Safeguarding adults boards are to be put on a statutory footing and will be made mandatory for all English local authorities under proposals announced by care minster Phil Hope today.
The plans come as part of the government's response to its consultation on revising the 2000 No Secrets adult safeguarding guidance.
They will also see the creation an inter-ministerial group on safeguarding vulnerable adults including the Department of Health, Home Office and the Ministry of Justice.
Hope said: "Vulnerable adults deserve the best protection we can give them."
The government also plans a programme to support all agencies involved with vulnerable adults.
Kathryn Stone, chief executive of Voice UK, said: "Voice UK welcomes the announcement that safeguarding boards are to be made statutory. This is a clear signal from government that adults at risk will be prioritised and protected."
Related Articles
Fiona Pilkington SCR questions safeguarding adults policy
Failure to commit to adult protection legislation lambasted
No Secrets review: the key issues
No Secrets review: whose business is safeguarding?