What progress has resulted since the Safeguarding Adults Review concerning the deaths of Joanna, Jon and Ben?

Purpose The author, who is Chair of Norfolk’s Safeguarding Adults’ Board (SAB) reflects on the impact of a Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR) and the actions that resulted. The purpose of the paper is to provide an insight into a significant SAR and the resulting actions desinged to change practice. Design/methodology/approach The actions illuminate the power of hospitals and politicians over people’s lives. It took the deaths of three young adults with learning disabilities, in a hospital, to move beyond the status quo and organise some very different service responses. Findings “Progress summits” have considered local and national actions. There have been important gains and setbacks, including the delayed reform of the Mental Health Act. Despite uncertainties, SAB can be detonators to listening and taking action. Originality/value This is a unique insight into the impact of a Safeguarding Adults Review and the actions that resulted from this.