'Viking, North Utsire, South Utsire ...' A Shipping Forecast of Safeguarding

Estimated reading time 4 minutes.

Throughout the year, as my 5/2 challenge* has progressed, I've become increasingly interested in the weather forecast, for good reason!
On a few occasions no rain was forecast, but then a downpour surprised me. But that is just what it is: a forecast. In the summer the BBC Shipping Forecast celebrated its centennial, marking 100 years since its inception in 1925. To mark this event there were several interesting news items, including a special version of the Shipping Forecast recorded by Jarvis Cocker. 

Strangely captivating, the Shipping Forecast’s rhythm, clipped phrases and unflappable tone has won a place in the nation’s heart: 

‘Viking, North Utsire, South Utsire. Cyclonic, becoming North westerly, gale force eight…’

Even if you’ve never set foot on a trawler, it’s reassuring to know someone is watching the weather, spotting the dangers and calmly letting you know what’s ahead. Safeguarding often feels much the same.

On one of my recent bike rides, as the rain was coming down good and heavy, I was thinking about the connections between the Shipping Forecast and safeguarding 

Watching the horizon

The sea is never still, and nor is safeguarding. Some days the waters are calm; partnerships are working well and people feel supported - we are all rowing in the same direction. On other days the swell rises quickly: concerns emerge, risks grow, or a crisis suddenly surfaces. Like the forecast in moments like this we ‘take a beat’, observe carefully, review supporting information (including the data), and share what we see.

Safeguarding also requires noticing, recognising patterns, listening when someone raises a concern and naming risks clearly.

Early warnings on our systems

‘Fisher, German Bight, Humber. Rain later, visibility moderate or poor…’

Warnings in the forecast aren’t meant to alarm; they exist so people can prepare. That’s exactly what we aim to do in Norfolk. We know the cost-of-living crisis has brought new pressures. Financial exploitation, cuckooing, neglect and self-neglect are becoming more visible.
We know isolation can deepen mental health challenges. These are not abstract risks, they’re lived realities in our communities.
By discussing them openly, we can aim to act early, not wait for a storm to break.

Many hands on deck

No ship sails alone. The Shipping Forecast speaks to every vessel at sea: small and large, trawlers, ferries, tankers, yachts – all with different needs, all relying on the same information. Safeguarding is the same. The Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board brings together local authorities, health services, police, voluntary organisations, carers and communities. Each plays a role. What gives me confidence is knowing that across Norfolk, there’s a strong commitment to shared responsibility. When the seas get rough, we can rely on one another.

Finding safe harbours

Those at sea don’t just want to avoid storms; at times they need safe harbours. In safeguarding, those harbours are the places or people that offer safety: a neighbour who checks in, a GP who asks the right questions (‘Do you feel safe at home?’), a social worker who advocates fiercely, a occupational therapist to spots moving and handling risks as a potential safeguarding concern, a housing officer who recognises a situation of exploitation.

Part of NSAB’s role is to strengthen these safe touchpoints, seeking assurance that professionals are trained, communities know how to raise concerns and our systems are ready to respond.

Calm voice, clear purpose

Perhaps what I like most about the Shipping Forecast is its calm authority. It never shouts, never dramatises, never overestimates. It simply states what’s likely to happen, so people can prepare.

That’s the spirit I want for our safeguarding work in Norfolk: calm, clear and steady.  A voice that people can trust – whether they’re professionals, carers, or individuals worried about someone they know.

The outlook

Sometimes, the forecast ends on a brighter note:

‘Thames, Dover, Wight, Portland. Slight or moderate, good.’

That’s where I’d like to leave this month’s blog. Certainly there are challenges and lots happening (cuts to the Integrated Care Board, local government reorganisation, increasing demand - both in terms of safeguarding concerns and Section 42 enquiries - statutory enquiries under the Care Act), but there are also strong partnerships, dedicated professionals and communities who care deeply. There is real hope.

Effective safeguarding, like watching the sea, requires constant vigilance. 

So let’s continue to keep watch, stay connected, and be ready for whatever the tides may bring.

* To help me move more I have set myself a challenge. For each day of 2025 I will either cycle a minimum of 5 miles (8.04km) or walk a minimum of 2 miles 3.21km). I have called it the 5/2 - 2025.

Thank you.

Walter Lloyd-Smith

Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board Manager