Sarah Vaughan’s research while affiliated with University of Chester and other places

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore and map Safeguarding Adults England data for 2022–2023 by local authority to enable identification and exploration of any differences between local authorities. Design/methodology/approach Colour symbology maps were produced to enable visual analysis of safeguarding concerns and Section 42 enquiries per 100,000 of the population, as well as the conversion of safeguarding concerns to Section 42 enquiries. Statistical hotspots were calculated using the Getis-Ord Gi* for Section 42 enquiries per 100,000 of the population across age classes. Findings Findings show regional differences across England in terms of the number of documented concerns, Section 42’s and conversion rates. Some regions had statistically higher or lower Section 42 enquiries per 100,000 of population across age classes compared to their bordering geographical neighbours. Reflections on these findings lead to a series of recommendations. Originality/value This paper addresses a need to explore further and analyse adult safeguarding data to inform practice, through choropleth mapping.

This paper argues that professionals who make boundary-related decisions should be guided by relationship-based practice. In our roles as service users and professionals, drawing from our lived experiences of professional relationships, we argue we need to move away from distance-based practice. This includes understanding the boundary stories and narratives that exist for all of us – including the people we support, other professionals, as well as the organisations and systems within which we work. When we are dealing with professional boundary issues, we should centre relationship-building skills that are central to many other aspects of our work. Skills that foster relationships at all levels – between professionals, service users, and services – need to be revalued. Our final recommendation is to create, develop, and foster safer spaces within and outside of organisations, as well as inter-professionally, for the discussion and exploration of boundary-related issues and practice. We are interested in hearing from those with experiences of being marginalised by boundaries so that they can inform a reshaping of our collective ideas around boundary related practices. To foster relationship- based practices in organisations, we have outlined several recommendations here; however, we recognize that these do not go far enough, and that collective action is needed to inform systemic change.