Issue - meetings

To consider a joint report of the Safeguarding Partnership Manager and the Independent Chair of the Safeguarding Board.

The report sets out what safeguarding partners have done between April 2023 and March 2024.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to comment on and note the report.

Officer contact: Eleanor Hirst | eleanor.hirst@stockport.gov.uk

The Safeguarding Partnership Manager and the Independent Chair of the Safeguarding Board submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out what safeguarding partners have done between April 2023 and March 2024.

The Independent Chair of the Safeguarding Board (Gail Hopper) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members welcomed the report and the partnership work with the Safeguarding Board.

·       There was an enquiry relating to safeguarding in schools and children. In response, it was noted that the report was responding to the Department of Education requirements, however, there were Headteacher representatives on the Safeguarding Partnership with really good engagement from the school colleagues in terms of training and support.

·       Members welcomed priority four – working with men and seeking the voices of men and the ongoing partnership work with fathers and men. It was noted that there was a three-year business plan in place.

·       It was commented that the Safeguarding Board was a critical friend and would be learning from horrendous incidents that take place and taking things on board.

The Committee thanked the departing Chair for all of her hard work and commitment to the Safeguarding Board and each of the Annual Reports that were submitted.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.