Taxis and Safeguarding
Safeguarding is about protecting children, young people and adults at risk of harm, preventing impairment to their health and development. This includes keeping them safe from neglect, physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
On 6th April 2016 new legislation came into place for Wales with the introduction of Social Services and Well Being Act. This has brought about many changes for the Local Authority and other agencies and includes a duty on relevant partners to report any abuse - to a child, young person or vulnerable adult - that they be aware of.
As a Local Authority, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. We take our responsibilities very seriously and expect all of our licensed drivers, proprietors and operators to share this commitment.
As taxi drivers, you spend a lot of time travelling around our county and are in a unique position to see and report anything that you may be concerned about, whether it's a child in the wrong company or an adult who seems vulnerable. We appreciate to be able to do this you need to be able to spot the signs and know how to report concerns.
Please take the time to watch this short presentation about safeguarding and the role of the taxi trade. It has been produced in partnership with Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys County Councils along with Dyfed Powys Police. The video lasts about 20 mins, all new drivers will need to watch this video and will be tested on what they have seen as part of the driver test that needs to be passed in order to submit a driver application. The video password is Safe001
The independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham (1997-2013) highlighted significant concerns about safeguarding controls for taxi and private hire licensing. As a result of the issues raised in the report and other emerging safeguarding matters, the licensing and safeguarding departments are working closely together to review the current arrangements within licensing. This is to ensure controls and procedures regarding safeguarding are robust, and that you, as key people within our communities, are equipped to carry out your safeguarding responsibilities.
We all have a part to play within the safeguarding arena and we look forward to working in partnership with you. In the meantime, should you have any concerns about a child, young person or vulnerable adult you can ring the following numbers:-
Powys People Direct (PPD) - 01597 827666 (office hours) or email people.direct@powys.gov.uk
Out of Hours 0345 054 4847
Dyfed-Powys Police 101
For further information about spotting the signs of child sexual exploitation follow the link for information from Barnardo's
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