Agenda item

To accept the annual report on the work of the Strategic Safeguarding Panel for the year 2023/24.

The report was submitted by Cllr Menna Trenholme

DECISION

     To accept the annual report on the work of the Strategic Safeguarding Panel for the year 2023/24.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted noting that it was essential that Cabinet members were aware of the Safeguarding Panel's work and that they were able to satisfy themselves that the Panel had undertaken the work that was needed both thoroughly and conscientiously. It was explained that the report provided an overview of the panel's work during 2023/24.

The Cabinet Member highlighted some matters in the report and explained that the Panel had updated its remit for the Strategic Panel and the Operational Group during the year. It was expressed that a new Safeguarding Policy had been approved by the Full Council also.

It was detailed that although there had been progress against safeguarding matters that safeguarding in the Children and Adults field was stabilising but that the work continued to be overwhelming. Concerns were highlighted about the DoLS (Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards) service as some individuals had been on the waiting list for up to three years. Attention was drawn to the panel's priorities for the coming year before noting the decision.

The Statutory Director of Social Services guided the Members through the report drawing attention to the main matters. It was explained that the panel was one that convened regularly during the year and looked at all safeguarding work across the council. ⁠It was highlighted that the Operational Group supported the work and emphasised that it was a matter for the whole Council, its staff and individuals in our communities.

It was noted there was a concern to highlight with an increase in referrals to the Children's Department and a 248% increase in work relating to safeguarding concerns about practitioners and those in positions of trust. It was expressed that the number of looked after children was noted to be the same as last year, however there was a reduction in the actual number. However, now that unaccompanied asylum seekers were included in the figure, it appeared to be the same.

It was reiterated that the number of referrals to the Adults Department had also increased substantially and the concerns regarding DoLS were highlighted once more reporting that a further discussion would be held at the Scrutiny Committee during the following week. 

It was explained that a Child Practice Review would be held over the coming months following a public court case about a secondary school in the county that would highlight lessons to be learnt as well as implement improvements.

Observations arising from the discussion

·         It was expressed that safeguarding was a matter of great importance to elected members and that the magnitude of the problem was striking in the face of cuts.

·         Attention was drawn to the large increase in safeguarding concerns about practitioners and those in positions of trust. It was noted that it was not possible to identify a reason for this but that amendments to sex education within the education system may have given individuals the confidence to speak out and voice their concerns.

·         It was highlighted there were no figures on domestic violence and this was due to it being very difficult to obtain figures about the work being done. Attention was drawn to the fact that the Council had received a 'White Ribbon' accreditation which ensured that the Council adopts a strategic method to end violence against women.

·         An enquiry was made in terms of safeguarding training for staff and whether there were any figures on the number of staff who had attended courses on community safety and prevent. It was explained that safeguarding courses were mandatory for staff and the numbers would be reported to the next meeting of the Strategic Panel.