Issue - meetings

(A report by Emily Spicer, Assistant Director – Communities & Housing Services)

The Committee received a report and presentation from the Wellbeing Service Manager & Deputy Strategic Safeguarding Officer, on the proposed joint Safeguarding Policy for the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership (SELCP). The policy had been developed to standardise safeguarding practices across the three councils following the formation of a single workforce, and was supported by the documentation circulated with the agenda, including the draft policy and associated guidance (Appendix A – SELCP Safeguarding Policy and Appendix B – Safeguarding Reporting Flowcharts).

The Wellbeing Service Manager & Deputy Strategic Safeguarding Officer explained that the policy aligned with statutory duties under the Children Act 1989 and the Care Act 2014 and supported a consistent approach to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

The policy introduced clearer guidance on:

·       Professional curiosity

·       Reporting pathways

·       Officer responsibilities

Training would be delivered and monitored via the First4Learning system, with tailored modules assigned based on role and face-to-face sessions provided where appropriate. Regular supervision and team meetings would be used to support staff and share good practice.

A single referral process had been established, including:

·       A dedicated email address

·       An electronic referral form

·       Updated reporting flowcharts

The Committee was advised that the policy would be subject to annual light-touch reviews and a full governance review every three years.

The Chairman thanked Wellbeing Service Manager & Deputy Strategic Safeguarding Officer for the presentation and confirmed that the Committee was satisfied with the policy’s scope and structure.

During consideration of the report, Members raised several queries and observations regarding safeguarding practices and inter-agency coordination.

Clarification was sought on the effectiveness of current safeguarding procedures and the escalation process for high-risk cases. Officers confirmed that robust protocols were in place and that multi-agency panels met regularly to review complex cases.

Questions were asked about the volume and nature of referrals received. Officers advised that referral numbers had increased, particularly in relation to mental health and domestic abuse, and that resources were being monitored to ensure continued responsiveness.

Concerns were expressed regarding safeguarding training for frontline staff and volunteers. Officers confirmed that training was mandatory and regularly updated, with additional modules available for specific risk areas.

Further information was requested on safeguarding in schools and the role of designated safeguarding leads. Officers outlined the support provided to educational settings and confirmed ongoing liaison with children’s services.

The importance of community awareness and early intervention was highlighted, and officers agreed to explore further outreach opportunities and report back on engagement outcomes.

The Committee welcomed the report and acknowledged the critical importance of safeguarding work across all sectors. Members expressed appreciation for the proactive approach taken by officers and the strength of partnership arrangements in place.

Resolved:

1.     That the report be noted;

2.     That further data on referral trends and training uptake be provided in future updates; and

3.     That opportunities for enhanced community engagement on safeguarding matters be explored.