Safeguarding Adults: Law, Policy and Practice

Safeguarding Adults: Law, Policy and Practice - MA

Our course – launched over 10 years ago – responded to professional calls for greater legal literacy among practitioners working in adult safeguarding. Focused on examining the law and practice framework around adult safeguarding, it can be studied flexibly over one, two or five years in short, intensive teaching bursts, allowing you to block-book childcare or work leave. Whether you’re a recent graduate or already work in social care, healthcare, mediation, criminal justice or law, you’ll improve your skills and knowledge, gaining a professional qualification that could lead to promotion, greater responsibility or more specialist roles.

Month of entry

October

Mode of study

Full time, Part time

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area

Fees for 2022 entry

UK - Full time £7,600 per year, Part time Year 1 £5,320, Year 2 £2,280
International - Full time £16,800 per year

Fees for 2023 entry

UK - Full time £8,000 per year.
International - £17,700 per year.

Duration of study

Full time - 1 year, Part time - 2 years, Modular - Up to 5 years

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Why study Safeguarding Adults: Law, Policy and Practice at Keele University?

Taught by staff with expertise in adult safeguarding, mental capacity and general social care law – including the author of 'Safeguarding Adults', a sector-leading textbook

Block teaching delivery (typically three to four days every few months) allows you to study and work full-time, ideal for CPD, and the course benefits from essay-based assessment (no exams)

Discuss, share experiences and learn about different local authority practices with a diverse student cohort from legal, voluntary, social and healthcare backgrounds

Opportunities to hear guest lectures. Past talks, for example, have covered self-neglect, learning from Safeguarding Adults Reviews, and UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Course summary

Adult safeguarding is a fascinating, complex, and developing area of practice which can affect a wide client group, frequently involves multiple agencies, and is governed by various laws and national policies that are constantly changing.

This long-running master’s programme, taught at Keele for more than 10 years, provides an exciting opportunity to study adult safeguarding through the lens of law, ethics, policy, and practice within a multi-agency framework that can include health, social care, education, police, probation and other professionals.

Applying a variety of perspectives, you will interrogate case law, statutes, and law reform processes, academic research, policy documents, work practices, and professional guidance, in order to develop and enhance your critical and practical awareness of adult safeguarding.

Practical in focus and regularly updated to reflect new issues and legal developments that arise, you’ll explore everything from mental capacity to criminal exploitation, from institutional abuse to the ethical tension between autonomy and protection.

It will be of interest to anyone with an interest in adult safeguarding, from professional or non-professional backgrounds, including legal practice, nursing, social work, probation, mental health, the police, informal and unpaid carers, and other areas of practice that involves working with adults.

One of the things students tell us that they value most about this course is the chance to expand their confidence, expertise and knowledge, not least discussing and sharing experiences with peers who work in different fields, sectors, sometimes in high profile positions in adult social care or law in other parts of the country, sometimes the world.

Where possible, we also try to invite a number of guest speakers to teach on the MA, who are nationally and internationally-renowned experts in their fields. Recent speakers, for example, have included: Alex Ruck Keene QC and Neil Allen, experienced barristers, writers and educators whose practice is focused on mental capacity and mental health law; Professor Suzy Braye, who was awarded an OBE in 2017 for her contribution to the field of adult safeguarding; and Dr Margaret Flynn, who led Operation Jasmine, one of Wales biggest care home enquiries, and was recently appointed as Chair of the National Mental Capacity Forum.

On graduation, your in-depth specialist knowledge can open up exciting new career opportunities. Previous students have been involved in sector leading work in adult safeguarding, taken on more specialist cases, dealing with complex matters, and a few have even gone on to PhD study!

Other courses you might be interested in:

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"The biggest impact the course has had on my professional practice is the increased confidence I now have, when contributing to adult safeguarding work at a national level. "

Lindsey, MA Safeguarding Adults: Law, Policy, and Practice

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Course structure

The MA in Safeguarding Adults: Law, Policy and Practice aims to develop a practical and theoretical understanding of the research, law, policies and practices relating to safeguarding adults, enabling you to identify and evaluate potential legal issues, justifying any recommendations or decisions given.

The programme is purposefully structured in such a way that allows you to maintain full-time employment whilst studying, particularly important for students seeking continuing professional development or looking to switch careers.

Starting in October, it can be studied one year full-time, over two years part-time or up to five years if you choose to study on a modular basis. Teaching is delivered in short, intense blocks of typically three to four days’ duration.

