Issue - meetings

Report by Carolyn Godfrey, Corporate Director

Cllr Laura Mayes presented a report which sought to update Cabinet on the implementation of a Wiltshire Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).

At Cllr Mayes’ request, Cllr Alan Macrae, Portfolio Holder for Safeguarding guided Cabinet through the detail of the report and the background to the setting up of the MASH.

Cllr MacRae explained the options considered in setting up MASH and how its implementation would be phased in.  An information sharing protocol had now been agreed with partners who were thanked for all their help and co-operation. In particular, Wiltshire Police was thanked for its help and commitment to the project.

A detailed communications strategy was in place which would signpost people to the appropriate services and it was agreed that this would be circulated to members. A full campaign launch would take place once the hub was fully operational, and could potentially link with measures to tackle child sexual exploitation.

Cllr Jon Hubbard referred to the successful involvement of Scrutiny by way of a Task Group on this issue and that he was pleased to see the proposal come to fruition. He also thanked partners for the part they played in the setting up of MASH, although he considered that more engagement was required by the health sector.

The Leader emphasised that the MASH would provide opportunities for joined up evidence gathering to ensure the protection of vulnerable children.   

Resolved:

That Cabinet notes the positive progress towards the implementation of a Wiltshire Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH), reflecting the priority given to safeguarding across the Council, the Police, the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and the Children’s Community Health provider (Great Western NHS Hospital Trust).

Reason for decision:

There are a number of significant benefits associated with the establishment of a Wiltshire MASH. 

The MASH will:

·         provide a faster, more co-ordinated and consistent response to safeguarding through improved quality of services and information sharing between partners

·         will assist in the early identification of safeguarding concerns as a result of improved inter agency working arrangements, closer partnership working and clearer accountability

·         improve the planning and management of risk assessment and investigation

·         improve the process of accessing services and expertise with clear guidance and support provided to the person raising a concern.