Here is a report from Graham Phillips  our new sector representative on the Local Safeguarding Children's Board 

Local Safeguarding Children’s board (LSCB)

May Report

 

The LSCB is a statutory body responsible for overseeing those responsible for

safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and to ensure the effectiveness of what is done in Cheshire East. It brings together professionals and volunteers to improve the protection of children and young people.

 

My name is Graham Phillips and I joined the Board recently as a representative of the voluntary and community sector to try to ensure the voice of volunteers is considered by the board and to make sure professionals such as the local authority and police understand the challenges faced by small, voluntary led and staffed organisations.

 

The Board has recently met twice to review its progress and to consider future initiatives, part of these discussions considered the many priorities faced by the need to protect children and young people and the consensus of those attending was that three key priorities for the next 12 months will be;

  1. Implementing a neglect strategy
  2. Embedding strengthening families
  3. Developing early help

 

The government has published a paper with recommendations for the reorganisation of LSCB’s that will lead to significant changes over the coming months. One aspect of the consultation is about reducing duplication across local areas so it is possible we will see Boards merging to create statutory safeguarding partnerships on a larger geographical footing. However the core function will remain to protect children and young people in our area.

 

A survey of young people is underway, which is primarily focused around schools to seek their views on the challenges faced by children and young people and concerns they may have around being safe.

 

The LSCB Annual report will be published in the near future, it is a  

full and frank assessment of the Boards achievements within the last business year with a corresponding identification of what is seen as the key challenges.

 

Ian Rush the independent Chair will be stepping down from the role at the end of July. Plans are now underway to appoint a successor, who will be in the role until such time as whatever changes the government are planning for LSCBs come into effect (probably sometime in 2017).