Richmond upon Thames' adult safeguarding arrangements have been deemed effective, according to the Richmond Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2025-2026.

The report, presented to the Health and Wellbeing Board, highlights that 99% of identified outcomes from safeguarding reviews were fully or partially achieved. The majority of individuals reported feeling safe following an intervention, a key indicator measured through self-reporting by those who have received support.

Fergus Keenan, Deputy Chief Nurse for South West London, who presented the report on behalf of the board's independent chair, Fiona Wilson, stated that safeguarding arrangements in Richmond remain effective and are supported by strong partnership working across adult social care, health, police, housing, and the voluntary and community sector.

These safeguarding arrangements aim to prevent various types of harm, including abuse or neglect, and reduce inequalities. They also promote independence and community resilience, aligning with priorities within the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The board is particularly focused on moving further upstream and prevent problems from escalating.

Map showing proposed neighbourhoods and areas of relative deprivation in Richmond, with locations of health centres and children's centres marked.
Map showing proposed neighbourhoods and areas of relative deprivation in Richmond, with locations of health centres and children's centres marked.Source: Health and Wellbeing Board papers, 15 October 2026

The report also noted the strength of partnership during the year, including engagement with community and faith organisations, and the delivery of vulnerability training for housing staff and Mental Capacity Act training. These collaborations have led to improved safeguarding outcomes, demonstrating how safeguarding contributes to wider prevention, community resilience, healthier communities, and reducing demand for more intensive services through earlier intervention and coordinated support.

The board's work aligns with Richmond's Prevention Framework, focusing on early identification of vulnerabilities to prevent escalation, partnership working, and reducing inequalities through culturally competent practice. This involves raising understanding of the different communities within the borough and their specific needs to develop greater cultural competence among professionals and foster proactive anti-racist practice, in collaboration with schools and colleges.

A diagram illustrating the collaborative framework between Local Authority, Richmond Place, and SW London NHS, outlining key health and wellbeing initiatives and service areas.
A diagram illustrating the collaborative framework between Local Authority, Richmond Place, and SW London NHS, outlining key health and wellbeing initiatives and service areas.Source: Health and Wellbeing Board papers, 15 October 2026

The report also highlighted the importance of neighbourhood health planning and place-based partnership arrangements to share intelligence and support joint prevention activities. The Health and Wellbeing Board will continue to oversee the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy, ensuring alignment with neighbourhood health developments and population health approaches. Future priorities for the Richmond Safeguarding Adults Board include strengthening prevention and early intervention, with a particular focus on neighbourhood plans to enhance relationships and gather feedback for future prevention strategies.

Organizational chart illustrating the structure of the Kingston and Richmond Health and Wellbeing Boards, their associated provider alliances, and neighbourhood delivery groups.
Organizational chart illustrating the structure of the Kingston and Richmond Health and Wellbeing Boards, their associated provider alliances, and neighbourhood delivery groups.Source: Health and Wellbeing Board papers, 15 October 2026

For further details on the Health and Wellbeing Board's agenda and reports, please refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack for the meeting on Thursday 15 October 2026.