Barking and Dagenham is dedicated to protecting vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect, according to the Local Safeguarding Adults' Board (LSAB) Annual Report 2024/25, which was discussed at the Assembly meeting on Wednesday, 19 November 2025.

The LSAB's work is vital to ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable adults in the borough. The board measures the 'removal or reduction' of risk by assessing whether the desired outcome, as stated by the individual, has been achieved. In 95% of assessed cases, the risk is removed or reduced, and 98% of individuals achieved their desired outcome.

Cllr Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, presented the report, highlighting that safeguarding is the protection of an adult's right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect, as stated in the Care Act 2014.

The LSAB aims to embed a culture that supports adults at risk of harm, working in partnership with care providers, the health service, and the police.

Key findings from the report include:

  • 1,388 safeguarding concerns were raised last year, with 80% occurring in an individual's home, a figure higher than the national average of 46%. The LSAB is investigating whether this is due to a cultural tendency to report concerns more often and earlier.
  • 95% of those assessed saw the risk removed or reduced.
  • Neglect, either by the individual themselves or by their family, was identified as the highest proportion of risk faced by vulnerable adults.
  • 98% of those worked with under safeguarding stated that their desired outcome was achieved.
  • 17% of inquiries resulted in a full investigation (Section 42 process), with over 40% of those investigations related to neglect.
  • Of those investigated, 15% lacked capacity, and advocacy and support were provided.
  • 71% of Section 42 inquiries involved individuals over 65, with a roughly equal gender split, but 80% of inquiries involved white people.

Cllr Worby also outlined the priorities of the partnership moving forward:

  • Ensuring the voice of the community is heard to understand what safeguarding means to them and why rates are high.
  • Addressing the impact of the cost of living crisis on safeguarding, particularly financial pressures.
  • Addressing inequalities within the community to understand why cases are not being reported from many communities.
  • Maintaining effective partnership working.

Cllr Michel Pongo, Chair of the Health Scrutiny Committee, welcomed the report's findings, noting the strength of partnerships and dedication to protecting vulnerable adults. He highlighted that 95% of safeguarding risks were removed or reduced, and 98% of individuals achieved their desired outcomes, demonstrating a person-centred approach.

Cllr Moin Quadri, Leader of the Minority Group, inquired about how the board will ensure it listens and acts quickly to protect vulnerable adults, emphasising the need for early intervention and transparency. Cllr Worby responded that there are numerous ways for individuals to report safeguarding concerns, with a clear, transparent, and open-access policy.