Agenda item

The report on the work of the Panel was accepted.

The report was presented by Cllr. Menna Trenholme. 

DECISION

The report on the work of the Panel was accepted.

DISCUSSION

The report was presented stating that it highlighted how the Council met its statutory safeguarding duties. It was expressed through the panel and external audits that it ensured that safeguarding arrangements were robust across the Council. It was highlighted that there was a significant increase in referrals to the Children's Department noting that the cases were more complex than ever, and it was noted that there had been a serious incident at Ysgol Friars. It was noted that there had also been a gradual increase in adult referrals, which were more complex cases yet again. It was explained that the DOLs situation was still challenging, however that there were additional resources and investment.

It was noted that steps had been taken over the year to reinforce safety in schools, with most schools complying and high percentages having attended the training for staff and governors. It was noted that there had been an increase of 30% in the number of children being home-educated, however that there was regular contact with most families.

It was explained that the Council was eager to continue to raise awareness of Domestic Abuse, and that they were working proactively through training, multi-agency partnerships and case reviews. It was noted that there had been an increase in the number of cases of stalking and harassment, which had led to working with the Police to develop a profile to enable better learning. There had been a reduction in anti-social behaviours, but concern was noted that modern slavery was continuing.

The priorities for the coming year were noted as follows.

·        Understanding and learning lessons from Practice Reviews during the year.

·        Practice Reviews being published during the year.

·        Complete an internal audit on the awareness and understanding of the Council workforce of safeguarding systems and how to make a referral.

·        Ensure that the Council workforce have completed mandatory and statutory training in safeguarding.

·        Promote the revised Safeguarding Policy amongst all Council staff.

·        Ensure that the Designated Persons understand their role and take it seriously.

The Corporate Director added that everybody was at risk of becoming vulnerable as situations could change overnight. The fundamental principles of the field were noted which included empowering individuals to ensure that they can make decisions where possible, and that all Council staff were aware of their responsibilities to ensure safe communities and accountability. It was noted that the principle of accountability had been highlighted in the first report of this Cabinet.

It was noted that the Child Protection report was fine, and that they were ready for the report and for responses to any emerging recommendations.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·        It was noted that the report elaborated on the safeguarding of Adults, however that it was not a familiar area of work for a number of people therefore some detail was requested. It was noted that support was available for individuals and that there was intervention when individuals did not have the capacity to make a decision in the interests of their safety.  The need to see more referrals to ensure people's safety was noted and that communities were aware of the challenges faced by vulnerable adults.

·        It was noted that there was a sense of pride in seeing matters relating to on-line influences, toxic masculinity and the impact on boys and young men being given the attention they deserved, however a question was raised as to whether there was adequate support for staff. It was noted that the Council worked closely with the Men At Work charity, who are experts in the field.

·        Pride was expressed that the report noted that there was more money for the social work workforce. It was added that the number of child referrals had increased dramatically over the last few years, and they were glad that 5 new posts had now been filled as the level of work was unsustainable. It was noted that DOLs work was still challenging for Adults, and that money had been received to tackle the work, but unfortunately appointments could not be made to the posts and the Department was looking at alternatives to fill the gap.

·        Awareness was raised of the work of the Community Safety service, highlighting the exceptional work undertaken by the small team.