Decision details

To agree new local governance arrangements for children and adult safeguarding and community safety, following recent legislative changes.

RESOLVED (unanimously) that the Health and Care Board:

1)  Noted the feedback from Avon and Somerset Constabulary Management Board;

2)  Approved the proposals in principle; and   

3)  Delegates the final approval of the detail of the new arrangements, including funding contributions, to the Corporate Director for the Council and Director of Nursing and Quality for the CCG in consultation with the relevant Cabinet portfolio holders and Board Members as well as in partnership with the police.

Members of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards, Local Safeguarding Adults Board and Responsible Authority Group have had numerous discussions about possible alternative arrangements; however the benefits of the proposed model outweigh the others considered.

We recognise that whilst similar models are being adopted in a number of other areas and these proposals are being brought forward by officers following wider engagement, the members of the Health & Care Board have had little time to scrutinise the proposals and may value further opportunity to discuss and comment today and/or in the next two weeks.

The proposed model is required to be authorised by the three statutory agencies, B&NES Council, NHS BaNES CCG and Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

The proposed new arrangement ensures the Council and CCG meet their statutory duties whilst offering a range of benefits which will be created by merging the existing Boards / Group.