What does safeguarding and duty of care mean?

Safeguarding refers to the measures taken to protect the health, well-being, and human rights of individuals, particularly vulnerable populations, ensuring their safety from abuse and neglect. Duty of care is the legal and ethical obligation of individuals and organizations to act in the best interests of those they serve, taking reasonable steps to prevent harm. Together, these concepts emphasize the responsibility to create and maintain a safe environment, promoting the welfare and rights of all individuals involved.