Keeping vulnerable adults safe from harm was put in focus as professionals from across the North East met to share their experience and drive forward improvements in safeguarding.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) and the Gateshead Safeguarding Adults Board (GSAB) hosted a multi-agency learning event on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, at TWFRS Headquarters in Washington.
Delegates explored key safeguarding themes, with an emphasis on enhancing collaborative approaches to protecting vulnerable adults.
The day centred around three critical topics:
- Hoarding – understanding the complexities and risks associated with hoarding behaviours, and how agencies can respond effectively.
- Escalating Safeguarding Concerns – recognising when concerns require escalation and ensuring timely, coordinated responses.
- Making Safeguarding Personal – promoting person-centred safeguarding that respects the rights, wishes, and dignity of individuals.
The Reflective Learning Circle event reinforced the importance of early intervention, shared responsibility, and a wholistic approach to safeguarding, with the individuals’ views and wishes at the core.
It brought together representatives from TWFRS, Gateshead Council, Northumbria Police, Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, and Gateshead Housing.
Organisers said the day underscored the vital role joint working plays in safeguarding adults at risk, shining a spotlight on innovative practices, real-world case studies, and collaborative solutions.
By fostering open dialogue, sharing best practice, and strengthening professional networks, TWFRS and Gateshead Safeguarding Adults Board continue to champion a proactive and united approach to adult safeguarding.
Alan D’Arcy, TWFRS Safeguarding Manager, said: “Safeguarding is not the responsibility of one agency alone. It requires a collective commitment to act, to listen, and to learn.
“Events like this allow us to build stronger partnerships and ultimately create safer communities.”
Nicola Bailey, Independent Chair, Gateshead Safeguarding Adults Board, said:
“The Gateshead Safeguarding Adults Board plays a vital role in promoting and supporting multi-agency working, and the recent local learning review held on 3 December at TWFRS Headquarters is a great example of this in action.
“Events like these give us the opportunity to come together as partners, reflect on real cases, and identify how we can improve the systems, processes, and protocols that underpin our work.
“As Independent Chair of GSAB, I am proud to see the commitment shown by our partners, who take time out of their busy schedules to engage in this essential work.
“Their dedication demonstrates a shared responsibility to safeguard and protect those most at risk in Gateshead, and together we are making a real difference.”
For more information please visit: https://www.twfire.gov.uk/
About the Author
Tyne and Wear Fire & Rescue Service
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service serves a resident population of 1.104 million divided amongst the five constituent councils of Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland in the North East of England.
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