To qualify for the MA, you will complete 180 credits, which comprises four 30-credit taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation, which is studied over the course of a year, on a topic of your choice. Two compulsory core taught modules set the scene for the programme, introducing you to the emergence of adult safeguarding as a discipline, and the legal landscape that surrounds it. You’ll also develop the research skills and critical analysis necessary to successfully complete a master’s programme, with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary socio-legal research methods.

You then study two further taught modules, which can be tailored according to your academic, personal or professional interests. You can choose the two recommended optional modules focused on Mental Capacity and Safeguarding and Carers, or select one or both from a wide selection of optional modules available within the Law School.

The information below outlines a one-year full-time study schedule. When taken part-time, the four modules are taught in the first year, with the dissertation completed in the second year. Alternatively, you can choose to study one or more taught modules per year for a period of up to four years, followed by the dissertation in your final year. Module 1 includes an induction to the programme and must normally be completed before modules 2, 3 and 4.

Core modules

LAW-40033 The Emergence of Adult Safeguarding (30 credits, Semester 1)
This module provides the background and context to the advanced critique and investigation of adult safeguarding. It includes an examination of the emergence of adult safeguarding and recognition of abuse; consideration of demographic changes, ageing and diversity; discussion of key concepts such as autonomy, protection and vulnerability from legal and ethical perspectives; as well as considering particular forms of abuse that have emerged as concerns in their own right in recent years.

LAW-40032 Safeguarding Adults: Interventions (30 credits, Semester 1)
What remedies are available in law and practice to protect and prevent adults from abuse? Are they used and are they effective? Or would alternative or improved methods better protect people from harm? These are the questions that this module focuses on through a consideration of a range of legal and other interventions and responses to the abuse of adults.

LAW-40030 Dissertation (60 credits, Semester 3)
The production of a 15,000 to 20,000-word dissertation provides an exciting opportunity to work under the supervision of an expert in your chosen field of interest, demonstrating a level of knowledge and understanding far beyond what you have learned in class. You’ll be supported to develop the research skills needed to conduct an extended piece of work on a topic of your choice, analysing existing relevant research. Some students start the course with a clear idea about what they want to write about, but others find and develop particular interests as the course progresses. Examples of recent dissertation topics by students which reflect the breadth of the subject include the following:

Domestic Homicide Reviews: Understanding why some victims are not identified as being at risk before their deaths.
Drug and Alcohol’s role in domestic abuse: Is it a contributory cause or an excuse?
Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty: What impact will the proposed legislative changes have on the NHS?
The Impact of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards on Policy and Practice in Adult Social Care: A Systematic Review of Local Government Ombudsman Decisions.
Exploring the ethical implications of discharging people experiencing multiple exclusion and homelessness back on to the streets.
To what extent do the police, health, and social care providers in England and Wales adequately address the safeguarding needs of same sex domestic abuse survivors/victims?
Exploring relational autonomy: A study on its potential to better protect autonomy in the sexual lives of people with intellectual disabilities under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
What can an analysis of Safeguarding Adults Reviews tell us about the use of the Mental Health Act 1983 in adult safeguarding?

Optional Modules

To complete the MA, you will study additional modules to the value of 60 credits. You can choose the selected elective modules recommended for the course, in Mental Capacity and Safeguarding and Carers, or substitute one of these two for alternative module/s offered by the Law School. The availability of modules will depend on timetabling, but a selection of those offered in 2021/22 is included below as a guide.

LAW-40029 Mental Capacity (30 credits, Semester 2)
Mental capacity is a complex and contested concept – clinically, ethically and legally. The extent to which an adult has capacity to make decisions is often a key consideration in adult safeguarding cases. This module introduces you to the legal framework, ethical and practice dilemmas concerning adults whose mental capacity may be impaired and for whom there are safeguarding concerns. You will analyse the Mental Capacity Act 2005, associated case law and guidance in depth, including key concepts such as what it means to have or lose mental capacity, best interests and autonomy. You will also consider avenues for substitute decision-making, the role of the Court of Protection and the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate and specific aspects of capacity, such as decisions regarding adult relationships, advance decisions, and the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

LAW-40031 Safeguarding and Carers (30 credits, Semester 2)
This module will enable students to develop their understanding of the role of carers in relation to adult safeguarding, their legal status and the policy developments which have resulted in a substantial number of carers in the community. Specific topics may include institutional abuse; ethical perspectives on caring; legal definitions and roles of carers; the regulation of caring, and whistleblowing protections.

LAW-40001 Foundations and Principles of Childcare Law and Practice (30 credits)
This module introduces you to the foundations to childcare law and practice, covering childhood, children’s rights, law, social policy, and families. Topics may include by way of example: welfare; international legal perspectives on children’s rights; social policy and society; children and family crisis; the Human Rights Act and the child; Private Child Law; support versus risk; and child protection (social work perspectives).

