Agenda item

The Council has lead responsibility in relation to safeguarding adults who are defined as vulnerable or at risk.  The annual report of the Wiltshire Safeguarding Adults Board (WSAB) reviews the work of the Board and sets out its priorities for the coming year.

Margaret Sheather, independent chair of the WSAB, will be in attendance to present the WSAB Annual Report 2012-13.

The Committee will be asked to:

a) Note and comment on the Adults Safeguarding Annual Report 2012/13.

b) Identify any specific issues it wishes to be brought to the attention of the Health and Wellbeing Board when it receives the report.

The Committee welcomed Margaret Sheather, Independent Chair of the Wiltshire Safeguarding Adults Board, to present the Board’s Annual Report.

The Chair invited the Committee to comment on the final draft report before being taken to the Health and Wellbeing Board.

Margaret Sheather outlined the key findings from the report and highlighted areas in the business plan that focus on developing safeguarding practices and awareness throughout the region.

The Committee questioned funding arrangements for partnership working and how funding is organised when partnerships extend beyond the county. Ms Sheather stated that partnership funding arrangements and changes to budgets and cost sharing were due to be discussed at the Health and Wellbeing Board in September 2013.

The Committee scrutinised the reported figures and focussed on the inclusion of domestic violence and abuse with regard to vulnerable adults. It was clarified that figures were included if there were additional safeguarding vulnerabilities as opposed to those who were vulnerable to domestic abuse. Ms Sheather added that the remit of the Board was to effectively engage safeguarding adults work with; the safeguarding of children, domestic violence, bullying/hate crimes, MAPPA and wider work on community safety.

A discussion took place with regard to Safeguarding alerts, with the rise in figures being attributed to an increased awareness of safeguarding concerns. The Committee discussed the comments and reviews made in the report by the Adults Safeguarding Lead.

The Chair invited Jacqui Chidgey-Clark Director of Quality and Patient Safety at NHS Wiltshire CCG to address the committee. Jacqui Chidgey-Clark addressed the safeguarding shortcomings that had been previously identified and were continuously monitored in monthly clinical quality review meetings. Changes had also been made in new contractual arrangements.

The Committee discussed the findings that outlined the victim’s relationship to alleged perpetrator and were concerned that at the number relating to care staff. The Committee agreed that the importance of training and support for care staff was crucial in reducing safeguarding incidents. Ms Sheather reaffirmed that not all safeguarding alerts are substantiated, and that high numbers could be reflective of greater awareness of abuse as opposed to increased abuse.

Ms Sheather stated that all organisations are responsible for training their staff to meet regulatory requirements. Jacqui Chidgey-Clark confirmed that training for child and adult safeguarding is provided to all NHS organisations in the region.

James Cawley, Service Director for Adult Care and Social Housing, stated that at a recent Care Partnership AGM, safeguarding was represented as the number one priority. James Cawley confirmed that Safeguarding is a significant priority for Wiltshire Council also.

Brian Warwick then raised a question over the key plans and objectives for the Safeguarding Adults Board, and questioned the role of the Operations Group. The committee discussed the objectives listed in the report, and the role of SWASFT.

The Committee discussed the role of membership on the Board, and suggested more representation from the voluntary sector. It was explained that the views of many voluntary groups were considered. There are reporting and monitoring groups that report directly to the Board that identify issues specific to particular voluntary groups.

Cllr Jemima Milton spoke and acknowledged the work of Margaret Sheather and George O’Neil, Head of Service for Specialist Commissioning: Mental Health & Substance Misuse.

Irene Kohler, Chair of the Board at SWAN Advocacy commented that the SWAN Annual report had not been included in the Adults Safeguarding Annual Report and highlighted the role advocates have in raising alerts and concerns over representatives at risk. Margaret agreed to include the SWAN Annual Report and recognised the role of advocacy in enablement of ‘at risk’ adults.

Following the discussion the Committee;

Resolved:

To note the Adults Safeguarding Annual Report 2012/13.