Decision details

In July 2018, the Government updated its statutory guidance ‘Working Together to Safeguard Children: A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.’  The document sets out the legislative requirements and expectations of how key partners, including local authorities, should safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults. 

West Suffolk Council will therefore review its Safeguarding Policy to reflect the updated guidance.

RESOLVED:

That the updated West Suffolk Children and Adult Safeguarding Policy, as contained in Appendix 1 to Report No: CAB/WS/20/015, be approved.

The refreshed West Suffolk Children and Adult Safeguarding Policy is in place to ensure that West Suffolk Council has an overarching approach to safeguarding across the organisation and that in discharging its function, the Council has due regard for the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of vulnerable people.

The Portfolio Holder for Families and Communities is satisfied that the West Suffolk Children and Adult Safeguarding Policy has been updated to meet the above and accords with a number of new duties and legislation placed on local authorities.

The alternative option is to continue with the Safeguarding Policy in its original form.  However, not incorporating the new legislation in the West Suffolk policy means that we would not be consistent with the requirements of Central Government.