Law-40002 Contemporary Issues in Childcare Law and Practice (30 credits)
This module aims to integrate a detailed examination of the legal framework and current child protection practice with an examination of some of the understandings and explanatory models which underpin existing and developing knowledge about child maltreatment. It seeks to locate such knowledge within a social, cultural and political context and will focus in particular on current, emerging and often controversial child protection themes and dilemmas. You will cover a range of topical issues such as youth justice, international perspectives on exploited children, forced marriage, asylum and ‘modern slavery’ or child trafficking.

LAW-40003 Looked After Children (30 credits)
Children looked after by the local authority, who are unable to be cared for by their own parents may experience a range of different placements. Through the lens of social policy, social work practice and theory, this module focuses on the legal framework, the public private crossover and special guardianship, fostering, and removal at birth. It is informed by policy including the Quality Protects initiative and new law in the form of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 and associated regulations and guidance. Specific issues addressed include: openness in placements; who can adopt; fostering; residential care; and leaving care. The experience of looked after children in education and the criminal justice system are surveyed in conjunction with life chances and social outcomes.

Law-40004 Children and Medicine (30 credits)
This module investigates the legal implications of ethical problems relating to medical aspects of reproduction, birth and childhood (up to 18 years). It examines a diverse range of issues from pregnancy, childbirth and negligence, to medical experimentation and children, and children and mental health law. Topics may include: reproductive freedom and reproductive technology; abortion and protection of the foetus (men's and women's rights); medical treatment of the foetus; liability for in utero injuries; wrongful birth and wrongful life; treatment of seriously disabled new-borns; consent or refusal of medical treatment; and confidentiality.

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"I have found many things interesting in almost all modules but what stands out most is the friendly and approachable demeanour for lectures. They made me feel comfortable, and able to ask questions at any point. The support on this course is enormous."

Wura, MA Safeguarding Adults: Law, Policy, and Practice

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"The course widened the scope of my knowledge base in adult social care cases. I found it immensely helpful in terms of expanding my expertise beyond the legal framework into social care. As a result I have a greater understanding of wider concepts in which the legal framework sits."

Jacqueline, MA Safeguarding Adults: Law, Policy, and Practice

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Your career

The launch of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and the Care Act 2014 highlighted the increasing importance of the role of adult safeguarding within our society, and the need to protect individuals from harm, abuse and exploitation.

This MA will equip you with up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding regulations, guidance and management practice as it relates largely to adults, preparing you to evaluate, develop and implement safeguarding laws, procedures and policies.

In addition to the specialist knowledge you’ll gain, you’ll develop a range of essential transferable skills in analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving and communications. This can broaden your career options in a wide variety of roles, ranging from policy-making to teaching or research. The specialist research skills you learn also provide a strong foundation for pursuing further study at doctoral level for those interested in doing so.

On successful completion of this course, you could pursue safeguarding roles within higher education, sports clubs, local authorities, charities, NGOs, and social care.

For those already working in healthcare, social work, or related fields, it can provide a platform for senior leadership positions and areas of greater responsibility. It will build your confidence in handling workplace decisions that have ethical or legal implications, enhancing your knowledge, skills and practice in developing and delivering safeguarding strategies.

Past students can be found working in the ambulance service, NHS England, for the Church of England Safeguarding Council and as a Queen’s Counsel.

Current students come from a variety of professions, including:

Academia
Barrister
Consultant
Doctor
Nurse
Police officer
Policy officer
Probation officer
Social worker
Solicitor
Teacher

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Teaching, learning and assessment

How you'll be taught

Run by the School of Law at Keele University, this course is taught by a team of experienced academics, active researchers and expert practitioners with expertise in adult safeguarding, mental capacity and social care law and practice.

The four taught modules are taught through 20 hours of contact time, delivered as an intensive three or four-day block of teaching. You will take part in tutor-led seminars and discussions, small group exercises, and case studies. Each module is accompanied by extensive independent study, and throughout the course you will be encouraged and required to undertake independent reading to both supplement and consolidate the classes and to broaden individual knowledge and understanding of the subject.

You will receive initial guidance on how to identify, locate and use materials available in libraries and elsewhere (including electronic sources). You will also receive lots of academic training and support, for example, in how to write essays and construct arguments in relation to the issues and content covered in class.

From the start of the course you will also keep an individual reflective diary to be maintained and reviewed in discussion with your personal tutor throughout the course. Your diary will incorporate a personal learning plan, which allows you to review your achievements and update your goals with a focus on the development of your potential dissertation research topic. You’ll also record the ways in which you are applying knowledge developed during the course within your own professional situation.

