The South Tyneside Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) is a statutory multi-agency partnership responsible for safeguarding adults with care and support needs who may be at risk of abuse or neglect. Our role is defined under Section 43 of the Care Act 2014, which requires every local authority to establish a Safeguarding Adults Board.

The SAB brings together key organisations – the Local Authority, Police, Health, and wider partners – to work collaboratively to protect adults from harm and promote their rights, wellbeing, and independence.

Our Key Functions (Care Act 2014, Section 43–45)

The SAB must:

• • Publish a Strategic Plan setting out how it will meet its objectives.
  • Publish an Annual Report explaining what the Board has done, what it has learned, and how safeguarding has improved in South Tyneside.
  • Conduct Safeguarding Adults Reviews (SARs) where an adult with care and support needs has died or been seriously harmed, and abuse or neglect is suspected.

Annual ReportOur Annual Report provides an overview of the work we have undertaken over the past year, progress against our strategic plan, learning from reviews, data and performance trends, and assurance from partner agencies. It ensures transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, as required under the Care Act.

Annual Report 

Memorandum of Understanding

This document outlines how SAB partner organisations work together, their responsibilities, and their shared commitment to safeguarding adults in South Tyneside.

Sent as a resource

Information Sharing Agreements

Effective safeguarding relies on timely, lawful and proportionate information sharing. Our Information Sharing Agreements ensure all partners understand how information should be shared to prevent harm and protect adults.
Multi Agency Information Sharing Agreement

Escalation and Challenge Policy

This policy supports professionals to raise concerns and respectfully challenge decisions when they believe safeguarding risks are not being addressed appropriately. It promotes transparent decision-making and multi-agency accountability.

Escalation and Challenge Protocol

Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements

These governance documents explain how safeguarding partners work together locally, how the SAB is structured, and the expectations placed on agencies.

Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements

The Care Act 2014 is the legal foundation for adult safeguarding in England. It defines abuse and neglect, sets duties for local authorities, and outlines the responsibilities of Safeguarding Adults Boards.

Why It Matters to the SAB

• It establishes the statutory duties of the Board.
• It defines when a Section 42 enquiry must take place.
• It sets expectations for partnership working, information sharing, prevention, and decision‑making.
• It provides the legal basis for Safeguarding Adults Reviews (SARs).

What It Means for Safeguarding Partners

All partners, including the Local Authority, NHS, Police, Probation and others, must:

• Work together to prevent and respond to abuse and neglect.
• Share information lawfully and effectively.
• Contribute to enquiries, reviews and assurance processes.
• Ensure staff are trained and competent in safeguarding.

What It Means for the Public in South Tyneside

• Adults have the right to live free from abuse and neglect.
• Support will be provided to help people stay safe and make informed choices.
• Concerns about abuse will be taken seriously and acted upon.
• Organisations must work together to protect adults and improve safety across the borough.

Care Act 2014 statutory guidance → https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/care-act-statutory-guidance

The SAB is hosted by South Tyneside Council. Requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 should be submitted via the council’s FOI process.
FOI Information → HERE