Corporate Safeguarding
- Introduction to Safeguarding
- Key Roles
- Responsibilities of Staff and Councillors
- How to Report
- Copies of Relevant Policies
- Summary Document
- Governance
- Media and Communications
Introduction to Safeguarding
Safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk is a high priority for Powys County Council and ensuring that there are robust arrangements and procedures in place.
Safeguarding is everyone's business, and every child and adult has the right to be protected from harm, exploitation and abuse.
Key Roles
Leaders in Safeguarding:
Head of Social Services and Housing,
Corporate Safeguarding Lead
Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys and Safeguarding Lead
cllr.richard.church@powys.gov.uk
Responsibilities of Staff and Councillors
The Corporate Safeguarding Policy provides a framework for every member of staff, elected members and service areas within the Council, setting out responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk, as well as the methods by which the Council will be assured that it is fulfilling its duties.
The policy applies to all Powys County Council employees and workforce, councillors, volunteers and service providers that are commissioned or procured by the Council. Whilst Social Services is the lead service for dealing with enquiries regarding allegations/ concerns that children and adults may be suffering significant harm, everyone has a responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children, young people and adults, whatever the role of the individual.
How to Report
If you have any worries regarding the safety of a child, young person or adult, then you must make contact with Children's Services Front Door Team or Adult Services.
ASSIST
Assist and the Front Door Team are the initial point of contact for people exploring services and activities for children, families and adults locally or for advice and guidance on how to get extra support, or to raise an issue or concern around the welfare of a child, young person or adult. Staff within these teams will ensure any cross-boundary issues are explored and make enquiries as required as part of their duties.
Children and young people (under 18): To make contact with Front Door you can
- Email csfrontdoor@powys.gov.uk,
- telephone 01597 827 666 (office hours)
- telephone 0345 054 4847 (out of hours) or
- complete the online form https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/8155/Report-a-concern-about-a-child
Adults: To make contact with ASSIST you can
- Email assist@powys.gov.uk,
- telephone 0345 602 7050 (office hours)
- telephone 0345 054 4847 (out of hours) or
- complete the online form https://en.powys.gov.uk/contactassist
For issues that arise after 5pm Monday to Friday, and on weekends and bank holidays, the Social Services Emergency Duty Team should be contacted on 0345 054 4847.
If a child, young person, or adult is in danger, the Police must be contacted immediately on 999. It is crucial to avoid delay in this process.
Copies of Relevant Policies
Corporate Safeguarding Policy (PDF) [522KB]
Summary Document
Corporate Safeguarding Policy Summary Briefing (PDF) [45KB]
Governance
At a corporate level, the responsibility for monitoring the effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements across the Council is delegated to the Corporate Safeguarding Board.
The Corporate Safeguarding Board is made up of lead practitioners for each Council Portfolio / Service Area who are the Designated Safeguarding Leads. The Board meets on a quarterly basis.
A publicly available Corporate Safeguarding Board Activity report is completed after the Board meetings. As part of the wider Corporate Safeguarding governance process, the Activity Report is considered by Powys County Council's Cabinet, Health and Care Scrutiny and Governance and Audit Committee.
Link for Cabinet meeting's schedule.
Browse meetings - Cabinet Cyngor Sir Powys County Council (moderngov.co.uk)
Link for the Health and Care Scrutiny Committee meetings schedule.
Link for the Governance and Audit Committee meetings schedule.
Committee details - Governance and Audit Committee Cyngor Sir Powys County Council (moderngov.co.uk)
Corporate Safeguarding Policy Terms of Reference (PDF) [175KB]
Media and Communications
To follow