Agenda item

14:05

To receive the annual reports of the safeguarding boards.

The reports will be presented by:

·         Dr Sue Ross, Chair of the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board

·         Richard Simpson, Independent Chair, Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board

Dr Sue Ross, Independent Chair of the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board, introduced its Annual Report.  The number of concerns raised was just under 5,000.  Around one quarter were assessed as requiring follow-up under safeguarding procedures while the rest were followed up in other ways.  She noted that the Board only meets four times a year.

Where death or serious harm occurs a Safeguarding Adult Review takes place.  There are several in train at the moment as well as a review of deaths related to homelessness.

Councillor Andrew McHugh asked if she could summarise the 65 cases where ‘risk remains’.  Sue Ross responded that the cases were all very individual, many were very complex.  Her main concern was with cases that might be ‘under the radar’.  She accepted the criticism that cases could be dealt with more quickly but reminded the Board that only she and one other board member were dedicated to this.

Stephen Chandler added that the local authority monitors themes and learns from the cases, drawing thematic examples.  Having looked closely at cases where there has not been reduced risk, he is assured that all that could be done has been done.

Stuart Bell asked about the three areas outlined on Agenda Page 22 where governance falls to other partnerships.  Sue Ross responded that there needs to be some creative thinking about how to challenge overlapping interests.

The Chairman thanked the Independent Chair for the report and for her work.

Richard Simpson, Independent Chair of the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board, summarised the Annual Report – the last report under the old guidance.  The new guidance will reflect the multi-agency safeguarding arrangements led by an Executive Group involving the County Council, Clinical Commissioning Group and Police.

Oxfordshire combines with Buckinghamshire in reviewing child deaths.  There is a reciprocal arrangement with Hampshire regarding scrutiny as well as Oxfordshire’s own scrutiny process.

Last year’s annual conference was focussed on contextual safeguarding and a working party was formed between Barnardo’s and the County Council.  This year’s conference will be on the voice of the child.

Richard Simpson welcomed the engagement with Compass – only one school has not been involved.  While access levels have been impressive, this puts pressure on the service.  He believes that the increase in reports of domestic abuse shows that more people now believe that it is safe to report.

Councillor Andrew McHugh asked the situation with regard to children who are home schooled.  Richard Simpson responded that there is minimal scrutiny.  This issue is related to the problem of school exclusions.  The government needs to legislate.

The Chairman confirmed that the County Council had lobbied the Minister on this issue.  He asked if the police had a consistent representative on the new Executive Group.  Richard Simpson said that it was relatively consistent, but the Thames Valley Police had to cover 14 safeguarding boards and there was no doubting their commitment.  Yvonne Rees added that the police representative was always fully briefed and added a lot of value to the meetings.

Jonathan Montgomery asked about placements for children with complex mental health needs.  Richard Simpson noted that it was a national problem and a collective solution is needed.

Members of the Board thanked the Independent Chair for a concise and easy to read report, welcomed the fact that the independent chair was from Barnardo’s and was very accessible and looked forward to the positive impact that Family Safeguarding will have.

The Board noted both safeguarding reports.