Agenda item

To provide an overview of the work of the Safeguarding Adults Board in 2024/25.

Fiona Bateman introduced the report which outlined the H&F Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) Annual Report 2024/25. This included that the SAB had delivered its statutory duties including summary of Safeguarding Adults Review under Section 44 of the Care Act and exploration of how the partnership had sought to progress its objectives under the three key priority areas: Effective systems and processes, creating a culture of learning and communication and partnership. This report highlighted the proactive efforts of partners to continue to improve professional responses to support adults with care and support needs who are at risk of abuse and neglect. The SAB was now moving into the final year of its three-year strategy, with the focus in the next year being on reviewing its impact and strengthening assurance mechanisms.

Jim Grealy commended the report, noting that staff had been hard-working and resilient. Attention was drawn to page 33 regarding the response to staff abuse, with an increase in racial abuse referenced. It was reported that GP practices were experiencing abuse that they had not encountered before, particularly concerning staff members’ country of origin. Jim Grealy stressed the need for a strategy to support staff and called for a strong statement on this matter. Fiona Bateman observed a rise in hate crime linked to international issues and mentioned work undertaken by the charity Hope Not Hate. The Brian case in the report was cited as an example of practitioners providing support in cases of abuse. Jim Grealy requested that next year’s report include reference to this issue and provide an update on work undertaken to address abuse towards staff. Councillor Alex Sanderson (Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Education) noted that this would put pressure on the SAB to produce evidence. Fiona Bateman suggested reaching out to staff who were experiencing difficult situations. Victoria Brignell expressed support for Jim Grealy’s comments and proposed that next year’s Unity Day place particular emphasis on celebrating staff from all backgrounds and their contributions to the Health and Social Care sector.

The Chair raised a question regarding information sharing and how this was being addressed. Fiona Bateman explained that the Safeguarding Adults Review looked into specific cases to ensure that the type of abuse was correctly identified and to consider what proactive measures could have been implemented. She acknowledged the complexity of the systems involved but confirmed that efforts were being made to establish effective information sharing as standard practice across all services. Fiona Bateman added that an increase in referrals might not indicate reduced safety but could reflect greater awareness of where to report concerns.

Councillor Alex Sanderson described the paper as positive, noting that rising numbers were likely due to increased confidence in the system. She queried how the impact of these measures would be tested this year. Fiona Bateman responded that the focus was not solely on identifying failures but also on recognising improvements. She stated that people were becoming more confident in discussing safeguarding and abuse.

It was confirmed that from January onwards, work would commence on the next strategic plan. Fiona Bateman noted that there had been significant changes among partners and personnel and emphasised that continuity of care would be crucial throughout this period of transition.

RESOLVED That:

The Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee noted the report.