Issue - meetings

The People and Communities Directorate would like to set out for the Panel the work of the Local Safeguarding Childrens Board during 2014-2015 and the priorities for 2015-16 work programme along with further areas to be actioned during 2016 - 18.

Reg Pengelly, the Independent Chair of the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board introduced this report to the Panel. He explained that the Board is a multi-agency body that monitors and co-ordinates the safeguarding and welfare of children. He said that there are also a series of sub-groups that undertake separate work outside the main body of the Board.

He said that the Board’s quarterly meetings had been reorganised this year so that each meeting had a lead theme.

He stated that Private Fostering had been an area which the LSCB had sought to highlight and develop in 2014 - 15. He said that new guidance and advertising materials had been produced for distribution to key establishments such as GP surgeries and nurseries. He added that during this year the Strategic Director for People and Communities had also written to all independent and Language Schools in the area to remind them of their responsibilities to self-report any arrangements that might constitute Private Fostering with ‘host’ families.

He spoke of how this year has seen the implementation of the Care Act 2014. He said that the Act principally improves things for adults but it includes improvements for children, especially those with special educational needs and disability. In particular, the Care Act places the Safeguarding Adults Board on a similar statutory footing to the LSCB. He informed the Panel that he was also now the Chair of the LSAB.

We believe that this legislative alignment now presents a unique opportunity to explore closer collaboration between both Boards. To that end we have held a joint Development Day and are now planning to implement some exciting new approaches. Closer collaboration across both Boards should at least strengthen the “Think Family” ethos in which professionals consider the wider implications of an individuals needs in the context of risk implications for other members of their family.

He stated that he planned to visit all member agencies within the next 12 months to discuss further their role within the Board.

He emphasised that early intervention is paramount and said that the impact of preventative work is already being seen and must be maintained.

He informed the Panel that the Board had carried out a Schools Safeguarding Audit in October 2014. Early analysis of the self-assessments indicated that most schools are compliant with safeguarding requirements as detailed in Keeping Children Safe in Education (April 2014). However it is important that schools continue to prioritise early interventions, follow through with the CAF process, make referrals to the Council and prioritise multi-agency training for staff.

He said that the Board were looking to increase the involvement of children & young people within its work.

The Chair commented that she welcomed the report and its focus on good governance. She did however feel that it lacked in stating any milestones or outcomes that it wished to achieve, she also felt the structure was not accessible. She asked if the agencies involved sent a high level representative.

Reg Pengelly replied that a senior level  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9