Legal Framework Wales

Some pieces of legislation that relate to safeguarding apply across all of the UK, but much is devolved to regional governments.

Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England, each have their own unique safeguarding set-up and different governing bodies.  There are also international and country specific legislation that organisations working globally will need to consider.

The legislation means your organisation needs to have things in place to prevent harm, such as a safeguarding policy and a safer recruitment processes for workers. If not, you may be breaking the law. 

In addition to the legal requirements, there are several pieces of guidance issued by government that organisations working with vulnerable groups will need to work to.

Legislation

• Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014
• Children Act 1989
• Children Act 2004
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015
• Rights of Children and Young Persons (Wales) Measure 2011
• The Care Standards act 2000 (Notification)(Wales) Regulations 2011

Guidance

• Working together to safeguard people (2021)
• All Wales Practice Guides on safeguarding children
• Safeguarding Guidance (Wales)
• Wales Safeguarding Procedures
• National safeguarding | Social Care Wales