Embedding Learning into Practice: Audits update 2025/26

This update brings together learning from this year’s multi-agency audits alongside key findings from previous years. It highlights what is working well across the partnership, as well as consistent themes where further improvement is required.

The audits continue to identify areas of good practice across Newcastle, with strong commitment from agencies to keep adults safe. However, they also highlight recurring themes across multiple years, particularly in relation to:

Supporting carers
Coordinating risk across agencies
Ensuring the person’s voice is heard
Applying and recording mental capacity consistently
Using safeguarding processes proportionately

These are not new issues — which makes it even more important that we maintain focus and embed learning into everyday practice across the system.

How to use this update

We encourage all partners to actively use this resource within their organisations by:

Using it within supervision and case discussions
Sharing key messages in team meetings and briefings
Reflecting the learning in quality assurance and performance activity
Incorporating themes into training and workforce development
Testing practice through internal audit and case file review

Our shared responsibility

Safeguarding is most effective when it is coordinated, person-centred and consistently applied across agencies. Embedding the learning from these audits will support us to:

Respond to risk earlier and more effectively
Work more collaboratively across organisational boundaries
Strengthen accountability and clarity in safeguarding responses
Improve outcomes for adults at risk