Decision details

(Report of Chief Executive)

Consideration was given to a revised Safeguarding Policy and Reporting Procedure for 2023-2027 (attached at Annex 1).

Due to evolving policies and procedures, the Policy had been updated to include information on self-neglect and hoarding, the Mental Capacity Act, the ‘Think Family’ toolkit and ‘Making Safeguarding Personal’.  All of these areas had been highlighted during an external safeguarding audit and peer review session undertaken by the Kent and Medway Safeguarding Adults Board.

To ensure the profile of safeguarding remained a focus for everyone at the Borough Council, it was proposed that Councillor D Keers be appointed as Member Champion for Safeguarding as part of his role as Cabinet Member for Community Services.

Cabinet had regard to the financial and value for money considerations, the legal implications and the risk and equality impact assessments and noted that Safeguarding and Prevent were included on the Borough Council’s Strategic Risk Register.  If Tonbridge and Malling were unable to demonstrate appropriate processes were in place, there was a risk of significant impact on a child, young person or adult at risk of harm.

RESOLVED:  That

(1)          the revised version of the Safeguarding Policy and Reporting Procedure for Children, Young People and Adults at Risk, attached at Annex 1, be endorsed; and

(2)          Councillor D Keers be appointed as the Member Champion for Safeguarding.