Issue - meetings

(4.05pm – 4.20pm)

To receive a presentation on the Safeguarding Improvement Board. 

The Director of Children’s Services, Tony Crane, gave a short presentation providing an update in respect of the Safeguarding Improvement Board.

Significant progress had been agreed by the Improvement Board, including a new ‘front door’ for referral and assessment; improved management oversight; improved quality and timeliness of assessments; real momentum for change in respect of the LSCB, including the completion of a review of levels of need and the undertaking of an audit of neglect; and good early help offer being delivered.

It was noted that there were continuing challenges in respect of recruitment and retention of permanent Social Workers and middle managers and in ensuring practice was consistently good, as well as the implementation of the new case management system and in demonstrating impact and improved outcomes across the partnership.

Accepting that the majority of recommendations were partnership driven, the Ofsted report had stated “Ensure that the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) incorporates an analysis of children and young people’s safeguarding and child protection needs and that these are accurately reflected and prioritised in the local area’s joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy.”

 It was noted that initial sign off of activity completed was not accepted and that work was ongoing as part of the wider JSNA activity and HWBB priority setting.

RESOLVED

That the content of the presentation be noted.