Decision details

RESOLVED:

That:

1)    the Annual Report 2024-25 and the assurance that the partnership continues to provide leadership and scrutiny of the safeguarding arrangements for Hillingdon residents, be noted;

2)    the way in which the partnership has responded to the challenges posed by changing local, national and international contexts, be noted and;

3)    the strategic priorities for safeguarding for 2025-26, be noted.

Reasons for decision

The Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care informed Cabinet of the annual Safeguarding Adults report, which detailed the work of the Hillingdon Safeguarding Adults Board as part of the wider safeguarding partnership.

The report provided assurance that the partnership continued to offer strong leadership and scrutiny, and outlined strategic priorities for 2025–2026, including safeguarding adults with complex needs such as rough sleeping and substance abuse, improving engagement with carers, and enhancing collaboration across strategic partnerships, particularly in cases involving domestic abuse.

The report highlighted neglect and acts of omission as the most common safeguarding concerns, followed by financial, psychological, and discriminatory abuse, with eight cases related to modern slavery.

The Cabinet Member praised the training programme, which delivered over 2,400 sessions, and thanked the report authors and the independent scrutineer, Alan Canton OBE, whose comments commended the partnership’s strong leadership and commitment to improvement.

The Leader of the Council echoed this praise, noting the powerful case studies and the breadth of work undertaken to safeguard residents of all ages.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.