While away from Keele, between teaching blocks, you will benefit from directed reading, additional resources posted on the MS Teams (Keele’s virtual learning environment), as well as the support of your academic mentor, the programme director, and the learning development support tutor, all of whom are based in the School of Law.

As part of the course, you will be allocated an academic mentor who can provide academic support. You also have the option of 1:1 appointments with learning development advisors, and dedicated essay writing drop in sessions.

As well as the guest lectures organised as part of the course, the School also organises a wide range of research seminars, workshops and lectures, which students are welcome to attend. This provides opportunities to hear direct from leading researchers and external practitioners, who will often share enlightening insight into different perspectives, mindsets and experiences from around the world. Past speakers have included, for example, the CEO of St Giles Hospice.

Teaching schedule

The 2022 teaching schedule for the four taught modules is outlined below. Outside of the taught elements, you will be able to consult with supervisors and will have access the University’s learning and teaching facilities and support services.

LAW-40030 Dissertation Training Day: Monday 17 October 2022 (For full-time entrants, or part-time students moving to Year 2 of their degree).

Induction Day: Tuesday 18 October 2022 (for all new starters)

LAW-40033 - Emergence of Adult Safeguarding: Wednesday 19 October - Friday 21 October 2022

LAW-40032 Safeguarding Adults - Interventions: Wednesday 14 December - Friday 16 December 2022

LAW-40030 Dissertation Training Day: Monday 13 February 2023

LAW-40029 Mental Capacity: Wednesday 15 February - Friday 17 February 2023

LAW-40031 Safeguarding and Carers: Wednesday 26 April - Friday 28 April 2023

How you’ll be assessed

Assessment is based on coursework and a dissertation. There are no exams. Assessment of each taught module is by written assignment of approximately 5,000 words each. A choice of essay titles is provided for each module. The pass mark for all assessments is 50%. Detailed written and, if requested, oral feedback is provided on all coursework and all students have the option to submit an essay plan for feedback in advance of submitting their final assignment.

Guidelines are provided for the production of coursework assignments and dissertations and these are reinforced by seminars and individual supervision, which focus specifically on essay planning and writing, and research methodology.

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Keele Postgraduate Association

Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.

KPA interior

Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.

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Our expertise

Teaching staff

The programme is delivered on an inter-disciplinary basis by an international faculty, which has a diverse body of expertise and qualifications in a number of disciplinary areas of practice and research.

Teaching team includes:

Dr Laura Pritchard-Jones (Programme Director), Senior Lecturer – Laura's teaching and research is focussed on mental capacity, adult safeguarding, and social care law. Prior to joining Keele Law School in 2016, Laura taught at Bangor University and the University of Manchester. She also undertook research assistant work on clinical negligence and medical malpractice, as well as co-developing an Open Access pilot project. Alongside her role at Keele, Laura is an associate for Research in Practice, an organisation which develops a range of resources and learning opportunities, as well as delivering tailored services, expertise and training in the fields of social care. She regularly drafts Case Law and Legal Summaries in the areas of mental capacity law, social care, and mental health law, and has recently been commissioned to draft practice guidance on the use of the Inherent Jurisdiction in relation to adults.

Professor Alison Brammer, Head of School – Alison has been Head of Keele Law School since 2016. Her specialist interests are Social Work Law, Family and Child Law and Safeguarding. A qualified (non-practising) solicitor, prior to her academic career, she was employed as a local authority solicitor specialising in Social Services work, including child protection, adoption, mental health and community care, as well as some education and planning work. Alison has spoken at national and international conferences, is heavily involved with training work for Social Services Departments, and is Legal Editor of the Journal of Adult Protection.

Dr Kevin De Sabbata, Lecturer – Kevin’s research focuses on mental capacity, the rights and care of disabled people, older individuals and people with dementia, consent to treatment and pandemic ethics. He looks at such issues in a national, European and global perspective (including in particular Asia, Africa and North America), combining doctrinal and empirical research, and employing a variety of socio-legal and comparative approaches. He has also participated in the drafting of reports and consultation papers for the Law Commission, the European Commission, the UN and the WHO. Before joining Keele, Kevin held academic posts at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (NL), the University of Udine (IT) and Bristol Medical School. He has also worked as a lawyer in Italy dealing with cases on guardianship, inheritance law, civil liability, land law and private international law.

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"It was very interesting for me to work with professionals from a vast array of different professions. One of the most awarding aspects for me was group discussions and it was very pleasing to observe as well as learn from others. This diversity complimented to the rich content of the course making the whole experience more enjoyable."

Colin, MA Safeguarding Adults: Law, Policy, and Practice

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