Agenda item

The Local Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2016-17 highlights the work of the Board during the period and information and analysis of safeguarding case activity.

The former Independent Chair of the Board, Reg Pengelly introduced the report to the Select Committee.  Also present were Robert Lake, the new Independent Chair and the Safeguarding Children & Adults Boards Business Support Manager.

He said that the relationship that the Board has with all agencies involved across the authority is so welcome.

He explained that during the reporting period 2016 – 17 B&NES received 1,496 new alerts/referrals (now called concerns) and that this is an increase of 32% compared to the previous year which saw the implementation of the Care Act. He stated that the increased level of activity is taking additional time for all the agencies concerned.

He said the links between the LSAB and the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB) had been further strengthened in the past year through a joint working plan and joint stakeholder days in order to promote ‘Think Family’.

He informed them that joint working with the LSCB to raise awareness of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has progressed with the development of a poster and information leaflet.

He stated that the Board has updated a range of policies, training and guidance in accordance with the requirements of the Care Act 2014 and its revisions including a full revision of the multi-agency procedures that went live in September 2016, and developed more robust systems for monitoring dissemination of policies and procedures.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson advised those present of a clerical error within the report as the area referred to as Norton Radstock no longer exists. She asked that it be amended to Midsomer Norton and Radstock.

She said that she found the report contained some extremely useful information. She asked how the potential conflict between information sharing and data protection was managed.

Reg Pengelly replied that in terms of safeguarding safety is seen as paramount over data protection.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson asked what transitions systems were in place when referring to children moving into adult care.

Reg Pengelly replied that well developed transitions processes were in place. He added that the support criteria is different for those over the age of 18, but that some services can extend to 25. He said that plans for migration should be in place from 16 where possible.

Councillor Bryan Organ asked how they could make more people aware of the work of the Board.

Reg Pengelley replied that there was a joint LSAB / LSCB website that had three tiers of information available to it.

The Chair asked if they had supplied any publicity material to local GPs.

The Safeguarding Children & Adults Boards Business Support Manager replied that they had provided them with leaflets and posters relating to the work of the Boards.

Councillor Tim Ball commented that he was aware of some young people that from the age of 16 are weaned off their ASD medication and that these same people are now in receipt of adult care.

The Director for Integrated Health & Care Commissioning replied that as Chair of the Health & Wellbeing Board Sub-Committee she could look into this on his behalf.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson said that she would welcome further information relating to husbands being abused in terms of Domestic Violence.

Reg Pengelly replied that this question would be better addressed to a representative of the Responsible Authorities Group (RAG) and suggested Dr Bruce Laurence.

The Chair thanked him for the report on behalf of the Select Committee.