Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Children, Education & Families

Forward Plan Ref: 2013/135

Contact: John Dixon, Interim Deputy Director - Children’s Social Care

Report by Director for Children’s Services (CA7).

This report recommends that Oxfordshire County Council develops a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) in conjunction with partner agencies.

A Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is a multi-agency unit which pools intelligence about safeguarding referrals, securely, and provides safe and speedy triage as a basis for appropriate ongoing action. As such it is a gateway between universal services (such as Schools and GPs) and specialist and intensive services.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to endorse the development of a MASH for Oxfordshire.

Cabinet considered a report seeking endorsement to the development of a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) in conjunction with partner agencies.

A Multi-agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is a multi-agency unit which pools intelligence about safeguarding referrals, securely, and provides safe and speedy triage as a basis for appropriate on-going action. As such it is a gateway between universal services (such as Schools and GPs) and specialist and intensive services.

Councillor Gill Sanders Shadow Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Families spoke in support of the multi-agency safeguarding hub. It was sensible to bring agencies together and would also provide financial savings. However she would be concerned if the savings undermined the safeguarding efforts. She queried whether one single point of access would be sufficient and that location would be vital. She highlighted the role and importance of District Councils and queried how they featured in the Steering Group and decision making.

Councillor Tilley in moving the recommendations replied that they did not have all the answers as yet but gave assurances that it was not about making savings. Other Councils had done it and the County Council had learnt from them. Lucy Butler added that there would not be one single point of access. The Steering Group was set up with other agencies and she recognised the importance of other agencies including District Councils who were vital particularly in respect of housing matters. Councillor Tilley also highlighted the important role of schools.

During discussion Councillor Heathcoat, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, welcomed the approach which was one which adult social care could benefit from.

RESOLVED:             to endorse the development of a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) for Oxfordshire.