alignment with statutory duties under the Care Act 2014
- Strengthen clarity around roles, responsibilities and information sharing
- Reduce unnecessary complexity across agencies
- Support best practice and a consistent approach to safeguarding adults with care and support needs
Who is affected?
These updated Policies, Procedures and guidance apply to:
- All partner agencies across Berkshire
- Local authorities, NHS organisations, emergency services, police, voluntary sector partners
- Professionals and volunteers involved in safeguarding adults with care and support needs
Your organisation’s own safeguarding policies and procedures remain essential and must still be followed. The Pan Berkshire Multi‑Agency Policies and Procedures set out the cross‑agency framework for working together.
While the West of Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Board will be disbanding on 31st March 2026, three new Safeguarding Adults Boards will be established by Reading, West Berkshire, and Wokingham. These new boards will adopt the revised Multi-Agency Policies and Procedures.
Please note: The previous Pan Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Multi-Agency Policy and Procedures are now withdrawn and will no longer be accessible on the website. Please ensure that any hard copies of the previous documents are destroyed to avoid confusion and ensure everyone is working to the most up-to-date guidance.