Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Health and Community which introduced the draft report of the Scrutiny Review of Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults for Members consideration.

 

The Board was advised that a Seminar for basic awareness training in safeguarding vulnerable adults had been arranged on Thursday, 2^nd October 2008, at 1.30 pm at the Stobart Stadium, Halton.  All Members were encouraged to attend.  It was suggested that consideration be given to holding a further seminar in the evening to ensure that all Members have the opportunity to attend.

 

The Chairman, took the opportunity to pay tribute to the work that had been undertaken by everyone in the topic group. He also took the opportunity to place on record his thanks and appreciation to all concerned.

 

RESOLVED: That

 

(1)                    the comments be noted; and

 

(2)                    the Scrutiny Review and its recommendations  as set out in Appendix 1 to the report be endorsed as follows:

 

Performance Monitoring (Statistical Data)

 

·        To support the implementation of a national data collection/recording system for all agencies to use and more legislation in place to ensure procedures are compulsory for all agencies involving in safeguarding vulnerable adults;

 

·        The Police to complete the development of a Quality Assurance process monitoring the outcomes of their investigations; and

 

·        Advocacy support to be considered internally to support victims of alleged abuse through the process;

 

Publicity

 

·        To ensure there are trigger mechanisms in place, regularly distribute the promotional leaflet (in particular to domiciliary agencies) explaining what to look out for in terms of abuse and what steps can then be taken; and

 

·        Launch and promote the findings from the scrutiny review, including an article in Inside Halton and on the website.

 

Training

 

·        Halton Borough Council to continue providing/co-ordinating a rolling programme of basic awareness training in safeguarding vulnerable adults involving both the Police and Age Concern for all agencies and monitoring this training on a regular basis; and

 

·        Halton Borough Council to organise specific safeguarding vulnerable adults training for Members through a Seminar Day during 2008/09;

 

Vetting Procedures in Provider Services

 

·        Lay-assessment of residential and nursing homes by Members be considered, taking into account the necessary protocols, training and resource issues that would arise; and

 

·        Ensure the standard contract continues to be regularly reviewed, taking particular note of standards affecting safeguarding of vulnerable adults.

 

Police Protocol

 

·        Continue with the regular quarterly operational management meetings, reviewing the Police Protocol on an ongoing and annual basis; and

 

·        Review the current resource allocation within the Police focussing on safeguarding vulnerable adults;

 

Member Representation on Safeguarding Board

 

·        Full Council to consider if Member representations on the Safeguarding Board would be appropriate;

 

Role of Adult Protection Co-ordinator

 

·        Consider how the staffing structure for safeguarding vulnerable adults could be enhanced at Halton Borough Council;

 

Dignity in Care

 

·        Monitor the work/success of the Dignity Board; and

 

Research Project

 

·        Support the recommendations within the research project.