RCN welcomes new guidance and framework to protect children and vulnerable adults

Published: 22 March 2013

The Royal College of Nursing is optimistic that two new documents will provide clarity to help protect children and vulnerable adults.

The Department of Education has today published the revised statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children, and the NHS Commissioning Board published the accountability and assurance framework Safeguarding Vulnerable People in the Reformed NHS.

Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, said: “We are pleased to see the publication of these two documents and we hope they will provide clarity in an area where there has been concern and confusion in light of the changes occurring within the NHS.

“It is vital the NHS Commissioning Board listens and acts to revise the accountability framework if needed in response to concerns or comments from frontline staff to ensure children and vulnerable people are properly protected.”

Dr Carter added: “The RCN looks forward to working with other royal colleges to support the NHS Commissioning Board and the Department of Health in this critically important area.”