Safeguarding Month: Challenging Conversations and Professional Curiosity (Adults)

Challenging conversations are an essential part of adult safeguarding practice, but when concerns involve risk, capacity or differing views about what should happen next, it can be difficult to know how to respond effectively.

When handled well, these conversations can build trust, uphold the person’s voice and choices, and lead to safer, more positive outcomes. This session will support practitioners to develop the skills, confidence and practical tools needed to approach difficult safeguarding conversations with clarity, professionalism and empathy.

You will:

• Understand why safeguarding conversations can feel challenging and explore common barriers to addressing concerns effectively;
• Develop strategies to build trusting, person-centred relationships that support open and honest dialogue;
• Learn how to plan and structure difficult conversations with confidence while maintaining professional boundaries;
• Explore trauma-informed, strengths-based and ‘Making Safeguarding Personal’ approaches to communication;
• Recognise the importance of professional curiosity, respectful challenge and early intervention in reducing risk and preventing harm.

This session is suitable for: Anyone working with adults who may need to have difficult, sensitive or complex safeguarding conversations, including practitioners across health, social care, housing, voluntary and community services, and other partner agencies.