Agenda item

The report on the work of the Strategic Safeguarding Children and Adults Panel was accepted.

The report was submitted by Cllr Dilwyn Morgan

DECISION

The report on the work of the Strategic Safeguarding Children and Adults Panel was accepted.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted noting that the purpose of the report was to provide an update on the work of the Strategic Safeguarding Panel. It was stressed that safeguarding was a priority for all within the county and that it had been heightened during the Covid-19 period.

It was noted that the report summarised the work of the panel, with references to the reports of external auditors and the Annual Report of the Corporate Director for the period of two years. It was explained that, although the timing of the report had slipped, this was not a reflection of the work of the panel during the period in question.

The Corporate Director apologised that the report was late, but it was stated that it was a comprehensive report. It was noted that there was a brief delay before meeting at the beginning of the pandemic but it was stated that the panel had met throughout the past year, and this highlighted that safeguarding was a priority within the Council. Everyone's commitment to this field was appreciated.

Attention was drawn to the effect of the pandemic on safeguarding and it was noted that the number of referrals had reduced for a while but the number was increasing as aspects of the pandemic adapted. It was noted that it was encouraging that these trends were consistent with the picture seen across Wales, and that national and regional discussions were continuing to look at these trends.

It was noted that progress had been made with the work programme. Attention was drawn to the good work of raising awareness that was being done continuously, but it was stated that training data remained a concern as the figure for the number of council staff attending training was not 100%. It was added that the panel was looking at the best way of sharing the information with staff. The work that was being done in partnership and regionally and nationally was highlighted. It was further stated that the internal panel had merged community safety within the Safeguarding Panel.

Attention was drawn to the increase in the number of parents deciding to educate their children from home and it was highlighted that safeguarding guidelines were not in place for these children. It was noted that this matter should be looked into further.

Observations arising from the discussion

¾    A question was asked about the number of children being educated from home and the reasons for the increase. It was stated that the Head of Education Department should be asked about the reasoning behind the decisions but it was noted that procedures were in place in order to contact the individuals who choose to educate from home.

¾    It was noted that the domestic violence rate was low specifically after the lockdown. Concern about this field was raised and it was noted that specific officers within the field were working closely with heads to try to make everything as simple as possible for individuals who genuinely needed support. It was added that there was an expectation that numbers would increase following the pandemic and that a population needs assessment would need to be created after this period

¾    The staff were thanked for their work during the pandemic.