Issue - meetings

Officer: Rob Henderson

Key decision: yes

The Leader of the Council delegated authority to the Cabinet to make the following decisions.

RESOLVED to agree the proposed changes to Croydon’s Safeguarding Children Board arrangements as set out in the report.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People informed Members that there would be an event on 17 May 2019, Croydon Has Talent, which included two awards which had been named in honour of Croydon musicians.

The Independent Chair of the Croydon Safeguarding Children Board, Di Smith, introduced the report stating that it was important that the approach taken by the Board was appreciated and that the changes were in response to changes in statute. Additionally it was noted that the core partners of the Board; the council, the CCG and Police; were conscious that further improvements to safeguarding were necessary, especially in light of the Ofsted outcome from 2017.

The ambition of the Board was to develop further multiagency working, and work closely with all safeguarding partners and the Adults Safeguarding Board to maintain synergy. To ensure effective working the Partnership would include schools, the voluntary sector, early years and further education providers; and these partners had identified three priority areas which the Board would look at in detail. The three priority areas, which were outlined within the report were; neglect, vulnerable adolescents, and children with disabilities, and it was intended that each area would be chaired by a representative from the council, the CCG and the Police.

Cabinet Members welcomed the report and the important work the Board had and would continue to undertake, including work on vulnerable adolescents.

In response to Member questions the Cabinet Member stated that there were a number of opportunities for her to be kept up to date on the safeguarding situation in Croydon as she chaired the Children and Families Partnership, was a Member of the Health & Wellbeing Board, had regular meetings with the Independent Chair of the Board and with the Executive Director of Children, Families & Education. It was felt that the Cabinet Member maintained oversight of the service and would continue to be kept informed. Additionally, it was noted that education and schools were part of the partnership and would ensure information was shared.

The Leader of the Council delegated authority to the Cabinet to make the following decisions.

RESOLVED to agree the proposed changes to Croydon’s Safeguarding Children Board arrangements as set out in the report.