Safeguarding Adults Week 2025 – Employee Spotlight
This week is ‘Safeguarding Adults Week’. At Listening Ear safeguarding isn’t just what we do – it’s who we are. Today we’re shining a spotlight on the work of our Safeguarding Lead, James:
After 25 years in social work, I felt a strong pull toward specialising in safeguarding — a field that had always been central to my practice. That motivation led me to pursue a Master’s Degree in Adult Safeguarding Policy and Practice at Keele University, which I completed as a part-time student. The experience deepened my understanding and reignited my passion for creating safer environments for adults, young people and children.
In August 2025, I joined Listening Ear as the Safeguarding Lead. From the outset, I was struck by how deeply safeguarding is woven into the fabric of the organisation. The systems in place — developed by previous safeguarding leads — are robust, auditable, and designed to ensure that clients, children, young people, and practitioners are as safe as possible.
What has impressed me most is the professional curiosity and commitment shown by our counsellors, initial triage assessors, suicide liaison workers, and all staff across the organisation. Their dedication to safeguarding and promoting wellbeing is not just policy — it’s lived practice.
As Safeguarding Lead, my role involves delivering annual safeguarding training, staying up to date with policy developments, and building strong links with local and wider communities. A significant part of our work involves supporting individuals who have experienced domestic abuse, which presents unique challenges. We work hard to ensure that every client feels safe, heard, and protected.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on evolving our training and embedding the message that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. It should be part of our everyday thinking and action — not just a procedure, but a culture. At Listening Ear safeguarding isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are.
James George – Safeguarding Lead
Safeguarding Adults Week 2025:
Listening Ear’s Commitment
Safeguarding Adults Week 2025 will take place from Monday 17 to Friday 21 November, with this year’s overarching theme being “Prevention.” At Listening Ear, safeguarding is central to everything we do. This week offers a valuable opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to protecting adults at risk and to promote a culture rooted in safety, dignity, and respect.
Safeguarding Adults Week is a time to raise awareness, reflect on best practices, and strengthen our shared responsibility to safeguard adults in all settings. We believe that safeguarding is everyone’s business, and we are proud to stand alongside our partners, professionals, and communities to ensure that adults feel safe, heard, and supported.
Prevention is about taking proactive steps to stop abuse or neglect before it happens, rather than simply responding after harm has occurred. In practice, this means:
- Raising awareness: Helping people understand what abuse is, how to recognise the signs, and how to report concerns.
- Empowering individuals: Supporting adults to make informed choices, understand their rights, and feel confident in speaking up.
- Creating safer environments: Ensuring that our policies, procedures, and organisational culture reduce the risk of harm.
- Early intervention: Identifying and addressing risks or vulnerabilities before they escalate.
- Training and education: Equipping staff, volunteers, and communities with the knowledge and skills to safeguard effectively.
- Ultimately, prevention is about building a culture of vigilance, respect, and safety—where safeguarding is embedded in everyday practice.
As part of our commitment, Listening Ear’s Safeguarding Lead will be delivering safeguarding training to all staff across the country from November 25 through January 26. We encourage everyone to engage in the conversation, access available resources, and continue learning. Together, we can create safer spaces for all.