Issue - meetings

Sarah Barker, Independent Chair of both the LBBD Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) and LBBD Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB), presented the 2015/16 annual reports of both Boards and gave a comprehensive presentation that explained the background to both Boards, their structures and work including, statutory standing, work plans, achievements, multi-agency interaction and training, communications, engagement and consultation work strategies, serious case reviews and the numbers of referrals.  The Board’s attention was specifically drawn to children at risk of sexual exploitation, the effect of domestic abuse on all ages, the Wood Review and the progress to date on the 2016/17 Priorities.

Cllr Carpenter drew the Board’s attention to the Police Station list on page 236 of the agenda and questioned whether there was any improvement as the Board seemed to be covering the same ground repeatedly.  The Board discussed the greater awareness and more comprehensive understanding of safeguarding by the public and professionals which had resulted in an increase in referral rates.  Sarah stressed that poverty was known to increases pressures within families and the fall out often effected the most vulnerable, such as children.  Therefore, whilst there may not seem to be a reduction in numbers overall performance had improved.

Cllr Bright, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Cohesion, raised the issue of over chastisement and some faith groups, which allow abuse through their cultural practices.  Sarah advised that Faith and Culture Sub-Committee had been set up to focus on finding such groups and the premises where unacceptable practices were occurring, Sean Wilson, Borough Commander, apprised the Board of the difficulties the police had encountered and how partners are finding that as soon as the groups are identified, they often move to other premises.  Sarah agreed to provide Cllr Bright with contact details for the Sub-Committee.

Healthwatch raised the issue of data sharing and closer working which could be relevant to another service.  It was noted that whilst there were opportunities to improve safeguarding, on occasions the data and the work of the SAB and LSCB do have to be separate.

The Chair commented that safeguarding was now mainstream for front-line services and was now accepted as a responsibility for all partners.

The Board:

(i)  Received both the Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) Annual Report 2015/16 and Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) Annual Report 2015/16, and provided comments on their contents for the LSCB and SAB to consider as they continue to develop their future plans;

(ii)  Noted all Partners now view safeguarding as a main stream activity in all their front-line services; and

(iii)  Noted the improvement in safeguarding awareness amongst both professionals and the public, the adverse effect of poverty on children, actions of faith groups, the potential for shared learning and continuous review of opportunities to improving safeguarding.