Independent Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs)
We lead independent Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs), providing impartial and robust review processes that support learning and improvement. Our approach is evidence-based, objective, and proportionate, focusing on understanding what happened, why it happened, and what can be learned to strengthen safeguarding systems and practice.
What we Offer
Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs)
A Safeguarding Adult Review (SAR) is undertaken when an adult at risk has experienced harm, abuse, or neglect, and there has been a failure in safeguarding processes. Our goal is to identify lessons to be learned and to drive improvements in the practice of all partner agencies involved in safeguarding vulnerable adults.
Independent SAR Leadership
We lead independent Safeguarding Adult Reviews, ensuring an impartial investigation into all events. Our approach is evidence-based, objective, and thorough, providing unbiased findings.
Systematic Review & Analysis
We use a range of review methodologies tailored to each case, including Systems Learning, Appreciative Enquiry, SARs in Rapid Time, thematic, and proportionate review approaches where appropriate. This approach, focuses on identifying the social and organisational factors that influenced the events and circumstances of the case, aiming to uncover higher-level system learning. Unlike traditional SAR reports that often include specific recommendations, systems learning reports typically pose a small number of reflective questions for the Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) and its partners. This encourages local agencies who understand their services best to take ownership of actions and develop realistic, sustainable system-level changes.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
Safeguarding Adult Reviews require effective collaboration across multiple agencies. We facilitate this process, ensuring that all relevant partners including health services, social care, law enforcement, and the Voluntary, Community, and Faith Sectors are actively engaged.
Our approach fosters a no blame ethos, creating a safe space for open dialogue and reflection. By removing the fear of blame, we encourage agencies to share experiences, insights, and challenges. This collaborative environment allows us to identify shared learning, develop actionable solutions, and create cross-sector action plans aimed at preventing future harm and improving safeguarding outcomes.
Report Writing & Final Findings
We prepare clear, comprehensive SAR reports or systems learning reports outlining key findings and lessons learned. For systems learning reports, the focus is on posing reflective questions rather than prescribing direct recommendations, empowering the SAB and partners to determine the best course of action.
Training & Development
Following the review, we offer tailored follow-up training to help embed lessons learned within your organisation’s safeguarding culture, improving staff awareness, knowledge, and practice, and fostering safeguarding excellence.
Ongoing Professional Development
To maintain the highest standards in SAR practice, Kristy has successfully completed Level 1 of the SCIE Safeguarding Adult Review Independent Reviewer Programme and is currently developing her portfolio towards Level 2 accreditation. This nationally recognised programme strengthens expertise in systems thinking, family engagement, practitioner learning, and reflective review methodologies, ensuring reviews are conducted with rigour, compassion, and independence.
Kristy remains committed to continuous professional development and applying current national guidance and best practice to every review.
Why Choose Our Independent SAR Review Services?
Impartiality & Objectivity
As independent reviewers, we ensure the review remains unbiased, focusing solely on the facts and evidence. We are committed to a fair and transparent process, encouraging organisations to reflect on their practices with objectivity and integrity.
Expertise & Experience
With over 30 years’ experience across Adult Social Care, the NHS, safeguarding partnerships, and multi-agency practice, we bring extensive knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy, and organisational learning. Combined with specialist training in Safeguarding Adult Reviews and systems learning methodologies, this expertise supports high-quality reviews that lead to meaningful and sustainable improvement.
Person-Centred Approach
We place the individual at the heart of every review, ensuring that the dignity and rights of those involved are respected. Our reviews provide an accurate, compassionate account of the events while prioritising the voice of the individual.
Improving Practice & Prevention
Our reviews are designed to promote reflection, shared learning, and continuous improvement. Whether through systems learning questions, identified learning themes, or agreed actions, the aim is to support organisations and partnerships to strengthen safeguarding practice and reduce the risk of future harm.
Tailored Methodologies
We offer a range of review methodologies to suit the specific needs of each case. Whether it’s a traditional in-depth review, a thematic analysis that focuses on recurring issues, or a rapid review to address urgent concerns, we adapt our approach to ensure the most relevant and effective process for each situation. This flexibility ensures that your organisation receives a review that is both comprehensive and timely.
Published Reviews
We are committed to transparency, learning, and sharing good practice across safeguarding partnerships.
Martin Safeguarding Adult Review
Kristy was the independent reviewer for the Safeguarding Adult Review concerning Martin. The review explored the circumstances surrounding Martin’s experience of multiple exclusion homelessness and identified important learning for partner agencies. The report adopts a systems learning approach, focusing on the organisational and contextual factors that influenced practice and encouraging reflective discussion to support service improvement.
Read the published review here
Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board Final Report
Sydney Safeguarding Adults Review
SAR Sydney explores the experiences of an adult living with chronic self-neglect, complex physical and mental health needs, trauma, social isolation and barriers to engaging with support. In the absence of family members or close friends able to contribute to the review, Sydney’s story was reconstructed through agency records. The review examines the intersection of trauma, gender identity, victimisation, and self-neglect. It highlights the importance of relationship-based practice, cumulative harm, trauma-informed approaches and effective multi-agency coordination. It offers learning for partnerships about supporting adults whose needs cut across traditional service boundaries and balancing personalised care, equality considerations and safeguarding responsibilities.
Read the published review here
SAR of Sydney Safeguarding Adults Review
Contact Us Today
If your organisation is involved in a Safeguarding Adult Review or needs support with an independent review process, we are here to help. Our expertise ensures that the review will be objective, thorough, and lead to meaningful improvements in your safeguarding practices.
Let us help you reflect, learn, and enhance your safeguarding practices to better protect adults at risk in the future.
