The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions were noted.

DECISION

1.    To note the report from the Safeguarding Adults Board

Action by:

DIRECTOR, ADULTS SERVICES (L. ADDAMS)

(Interim Policy, Programmes and Community Insight Manager (A. Walters)

Councillor Amy Whitelock-Gibbs, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services, introduced the report. She explained that the work of the Board was extremely important in looking to protect vulnerable adults in the community, many of whom had complex needs.

She introduced Brian Parrott, the Independent Chair of the Board.

Brian Parrott provided a review of the Board’s Annual Report. He highlighted that, although there were many similarities with the previously considered report of the Safeguarding Children’s Board, there were also key differences with the Safeguarding Adults’ Board in terms of statue, funding and partners. He stated that the Council had a lead role to play with health partners and the police also being key agencies. He then discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the Board and key issues to consider including around strengthening governance arrangements, the balance of safeguarding against personal liberties and how to improve performance and trend data.

He called on the Council to continue its support to strengthen the work of the Board. Finally he reported that he would be standing down as Chair once a new appointment had been made.

The Pre-Scrutiny Questions were addressed in summary but it was agreed that a full written response be provided after the meeting.

The Mayor opened the discussion by thanking the Chair for his efforts for the Board. The report was then opened out for discussion. A number of issues were noted including:

·         Potential links to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

·         Whether there were capacity issues in relevant parts of the Council.

·         It was important to keep safeguarding issues at the forefront of Members’ and officers’ minds and that these issues should be seen as part of everyone’s work.

The Mayor agreed to note the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the report from the Safeguarding Adults Board