Agenda item

To consider a report of the Executive Director Core Services (Item 4a attached) in respect of the BSAB Annual Report 2017-18 (Item 4b attached) and the BSAB Strategic Plan 2018-19 Summary (Item 4c attached).

The following witnesses were invited to the meeting:-

Bob Dyson - Independent Chair, BSAB

Rachel Dickinson, Executive Director – People, BMBC

Chief Superintendent Scott Green, Barnsley District Commander, SYP

Lennie Sahota, Service Director, Adult Assessment and Care Management, BMBC

Cath Erine, Barnsley Safeguarding Adults Board Manager

Monica Green, Head of Service – Safeguarding and Quality Assurance, BMBC

Sarah MacGillivary, Designated Nurse For Safeguarding Adults, BCCG – Chair of the Pathways and Partnership Subgroup

Councillor Margaret Bruff, Cabinet Spokesperson – People (Safeguarding)

Michael Potter – Service Director, Organisation and Workforce Improvement, BMBC

Will Boyes - Business Improvement Advisor, Performance Improvement Team, BMBC

Members heard how the annual report had been designed to be brief and more public friendly and inclusion of case studies, supplemented by  videos on the website.  Questions were invited from Members and the following lines of enquiry were challenged and pursued:-

With regards to the types of vulnerable adults dealt with by the Police, Members heard that there was a wide range of vulnerabilities seen which may impact on individuals capacity to make decisions, each was dealt with on their own merit.  Within the past year increases in domestic violence and abuse had been seen, and there had also been increased evidence of hoarding andself neglect, though there were no current areas of concern.

When dealing with victims of crime that were vulnerable, Members heard how vulnerability would be assessed and referrals made appropriately.  Assurances were given that the Police and Adult Social Care worked in partnership at all levels, and this was bolstered by an escalation policy, which highlighted issues to a more senior level should partner organisations not be in agreement.

With regards to performance against previous years and that of neighbours, Members heard how the previous 12 months had generally been positive, especially in areas such as removal of risk following intervention, and in reducing the numbers of cases with risks remaining. Members also heard how the Adult Social Care Users Survey showed that greater proportions felt safe in Barnsley than nationally and compared to neighbours.  Members heard how improvements had been made in collecting performance information, with a move to considering more multi-agency data, with increased narrative, and a programme of audit for quality assurance.

When Members questioned what they could do to assist, it was suggested that it was important that awareness was raised for Members to identify issues when working with the public, and be able to signpost appropriately.

With regards to the effectiveness of the board, the committee heard how BSAB board members held each other to account, and an annual  self-assessment was completed in addition to regular performance data being provided to each Board meeting.  Board members were of a senior level, who had authority to take responsibility, and be held to account.

Members noted the Safeguarding Adult Review requests and the decision to commission one independent review. Learning from all the cases is monitored via the sub groups and Board and will be published on the website..  Also noted were the peer reviews undertaken to provide feedback and identify any areas for improvement.

In relation to partnership working it was noted that sharing of information worked well between all partners.  The reintroduction of a neighbourhood model for community safety did assist in providing local knowledge, including knowledge of those potentially vulnerable in the area, and helped to ensure positive partnership working at a local level.

The committee discussed the prevalence of neglect, and it was acknowledged that the issue of self-neglect was high on the agenda of the board.  Much work had been undertaken to develop the self-neglect and hoarding policy, including the development of tools and programme of multi-agency training for staff in both the statutory, private and voluntary/community sector.

Discussion turned to the vulnerable individuals who had issues, but the capacity to make decisions, and refused assistance.  It was acknowledged that this presented a challenge and can limit the support agencies can provide.  Members heard how a person centred approach is adopted and often the relationship between a certain member of staff or family can help to remove barriers so support can be accessed.  Members were assured that in cases such as these, perseverance and a commitment to providing support were important.

The meeting discussed how agencies supported elderly and vulnerable residents, who may be victims of anti-social behaviour, and how this may change depending on the nature of the situation and of the victim.  However, it was recognised that if referrals were made from Elected Members, then feedback on the situation to them could be improved.   It was noted that if the individuals in question were Berneslai Homes residents, then tenancy support and mental health support workers were available, and that they worked closely with other partners.

Members stressed the importance of appropriate transition arrangements when young people became adults and it was noted that transition protocols and policies were in place.  Support for vulnerable young people in the form of targeted information, advice and guidance and through the targeted youth support service was noted.

Members questioned whether members of the public were aware of how to report concerns, and the work undertaken as part of Safeguarding Awareness Week was highlighted. This was held across the county, and was featured in many parts of the media.  In addition websites had been revamped to be more user friendly, and the pathways subgroup was considering accessibility and use of language, assisted by the Safe group.

Queries were raised in relation to the high proportion of abuse within care homes, and Members were made aware of the work of the CCG with the Council to look at standards of care in care homes.  Regular risk assessment, with audits, and a programme of inspection was in place. The board was proud of the work in place to keep the majority of adults safe.  Members heard of the over reporting of concerns by care homes and the work with the CQC to ensure decisions were taken at appropriate levels, which could see the over reporting reduce.

RESOLVED:-

(i)               That thanks be given for the attendance of all witnesses;

(ii)             That the report be received;

(iii)            That all agencies consider how feedback is provided to Elected Members following referrals.