PurposeThere have been increased concerns about disciplinary procedures in relation to adult safeguarding. The purpose of this paper is to argue that the personal “boundary attitude” of workers is a strong component of their response to issues that have a safeguarding dimension.Design/methodology/approachThis study reports an analysis of questionnaire responses and data generated from interactive training events.FindingsThe data suggest most workers adopt a personal stance or “boundary attitude” that drives their response to many of the diverse circumstances they face at the interface of their professional and personal life.Research limitations/implicationsThe particular profession, stage in career development or work environment may affect staff responses and this needs further exploration.Practical implicationsThere are implications for how services identify the most effective workers and their least effective colleagues, as well as for staff selection and training. Improving our understanding of boundary attitude will help to protect vulnerable people from abuse whilst supporting them to have a full life.Social implicationsA better understanding of whether staff who maintain rigid boundaries deliver better outcomes than their colleagues who exercise substantial flexibility will help in recruitment, supervision and safeguarding activities.Originality/valueThe paper explores an under‐recognised issue in adult safeguarding, the personal “boundary attitudes” of staff, and their impact on judgements that affect a range of professional decisions they take.