Adult Protection Engagement Platform

A Report on the Commissioner’s Investigation into Dunmurry Manor Care Home “Home Truths” was published in June 2018. It was critical of the practice of adult safeguarding and asserts the case for safeguarding legislation.

The then Health Minister undertook to take forward new Legislation namely an Adult Protection Bill. The Chief Social Worker at the time was appointed Head of the Adult Protection Transformation Board. The former Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) now known as Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG) were tasked with establishing an Interim Adult Protection Board while the Adult Protection Bill was being drafted.

Over the past two years the PCC have worked closely with members of the platform, staff from the Adult Protection Bill team at DoH under the directorate of Disability and Older People. PCC have also been working closely with colleagues in SPPG who are taking responsibility for the Interim Adult Protection Board while the legislation is being finalised.

In September 2023, DoH representatives provided the Platform with an update on the progress of the Bill. The Bill Team’s focus is on two major areas – the draft Bill and the Business Case; both will require sign off by the incoming Health Minister and Executive. The DoH will continue to keep in touch with the Engagement Platform about the development of the Adult Protection Bill.