External assurance
Safeguarding Audits and Reviews
An independent view of how your safeguarding arrangements work in practice, from board oversight to the decisions staff make every day, with proportionate recommendations your teams can act on.
Why organisations commission a review
Safeguarding policies can look sound on paper and still fail the people they are meant to protect.
Boards and registered managers are accountable for safeguarding, yet much of the evidence they see comes from within their own organisation. Gaps in recording, escalation or follow-through can go unnoticed until a concern is raised.
An external audit tests arrangements against how they actually operate. It gives leaders an impartial picture of where practice is strong, where it is at risk and what to prioritise.
Scope of the work
What an audit and review covers
Every audit is structured around the Governance to Frontline All Age Safeguarding Model™, which traces safeguarding accountability from the board through to the people receiving care.
- 01
Governance and oversight
How safeguarding is reported to leaders and the board, and how assurance is gained and acted on.
- 02
Recording and case files
Whether records are clear, timely and show the reasoning behind safeguarding decisions.
- 03
Decision-making and escalation
How concerns are recognised, escalated and followed through, including when other agencies are involved.
- 04
Policy review
Whether policies reflect current legislation and guidance, and whether staff can apply them confidently in day-to-day practice.
How it works
From scope to recommendations
Stage 1
Scope
We agree with you which services, policies and questions the review will focus on, and who will receive the findings.
Stage 2
Review
We examine policies and records, and speak with leaders and staff to understand how arrangements work in practice.
Stage 3
Report
You receive clear findings and proportionate recommendations, prioritised so your teams know where to start.
Who we work with
Who this is for
NHS trusts and ICBs
Safeguarding leads and boards who want independent assurance that policy is reflected in practice across services.
Local authorities
Adult and children's services seeking an external view of safeguarding decision-making, recording and oversight.
Care providers and care home groups
Registered managers and nominated individuals who need an impartial review across one service or a group.
Safeguarding audits
Frequently Asked Questions
Speak directly with a senior consultant.
Tell us what prompted the review and we will discuss the right scope for your organisation. Contact PMH
Original methodology developed through decades of practice
Evidence-based frameworks that deliver measurable outcomes
Senior consultants who created the models they implement