Adult Safeguarding Hub
The FFLM, supported by NHSE&I, has run three courses on the Forensic Aspects of Adult Safeguarding in 2021/2022 to support experienced practitioners who are keen to learn or improve their skills in documenting injuries and writing reports for the purposes of an adult safeguarding enquiry.
A Forensic Adult Safeguarding Group has been established and at the first meeting in May 2021 developed the following terms of reference:
- To provide time for discussion of cases in a relaxed, nonthreatening environment.
- To share professional experience.
- To review cases to ensure appropriate evidence-based management.
- To view photo-documentation accompanying the case presentation.
- To provide an opportunity for emotional support.
- To provide training for clinicians
- To help identify areas for additional training for the group and/or individuals concerned.
- To stimulate ideas for audit and/or research
The next meeting of this forum is:
- Wednesday 05 July 2023 – 13:00 to 14:00
The group welcomes all members of the FFLM to attend with any adult safeguarding queries for discussion.
If you would like to attend please email forensic.medicine@fflm.ac.uk.
Resources as below are being developed for those who are involved in or may be interested in, this field of practice to support collaborative working in this area of practice.
Virtual Adult Safeguarding Day 2023
We are very pleased to announce that we will be holding our second virtual Adult Safeguarding Day on Tuesday 18 April 2023.
As NHSE&I are sponsoring the event again, it will be free for NENC Forensic Examination Pilot CCG working group members and FFLM Members (Affiliates, Associates, Fellows, Licentiates and Members) to attend.
To book your place, please click here. If you have any questions, please contact tessa.lewis@fflm.ac.uk.
Forensic Aspects of Adult Safeguarding Course
The FFLM has developed a course on the forensic aspects of adult safeguarding. The course is delivered in two half-day workshops and covers the following topics:
- Consent for examination;
- Documentation and interpretation of common injuries;
- Adult Safeguarding Medical Reports (S42 Inquiry);
- Statement Writing and Courtroom Skills;
- Working with the police and social care.
You can take a look at the programme from one of our previous courses here.
If you would like further details on this course, please contact forensic.medicine@fflm.ac.uk.
Recordings from our Virtual Adult Safeguarding Day 2022
Recordings from our Virtual Adult Safeguarding Day on 23 April 2022 can be accessed here.
Topics covered include:
- Findings of Fact in the Court of Protection;
- Differentiating between Accidental and Non-Accidental Injuries;
- Working with the Police;
- CPS charging decisions – poor care or neglect?
These presentations are free for FFLM Members and NHS Staff to view.
Recommended Reading

Payne-James JJ, Stark MM. Nittis M. Sheasby D. Chapter 4 Injury Assessment, Documentation, and Interpretation
In Stark MM. (2020) Editor. Clinical Forensic Medicine. A Physician’s Guide. Fourth edition. Springer Nature Switzerland.
ISBN 3030294617

Gall J. & Payne-James JJ. Injury interpretation: Possible errors and fallacies. Chapter 9. pp.253-255
In Current Practice in Forensic Medicine. Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, West Sussex, 2011
ISBN 9780470744871
Useful FFLM Publications
View all publications5 May 2022
Proforma – Forensic Examination: Adult Victim of Suspected Assault/Non-Accidental Injury (NAI)
3 May 2020
Recommendations – Child Safeguarding: Information Sharing Guidance for Healthcare Professionals working in Police Custody
17 January 2023
Recommendations for the Collection of Forensic Specimens from Complainants and Suspects