Agenda item

The Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) has produced an Annual Report which outlines the work its multi-agency partners carried out during 2012-2013 and includes the updated Business Plan. The report is brought to the attention of the Panel for its consideration with regard to the content of the Annual Report, its analysis and the on-going work of the LSAB.

The Panel is asked to note the Annual Report and Business Plan; raise any queries or concerns on safeguarding activity and recommend areas the LSAB would in its view benefit on focusing on.

The Chairman invited Lesley Hutchinson (Head of Safeguarding Adults, Assurance and Personalisation) to introduce the report.

The Chairman informed the meeting that the Health and Wellbeing Board called for executive summary of the report.  The Chairman felt that the executive summary was not necessary considering that the report had a foreword from Robin Cowen, the Chair of the Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) which identified important points in the report.

Councillor Lisa Brett asked if service users are having the opportunity now to voice their concerns.

Lesley Hutchinson replied that there is a debate nationally what the best way of engaging and involving service users is.  For a number of years different models were tested and the model used at the moment is having much better response from service users which detects their concerns early in the process.  It is the area which the LSAB is looking to improve even more.  The Local Government Association invited Local Authorities to take a part in the pilot (starting on 30^th September) and we agreed to take part in the pilot and identified the organisations to help us look at the different areas and make changes in service delivery where needed. 

Councillor Brett commented that domestic abuse towards elderly is also the area where we should communicate more with our residents considering that it is difficult for any elderly person to admit domestic abuse by their own family.

The Chairman said that, according to the study on page 38 (bullet 3.18), it is not all about having a lot of cash to rectify situation.  It can be done with relatively small amount of money if managed properly.

Jane Shayler commented that it could be that the process of serious case review can cost quite a lot of money in some areas though outcomes from that serious case review don’t always reflect money spent.  Jane Shayler reassured the Panel that in this area a lot of the serious case review process was undertaken by staff employed by the Council, CCG or partner organisation.  The cost was covered from the existing resources.  We would not normally expect that the cost for a serious case review would be the £15,000 referred to in the national study.

Lesley Hutchinson added that our serious case review protocol is quite clear what the criteria are.  Part of the learning done nationally is that we don’t always have to undertake serious case review and gather all resources to that degree and extent.

The Chairman asked if the investigation training, designed by Sirona Care and Health in partnership with the Police, is complete.

Lesley Hutchinson confirmed that it is complete and training has been done with the South Glos Police.

The Chairman asked about the whistleblowing and asked if the policy is in place.

Lesley Hutchinson confirmed that both the Council and the CCG have policy on whistleblowing in place.  The policy had not been used in relation to safeguarding to Lesley’s knowledge.

Councillor Brett asked how it is communicated to other authorities if staff has concerns about care facility.

Lesley Hutchinson replied that the Care Quality Commission, or herself, might get whistle-blower’s comments.  Then the allegations would be looked into in accordance with the procedure and any other Locally Authority that had placed people in the care home would be made aware of the allegations. In terms of self-funded people – the team or person investigating the allegations would contact any family or relatives.  This is all set out in a clear procedure.

The Chairman commented that the LSAB should benefit on focusing on the following areas in the report:

·  Page 54 Outcomes 4a and 4b

·  Page 66, bullet 6.48 – we should not equate with national picture but be better

·  Page 67, bullet 6.54 – direction of travel from last year looks good but it could be better and not to become complacent

Councillor Brett added that she would like to see criminal prosecutions up from 1%.

It was RESOLVED to note and accept the Annual report and Business Plan.