Issue - meetings

This report sets out for the Panel the work of the Local Safeguarding Children Board during 2016-17 and the priorities for 2017-18 work programme along with further areas to be actioned during 2018 - 19.

The Chair wished to thank all parties concerned with the production of the report especially Reg Pengelly, Independent Chair and Dami Howard, Safeguarding Children Boards Business Support Manager. She commented that the content of the report was quite large and asked if there was any way in which it could be reduced.

Reg Pengelly replied that the content is largely prescribed by Ofsted, but they were looking at ways it could be reduced and for the Executive Summary to be expanded.

The Chair asked if in the future editions a glossary could be included.

Reg Pengelly replied that he was sure that one exists and that they could look for this to be included in future editions.

Councillor Liz Hardman gave her congratulations to the LSCB for their part in the recent Ofsted inspection. She asked what is the anticipated impact on our LSCB in light of the review of governance and safeguarding assurance arrangements as the Children and Social Work Act 2017 abolishes the requirement for Local Authorities to establish LSCBs in their current form.

Reg Pengelly replied that a Government review of LSCBs and Serious Case Reviews had been carried out and the recommendations that were made had been accepted. He added that the two main components of the review were Scrutiny and Co-ordination.

He explained that statutory guidance was due possibly towards the end of the year, but more likely in the Spring of 2018 and that on receipt of this there would be a huge amount of work to do.

He thanked Councillor Hardman for her praise in relation to Ofsted and said that he believed that they had made a fair judgement. He also wished to praise the quality of the partnership bodies across the local area and all of the officers who are willing to work to the upmost of their ability.

Councillor Michelle O’Doherty commented that the number of Children in Need had risen from 580 to 684.  She asked why had this figure increased so dramatically and what extra resources are needed to deal with this.

The Divisional Director for Safeguarding & Social Care replied that demand had increased across the country for young people in need of Child Protection Plans or Fostering. He added that at this stage there was no indication for a need to request further resources as the figure locally was projected to normally be 650 – 700.

Councillor Matt Cochrane asked where and when is it planned to put together an action plan to address the three Ofsted recommendations.

Reg Pengelly replied that the LSCB were already aware of the issues raised by Ofsted and were carrying out a thorough process in relation to child sexual exploitation and training for licensed premises. He added that in terms of data this was an area of frustration and the Board were looking to address this within the next 12 months. He said that the inclusion of further information within the Annual Report was recognised, and had been added within the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24