Data Protection Commission Launches Adult Safeguarding Toolkit to Protect Vulnerable Adults' Data

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has today launched a new Adult Safeguarding Toolkit to provide organisations and individuals with guidance and resources to protect the personal data of vulnerable adults*. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with data protection legislation and promote best practices in safeguarding sensitive information.

The toolkit offers comprehensive guidance on how to collect, use, store, and share data related to vulnerable adults, while adhering to the principles of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. It includes practical advice, templates, and examples to help organisations implement effective data protection measures.

At today's launch, Commissioners for Data Protection Des Hogan and Dale Sunderland emphasised the importance of society recognising the safeguarding needs of vulnerable adults stating:

"The safety of vulnerable groups was recognised as a key priority in the DPC's Regulatory Strategy 2022 – 2027. We know how vulnerable adults can face unique challenges in protecting their personal data and with this new toolkit which we are delighted to launch today, organisations now have the necessary tools and knowledge to safeguard this information and ensure the rights of vulnerable individuals are respected at all times."

David Murphy, DPC Deputy Commissioner, added:

"The DPC developed this document through close and valuable collaboration with stakeholders in the safeguarding sector, including the HSE, Sage Advocacy and Safeguarding Ireland. The Toolkit will help organisations working with at-risk adults, particularly in health and social care settings. It will help staff make confident decisions around data protection, including data sharing, based on an informed assessment of risk, and guided by their own professional expertise social care services and knowledge."

Today's launch was attended by representatives from healthcare providers, social care organisations, legal professionals, and advocacy groups.

The DPC wishes to thank the following who provided valuable assistance in the course of this project, including through written submissions, consultation meetings and discussions:

• SAGE Advocacy
• Fedvol Data Protection Network
• HIQA
• HSE National Safeguarding Office
• Safeguarding Ireland
• Decision Support Service
• National Rehabilitation Hospital
• Mental Health Commission
• Voluntary Hospital Forum
• Banking & Payments Federation Ireland

The DPC also wishes to thank those who are not named but who chose to share personal experiences related to adult safeguarding to inform this guidance document.

The Adult Safeguarding Toolkit is now available to download (5MB, PDF).

* At-risk/vulnerable adults describes a person who, by reason of their physical or mental condition or other particular personal characteristics or family or life circumstance (whether permanent or otherwise), is in a vulnerable situation and/or at risk of harm and needs support to protect themselves from harm at a particular time. While not an exhaustive list, this can include individuals suffering from physical or mental conditions (such as cognitive impairment, dementia, acquired brain injury), children with additional needs reaching the age of majority, individuals subject to domestic violence or coercive control, individuals who find themselves homeless, individuals who are subject to financial abuse and individuals who have been trafficked.