Issue - meetings

To receive a report seeking approval of the updated Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults at Risk of Harm Policy.

Executive Councillor: M Hassall.

The Cabinet has approved the updated Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults at Risk of Harm Policy.

Consideration was given to a report by the Lead Safeguarding Officer (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) seeking approval of the updated Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults at Risk of Harm Policy.

The Executive Councillor for Corporate and Shared Services introduced the report explaining that the Council had worked in partnership in a Countywide Safeguarding Policy review which included recommendations from the Independent Safeguarding Partnership Team linked to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Safeguarding Boards (Children and Adults). The updated policy provides an overarching framework to the Council’s approach to all safeguarding matters, in particular those relating to Children, Young People and Adults at Risk. Attention was then drawn to the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environment, Communities & Partnerships) which were received and noted by the Cabinet.

In receiving clarification on the meaning behind the wording outlined in section 15.2 of the Policy, the Managing Director (Interim) responded by stating that third parties would be asked to read and accept terms and conditions of hire and that other appropriate checks would be undertaken such as requesting copies of individual DBS checks. In response to a question raised by the Executive Councillor for Climate and Environment, the Managing Director (Interim) undertook to provide further detail on how the Council’s tenants, such as DWP, NHS and Muir Housing would comply given that they have a statutory duty to engage with vulnerable children, young people and adults as part of their responsibilities.

In noting a suggestion made by the Executive Councillor for Community and Health for a “Quick Read” version of the policy document, the Cabinet

RESOLVED

to approve the updated Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults at Risk of Harm Policy.

The meeting closed at 7:47pm.

The Adoption of the Updated HDC Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults at Risk of Harm Policy Report is to be presented to the Panel for comment.

By means of a report by the Lead Safeguarding Officer (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), the Adoption of the Updated HDC Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults at Risk of Harm Policy was presented to the Panel.

Councillor Alban observed that safeguarding training for Councillors would be desirable and would raise this as a member of the Member Development Group.

Following a question from Councillor Burke, the Panel heard that private events held within Council facilities should have their own safeguarding policy, however, the Council’s policy is implemented in the event that this not be the case. It was also clarified that the policy covers all facility users. The Panel were further advised that the wording in section 15.2 would be reviewed to ensure clarity on this.

Councillor Shaw observed that as Councillors the internal link to the log of concerns forms would be inaccessible, after which the Panel were informed that this would be resolved and circulated to Members.

Following an enquiry from Councillor Bywater, it was confirmed that the Interim Managing Director was the Council’s representative on the Cambridge and Peterborough Safeguarding Partnership Board.

Councillor Alban questioned the use of photography and filming at events, the Panel were assured that alongside signs on display at facilities, booking forms also contain a statement on the matter.

Councillors Kerr and Bywater praised a well written and thorough report, a sentiment which was echoed by the Panel.

It was thereupon

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations contained within the report.