HCPC Safeguarding 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the six principles of adult safeguarding under the Care Act 2014?
- Empowerment, prevention, proportionality, protection, partnership, accountability (Correct answer)
- Care, safety, advocacy, choice, independence, support
- Autonomy, dignity, respect, safety, wellbeing, inclusion
- Assessment, planning, review, monitoring, evaluation, reporting
Correct answer: Empowerment, prevention, proportionality, protection, partnership, accountability
The Care Act 2014 established six adult safeguarding principles: Empowerment, Prevention, Proportionality, Protection, Partnership, and Accountability — forming a framework for adult safeguarding practice.
Question 2: What is the definition of an 'adult at risk' under the Care Act 2014?
- An adult aged 18+ who has care and support needs AND is experiencing or at risk of abuse/neglect AND unable to protect themselves due to those needs (Correct answer)
- Any adult over 65 years of age
- Any adult with a disability
- Any adult who has experienced domestic violence
Correct answer: An adult aged 18+ who has care and support needs AND is experiencing or at risk of abuse/neglect AND unable to protect themselves due to those needs
Under the Care Act 2014, an adult at risk must meet all three criteria: have care and support needs, be experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and be unable to protect themselves due to those needs.
Question 3: A healthcare professional discovers bruising on an elderly patient that is inconsistent with the patient's explanation. What should they do?
- Follow local safeguarding procedures — document findings, raise a concern, and refer to the appropriate safeguarding team or lead (Correct answer)
- Treat the bruising medically and ask no further questions
- Ask the patient's carer directly if they caused it
- Wait to see if it happens again before taking action
Correct answer: Follow local safeguarding procedures — document findings, raise a concern, and refer to the appropriate safeguarding team or lead
Unexplained or inconsistent bruising in an elderly patient is a potential indicator of physical abuse. HCPC standards require raising a safeguarding concern through formal channels immediately.
Question 4: Which law provides the statutory framework for child safeguarding in England?
- Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004 (Correct answer)
- Care Act 2014
- Mental Health Act 1983
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Correct answer: Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004
The Children Act 1989 (establishing paramountcy of child welfare) and Children Act 2004 (establishing Local Safeguarding Children Boards, Section 47 duty) together form the primary statutory framework for child safeguarding in England.
Question 5: What does 'Making Safeguarding Personal' mean in adult safeguarding practice?
- An approach that engages the adult at risk in determining what outcomes they want from any safeguarding intervention, prioritising their wishes (Correct answer)
- A policy of always removing adults from harm situations without discussion
- A requirement to act only on formal reports
- A social care policy unrelated to HCPC registrants
Correct answer: An approach that engages the adult at risk in determining what outcomes they want from any safeguarding intervention, prioritising their wishes
Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) is a sector-led initiative requiring safeguarding responses to be person-centred — starting with what the adult at risk wants and working to achieve those outcomes where safe.
Question 6: What categories of abuse are recognised in adult safeguarding under the Care Act 2014?
- Physical, sexual, psychological/emotional, financial, neglect, self-neglect, discriminatory, organisational, domestic abuse, modern slavery (Correct answer)
- Only physical and financial abuse
- Physical and sexual abuse only
- Only abuse by paid carers
Correct answer: Physical, sexual, psychological/emotional, financial, neglect, self-neglect, discriminatory, organisational, domestic abuse, modern slavery
The Care Act 2014 identifies 10 categories of adult abuse: physical, sexual, psychological, financial/material, neglect, self-neglect, discriminatory, organisational, domestic violence, and modern slavery.
HCPC Safeguarding 1
What are the six principles of adult safeguarding under the Care Act 2014?