Decision details

West Suffolk Council places safeguarding at the centre of the services provided within the community. One of the Council’s key priorities is to develop and support “Resilient families and communities that are healthy and active” and commits to “work with partners to build resilience in families and communities, so that problems can be prevented at the earliest opportunity”. The Council’s approach to safeguarding meets not just the statutory duty, but our own commitment to families and communities. 

The West Suffolk Safeguarding Policy has been reviewed and the Portfolio Holder for Families and Communities will be asked to approve a number of amendments, as summarised in section 2.1 of Report number: CAB/WS/22/001.

Resolved:

That the proposed amendments to the West Suffolk Children and Adult Safeguarding Policy, as set out in section 2.1 and Appendix 1 to Report number: CAB/WS/22/001, be approved.

The amendments to the West Suffolk Children and Adult Safeguarding Policy have been made 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. The amendments, as summarised in paragraph 2.1 of Report number: CAB/WS/22/001, do not change the intent or direction, but rather ensure that the Policy remains valid and reflects learning from events in Suffolk and nationally.

The approved amendments will ensure that the Council follows best practice in regard to safeguarding, so no alternative options had been proposed.