Agenda item

[Alan Coe, Chair of the Wolverhampton Safeguarding Children Board, to present annual safeguarding report]

Alan Coe, Independent Chair of the Wolverhampton Safeguarding Children Board, presented the main findings of the 2014-15 annual report. Independent Chair explained that the report was a final version and not a draft version as shown on the papers.

Independent Chair gave a short introduction to the essential responsibilities of the Council and other partners to protect the interests of children and young people in Wolverhampton.  Independent Chair gave a brief outline of his work history and role in supporting the work of the Board to meet its responsibilities.

Wolverhampton Safeguarding Children Board is required under statute to produce an annual report detailing the work done and the progress against key priorities. Independent Chair commented on the relationship with schools where the Council has influence but not control due to changes in their governance and management arrangements.

Independent Chair commented that the Council has power through the licensing of premises and buildings to safeguard children and the work is much broader than being the responsibility of social care.

Independent Chair briefed the panel on the sections of the report which make reference to future risks and priorities. Independent Chair highlighted the relationship with GPs and schools, who are relatively independent, with their own governance presents a challenge in how best to engage them in the work of safeguarding.

Independent Chair commented on success in achieving 100 per cent return from schools in Wolverhampton. This figure compares to 20 per cent in the previous year. WSCB is offering safeguarding training and support to schools. However, the Independent Chair commented on the challenge in engaging with more GPs and this work was not easy.

Independent Chair commented on the challenge also presented by the growth of different faith groups across the city.  Independent Chair explained that there are 80 different denominations and that WSCB cannot make demands that they meet safeguarding standards. Work is being done to build relationships with different faith groups.

The panel queried evidence presented to the on-going review of child sexual exploitation  and the issues of female genital mutilation and the concerns that some GPs were fully engaged in reporting cases to the necessary bodies.

The panel queried the progress in getting known faith groups to complete a safeguarding return. The members of the Child Sexual Exploitation Review who are also members of the panel were advised that the response had been poor. Independent Chair explained that the situation is improving but it will need on-going work to build relationships with representatives of different faith groups. Independent Chair explained the work being done with GPs to raise awareness of the issue of female genital mutilation. 

Wolverhampton CCG has been asked by the Board to present a report on the work done to raise awareness of their responsibilities under legislation to report concerns to the Board.  The report will include details of the number of cases and reassurance that GPs are taking the necessary action.

Independent Chair explained that he is contracted to work 30 days a year on behalf of Board.

Independent Chair commented on the work done to build relationships with the teachers in the independent sector and also academies. Independent Chair explained that it has taken time to improve and also that the Board are keen to more work with schools.

The panel queried the effectiveness and quality of safeguarding training given to frontline professionals working with families and the opportunities to identify possible signs of abuse. Independent Safeguarding Chair explained that responsibility for managing health visitors will be transferred to the local authority later in the year. Independent Chair explained that the Board will be checking that everyone working with families will get the minimum safeguarding training and also ask questions. Independent Chair commented on the good work done with staff from Wolverhampton Homes and the support provided by Mark Henderson to raise the issue of safeguarding.

The panel commented that the annual report was very positive about the work done to protect children and also a very helpful document.

The panel queried the statement in the cover report that there were no direct equalities implications arising from the report. The panel commented that the groups of vulnerable children covered by the report would have protected characteristics; further some children are deliberately targeted because of their ethnic origin or religious beliefs.

Independent Chair accepted the point about the statement and agreed to discuss the matter further with Strategic Director:People .

The panel queried evidence presented to the child poverty scrutiny review which highlighted a number of concerns and the impact of high levels of poverty on children. Independent Chair explained that the equalities issues are considered during the work done by Child Death Overview Panel. The work is led by Walsall.

The panel commented on the reference in the report to internet safety and queried the work done with school. The panel were concerned about issues of reported bullying in schools. Independent Chair explained that the Board had arranged a conference to discuss the issue of bullying and the level of underreporting.

The panel requested more details about the strategic work of the Board and information about review and intermediate and targets. Independent Chair agreed that more details would be provided.

The panel also queried that the advice and support given to children and young people to help protect them and concerns that incidents were not being reported.

The panel discussed the number of allegations against professionals detailed in the report and specifically those related in children homes. Independent Chair explained that extra arrangements to monitor children who are placed in homes outside Wolverhampton.

The panel discussed how the mental health needs of young were being met by the mental health trust and issues about safeguarding. The panel discussed the need to challenge services to check  the quality of services being provided.

The panel discussed whether the safeguarding situation was getting better in Wolverhampton and the effectiveness of partnership working arrangements.

The panel commented if the number of children where there are safeguarding concerns was expected to increase following the MASH. The panel discussed that awareness about safeguarding may increase but this could lead to earlier interventions by professionals who will have access to better intelligence. This will also include better analysis of the data. Independent Chair shared findings from the experience of Birmingham and the issues of trafficked children and the benefits improved reporting.

The panel queried that  given the high numbers of  looked after children in Wolverhampton if there was evidence to suggest that social workers were under pressure not to add to this figure.

The Chair thanked Independent Chair for the evidence.

Resolved:

Independent Chair to meet with Strategic Director:People to talk about the improving the equalities statement.