Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet: 

1)    Notes the Annual Report and is assured that the partnership continues to provide leadership and scrutiny of the safeguarding arrangements for Hillingdon residents.

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

3)    Notes the strategic priorities for safeguarding for 2024-25.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received a report on the adult and children safeguarding partnerships’ performance over the year and the safeguarding priorities for the year ahead.

The Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care informed Cabinet of the work undertaken by partnerships to protect residents, adults with care and support needs and vulnerable children. The Cabinet Member thanked Susie Gladish, the report author, and read a statement from the Independent Scrutineer praising the strong partnership and leadership in safeguarding arrangements. The report highlighted ongoing engagement with consultation groups, the identification of common concerns such as neglect and physical abuse and the collaboration with various agencies like the LBH MASH team, Hillingdon Hospital, and the Police. Key initiatives included addressing structural inequalities, suicide prevention and exploitation. The Cabinet Member emphasised the successes in partnership working and urged everyone to review the comprehensive report.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education also spoke on the report in respect of the children’s aspect, highlighting the partnership’s efforts to meet the increasing complexity of needs for vulnerable children in Hillingdon. The Cabinet Member noted there was a rise in emotional and psychological needs among children and mentioned the Council’s outstanding rating from the recent Ofsted inspection, which also recognised strong partnership working. The annual report emphasised collaborative efforts to adopt a child-centred approach and the work of various subgroups, including those focused on child sexual abuse, contextual safeguarding and educational safeguarding. The vision for the partnership was to ensure every child feels safe, healthy, and has opportunities to thrive. The Cabinet Member thanked the officers and partnership organisations for their immense work in safeguarding children.

The Leader of the Council praised the report and the effective partnership, acknowledging the often, unrecognised efforts to protect vulnerable residents.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.