Description of client safety in social work
In the context of social welfare services, client safety means that services are organised, provided and delivered without endangering clients’ physical, mental, social and economic safety. (The Client and Patient Safety Strategy and Implementation Plan 2022–2026, p. 12)
The perspectives of the client, the professional and the organisation
Client safety is structured in the description from three perspectives: the client’s experience, the professional’s actions and the organisation’s policies. This allows the organisation, professionals and clients to understand safety from different perspectives, as well as their operating and monitoring methods and development needs.
Purpose of the client safety description (pdf)
Client safety in social work as the client’s service experience (pdf)
Client safety in social work as a professional activity (pdf)
Client safety in social work as an organisational activity (pdf)
Presentation slide that can be used when introducing the tool to its users:
Presentation slide for the tool Description of client safety in social work
The description can be used to examine the whole or to select a specific perspective and its components as the focus of examination. Supporting questions alongside the description could include, for example:
- How do we identify risks related to the implementation of client safety? How do we assess and manage them?
- What do we do if a risk materialises despite the safeguards?
- How are shortcomings and problems addressed and corrected?
- How do we learn from mistakes and successes?
Client and patient safety refers to the policies and practices of individuals and organisations operating in healthcare and social welfare to ensure the safety of care and services and protect clients and patients from harm.
The care and services provided for clients and patients must promote their physical, mental and social wellbeing while causing as little harm as possible. Healthcare and social welfare services must be safe, client-centred, of high quality and appropriately delivered. (The Client and Patient Safety Strategy and Implementation Plan 2022–2026, pp. 12-13)
Promoting the implementation of client and patient safety is the responsibility of every professional and organisation.
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The tool has been developed by experts at the centre and in the Social Affairs Expert Working Group appointed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The tool has been circulated for comments within the networks of the Finnish Centre for Patient and Client Safety and has been approved by the Expert Council.
Published: 27 February 2026 (English version)
Publisher: Finnish Centre for Client and Patient Safety
Further information: Centre for Client and Patient Safety (noharm(a)ovph.fi)
The need to update the tool is reviewed annually.