The Board received a presentation from Christabel Shawcross (Safeguarding Adults Board Chair) on the Safeguarding Annual Report 2019-20 that set out the progress, achievements and learning over the previous year. A summary of the discussion is set out below:

The Board noted that:

• Last year we had about 1115 concerns raised and that is a key statistic because looking back in 2016 we only had 720 concerns raised and it is important that awareness is raised by people to report abuse as it is felt that there is still under reporting particularly around domestic abuse.
• There are more concerns about those from the White population and we need to continue to focus on community engagement to raise awareness e.g. where people can go to get advice and support.
• Self-neglect is becoming a growing area of concern
• It is about working with the person and promoting their independence but equally looking at what the person wants to achieve
• There whilst were 6 Safeguarding Adult reviews reported and published last year that does not to mean that there were six incidents last year. These go back several years but there are key issues to be identified from them and brought through to multi-agency learning this year particularly around working in a more systematic way to help those who lead chaotic lives.
• It is important to raise awareness among professionals to share expertise and advice on how to go forward.
• Since the start of the pandemic health and social care has (i) had a focus on safeguarding because clearly safeguarding people being isolated is a key issue; (ii) ensured that people with learning disabilities have support; and (iii) made sure people continue to get their advice from the health service.
• Safeguarding Adults Board has a 5-year strategy that will run alongside that of the Health and Wellbeing Strategy; and
• Going forward one of the key areas will be around developing links with the Children's Partnership e.g. looking at those issues for adolescents coming forward into adulthood.

In conclusion, the Chair thanked Christabel Shawcross for her presentation.

The Chair then Moved, and it was RESOLVED to note Safeguarding Annual Report 2019-20.

The Board noted that every year, the Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) publishes an Annual Report to set out progress, achievements and learning over the previous year.  It was noted that the attached Annual Report for 2018-19 was agreed at the 12th September Safeguarding Adults Board. The mains points of the discussion are outlined as follows:

The Board noted:

The Chair Moved and it was:

RESOLVED

To note the Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2018-19