Agenda item

Barnsley Safeguarding Children Board (BSCB) Annual Report 2017-18

To consider a report of the Executive Director Core Services (Item 5a attached) in respect of the BSCB Annual Report 2017-18 (Item 5b attached).

 

Minutes:

The following witnesses were welcomed to the meeting:-

Bob Dyson, Independent Chair, BSCB

Rachel Dickinson, Executive Director – People, BMBC

Mel John-Ross, Service Director, Children’s Social Care and Safeguarding, BMBC.

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

Angela Fawcett, Designated Nurse Safeguarding Children and Looked After Children, BCCG

Emma Cox, Named Nurse For Safeguarding Children, South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SWYPFT)

Chief Superintendent Scott Green, Barnsley District Commander, SYP

Nigel Leeder, Barnsley Safeguarding Children Board Manager, BMBC

Councillor Margaret Bruff, Cabinet Spokesperson – People (Safeguarding)

 

Questions were invited from Members and the following lines of enquiry were challenged and pursued:-

 

In relation to the greatest impact on resources, Members heard how neglect had been the most common area of concern over the previous 12 months.  A significant piece of work had been undertaken to develop policies around this issue.  In addition Members noted that early help intervention helped to improve outcomes whilst also being a more efficient use of resources in the longer term.

 

The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) had worked particularly well with staff sharing office space to foster greater partnership working, and that recording and sharing information of digitally generally worked well even though changing operational systems did provide challenges. It was noted that information sharing protocols were in place in order to share information between agencies, when in the best interests of a child. 

 

The plans of previous governments to implement a national database for data sharing were discussed, and it was acknowledged that though this was not implemented information did follow the child for children subject to a child protection plan or children in care should they move. For those not subject to statutory protocols, agencies were vigilant in making contact to ensure that information was passed on to relevant authorities.

 

When asked about achievements, and areas requiring improvements, Members heard how the Safeguarding Awareness Week had included a wide range of agencies cross county, and the board was also proud of the work on neglect.  Members also noted the recent change of the subgroup focused on Child Sex Exploitation (CSE), following recognition that this should be broader and more holistic covering exploitation.

 

In relation to the refresh of the Anti-Bullying, Hate and Harassment Strategy, the widening of this was noted, and the recognition that schools were expected to take action wherever the issue occurred.  It was hoped that this would help keep children safe from bullying and help ensure attendance at school.

 

Members questioned what they could do to assist, and again I was suggested that they could raise awareness, signpost and refer as with adults. Members reiterated the need for feedback to them where cases had been referred, recognising the need to maintain confidentiality.

 

Questions were raised regarding communications and it was recognised that a communications strategy was important, with the board worked closely with BMBC Communications, with an example being the Safeguarding Awareness Week had been promoted extensively.   The importance of information being accessible with understandable language was stressed, and it was noted that the website had been revamped to take account of this.

 

Questions were raised as to whether all relevant policies and procedures were in place and were robust and effective, and that the board was self-aware so that there would be no surprises in future.  In response the journey from 2012 was stressed, with a culture of openness, and ability to challenge now embedded.  In relation to performance management, this was supplemented by audits, which provided relevant checks to help reinforce quality, and to raise learning points.  Also noted was the consideration of the serious case reviews conducted in other areas, in order to take account of any learning that could be useful to Barnsley.

 

Members asked how accurate the self-assessment undertaken by schools was, and those present noted that the assessments relied on honesty but that there was a positive working relationship with schools.  With regards to external moderation it was noted that Ofsted would take account of safeguarding within schools.

 

RESOLVED:-

(i)        That witnesses be thanked for their attendance;

(ii)       That the report be noted;

(iii)      That organisations consider how their feedback to Members could be improved following referrals.

Supporting documents:

 

A - Z Directory