Policy and practice developments in adult safeguarding in Northern Ireland: a qualitative comparative study between Northern Ireland, Great Britain, and Ireland

Four overarching themes were identified from the participant's data. These four overarching themes were identified by both voluntary and statutory professionals and remained consistent across both phase one and phase two. The four overarching themes were: partnership working in adult safeguarding; governance and management in adult safeguarding; supporting and empowering adults at risk of harm; and safeguarding is a continuum and everyone's responsibility.

Adult safeguarding policy and practice has developed rapidly over the last three decades. This research evidenced a genuine commitment from key professionals across voluntary and statutory sectors to make safeguarding everyone's business. This was demonstrated by continuous improvements in partnership working, better understanding of roles and responsibilities, including the involvement of adults at risk of harm in the decision-making process, all of which have been aided by the introduction of new and revised adult safeguarding policies and legislation.