Wales launches UK’s first unified review process to safeguard vulnerable people

In a pioneering move, Wales has become the first country in the UK to introduce a Single Unified Safeguarding Review (SUSR), designed to streamline reviews of serious abuse and neglect cases while reducing trauma for families.

The SUSR, launched today, integrates multiple safeguarding reviews into a single process.

It aims to improve information sharing among professionals, accelerate the implementation of recommendations, and help prevent similar cases in the future.

Safeguarding reviews are typically conducted after serious incidents of abuse or neglect result in harm or death.

Under the current system, families often endure multiple, lengthy reviews involving various agencies, requiring them to revisit traumatic events repeatedly.

Minister for Children and Social Care Dawn Bowden described the SUSR as “trailblazing” and highlighted its potential to become a model for other nations.

“We are the first country in the UK to take this evolutionary approach to safeguarding reviews,” she said.

“The SUSR will ensure that professionals can learn from past cases quickly and effectively to prevent future harm and reduce further trauma for victims and families.”

Reducing Trauma, Improving Outcomes

The new system aims to simplify the safeguarding process, with all completed SUSR reports stored centrally in the Wales Safeguarding Repository.

This repository will act as a resource for professionals, allowing them to access insights from previous cases and prevent similar tragedies.

Key benefits of the SUSR include:

• Streamlined Processes: A single review system reduces duplication of investigations.
• Faster Learning: Professionals can act upon recommendations more swiftly.
• Reduced Trauma: Families will no longer need to participate in multiple reviews.

The SUSR is expected to address gaps in information sharing and inefficiencies that have previously hindered safeguarding practices.

An International Model

The Welsh Government has positioned the SUSR as a leading example of innovation in safeguarding. Dawn Bowden noted that the initiative is already attracting attention beyond Wales:

“The SUSR is trailblazing and being seen nationally and internationally as a beacon for others to follow – an example of how change can happen from working together for the common good.”

By consolidating efforts to address serious incidents, the SUSR marks a significant step towards creating safer environments for vulnerable individuals in Wales.