On this page you will find a summary of the learning resources, reports, and other materials published by the West Sussex Safeguarding Adults Board in the last three months. Please refer to this page for anything that you may have missed.
In conversation with Tom Somerset-How
In October 2024 the West Sussex Safeguarding Adults Board published a Safeguarding Adults Review in respect of Tom. Following his involvement in his Safeguarding Adults Review, Tom attended our conference in October 2024. At the conference, Tom shared his experience of abuse and neglect at the hands of his then-wife and paid carer, as well as his experience of the safeguarding process.
A message from our Board Support Officer:
“I am pleased to share with you an article featuring Tom Somerset-How, which has been developed from an interview held at our Safeguarding Adults Board conference in October 2024. Tom shared his story with courage and clarity, and made a real impact on all of us. The opportunity to read Tom’s story in his own words, within this interview, is extremely powerful.
I’ve had the privilege of working with Tom as part of the Safeguarding Adults Review process, and I can honestly say his openness, transparency, and commitment to change have been admirable. To Tom, I’d like to say a huge thank you for your invaluable contribution to this process, and for always welcoming me with a cup of tea and a friendly smile! Your kindness and warmth throughout this journey has not gone unnoticed.”
Read the article:
Our new learning pathway
We have launched our new learning pathway; a self-directed study pathway for staff across the partnership, which brings together key learning resources produced by the Board.
Split into three parts, the pathway presents online learning resources according to essential adult safeguarding information, resources to develop skills, and guidance to enhance practice. The pathway is intended to be a useful resource for staff at all levels, either as an introduction to adult safeguarding, or as a comprehensive refresher.
Alongside the pathway, we've produced a workbook, to support learners through their journey. The workbook guides the learner through each digital resource, providing opportunities for reflection, further reading, and discussion points for agencies.
Visit the learning pathway:
Disguised compliance
In our Safeguarding Adults Review in respect of Tom (2024) it was recognised that Tom’s wife and paid carer exhibited ‘disguised compliance’, which created a significant barrier for staff. But what is ‘disguised compliance’?
The reviewer describes it as “where a family member or carer gives the appearance of cooperating with professionals to avoid raising suspicions, to allay professional concerns and ultimately to reduce professional involvement” (2024, page 22).
Read our learning resource to find out more about disguised compliance, including what it is, what it might look like, and how to reduce the risk of disguised compliance.
Key documents:
Strategic plan
We are pleased to share that we have now published the 2025/26 annual business plan, featuring a new three-year strategy for 2025-2028.
The West Sussex Safeguarding Adults Board Strategic Plan sets out:
- the vision of the Board, and the outcomes we would like to achieve for the people of West Sussex
- our aims and objectives for a three year period
- how we will work towards these objectives in the form of an annual business plan
Please do familiarise yourself with this document, and share it within your networks.
Key documents:
Homelessness and safeguarding
In December 2024, the West Sussex Safeguarding Adults Board identified that there is a learning need in the partnership around homelessness. This was specifically in relation to reducing the stigma experienced by people experiencing homelessness; supporting access to services; and reinforcing the need for trauma-informed care.
This resource pack has been designed to be used by teams, and to provide a starting point for discussions, and policy and practice reflection. It can be used in team meetings, or as part of internal training opportunities.
Key documents:
Quick reference guides
We have recently published refreshed versions of two key learning resources.
These are quick reference guides on Making Safeguarding Personal and safeguarding early warning signs. You can find both of these documents on our Core safeguarding learning resources webpage. Please do share these within your organisations, and your networks.
Key documents:
