Issue - meetings

To accept the Safeguarding Strategic Panel's Annual Report for the year 2025/26.

The report was submitted by Cllr Dewi Jones.

DECISION

To accept the Safeguarding Strategic Panel's Annual Report for the year 2025/26.

DISCUSSION

The importance of this Panel was highlighted, and it was recognised that the last few years had been challenging for the Council. Pride was expressed at the action taking place following the publication of the Our Bravery Brought Justice Report, to strengthen the Council's arrangements in this area.

Referring to the Council's attempt to be open and transparent in its response, it was explained that this item had been submitted to the Care Scrutiny Committee, and that it was intended to submit it to the Full Council in due course as well.

Concerns were raised about the increase in the number of child and adult referrals being received, and the impact of this on the services and staff of the relevant departments. It was then noted that the number of staff who had completed the VAWDASV training had increased, and that the figure of schools that had delivered safeguarding training to their staff was now 100%.

Thanks were expressed to all Council staff who had undertaken this work, reminding everyone that safeguarding was a matter for all departments.

Attention was drawn to the fact that data at the front of the Report was still being verified, and it was noted that some of these figures may be updated by the time the Report was submitted to the Full Council in due course.

The Vice-chair of the Care Scrutiny Committee was welcomed to the meeting to present the Committee's recommendations to the Cabinet. The Committee's satisfaction with the progress in the work of the Panel was confirmed.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       Reference was made to the increase in the number of referrals to children's services in 2025/26, and it was questioned whether increased awareness and higher levels of training among staff was a factor when considering this increase. The increased awareness among staff was welcomed. The concern about the number of referrals was reiterated, but on the other hand the need to ensure that people referred appropriately, without delay and without hindrance was noted.

·       In response to a question about the training situation for Governors, reference was made to the data noted in the Report regarding the Safeguarding training sessions for Chairs and designated Safeguarding Governors. Reference was made to the crucial role of Governors in the system, and therefore that it was vital for them to be aware of all the safeguarding arrangements and the responsibility they had. It was highlighted that an additional officer was now working within the team supporting Governors within the Education department.

·       When discussing whether this increase in referrals was common across the country, it was explained that the County received slightly fewer referrals on average than other counties. However, it was highlighted that every county in Wales was seeing an increase in referrals and it was assumed that there were national sociological questions about what was behind this increase and how  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10