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 2023-24.
Reasons for decision
Cabinet received its annual update on the performance of the local safeguarding partnership that supports vulnerable adults, children and their families to remain safe.
The Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care introduced the comprehensive report and stated that safeguarding was everyone’s business. She highlighted the good work undertaken, including practice support at Hillingdon Hospital, activity to tackle hoarding in homes and training to community health teams in domestic abuse. It was welcomed that the Independent Scrutineer had found no area of poor practice and had identified the strong leadership provided. Reference was made to the easy read version of the annual report and thanks were given to the select committees for their review of it, and importantly the staff who keep residents safe.
The Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education pointed out the strong collaborative work and co-ordination between the partnership organisations. It was welcomed that a key strand of work for the Children’s Safeguarding Board had been on the ‘voice of the children’, ensuring close consultation with young people and empowering them to identify changes, which had resulted in the production of the new children and young people’s annual report. The Cabinet Member stressed how every child and young person should feel safe, enjoy their physical, emotional and mental health, feel they belong and have opportunities to thrive. The Cabinet Member highlighted the priorities for the partnership for 2023/24, including an additional one on education safeguarding. The Cabinet Member thanked the officers and partnership organisations who had helped change and improve the lives of young people in the Borough.
The Leader of the Council welcomed the focus on listening to residents within the safeguarding arrangements and praised the strong leadership from the top down and through our partnerships.
Alternative options considered and rejected
None.
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Relevant Select Committee |
Children, Families & Education Health and Social Care |
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Expiry date for any scrutiny call-in / date decision can be implemented (if no call-in) |
Not for call-in. |
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Officer(s) to action |
Suzi Gladish |
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Directorate |
Children’s Services / Adult Services & Health |
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Classification |
Public - The report and any background papers relating to this decision by the Cabinet are available to view on the Council's website or by visiting the Civic Centre, Uxbridge. |