Agenda item

To receive an overview of the work caried out under the multi-agency arrangements for safeguarding adults during 2021/22.  The report will be presented by Karen Wright, Senior Manager, Safeguarding Adults.

Members received an overview of the work caried out under the multi-agency arrangements for safeguarding adults during 2021/22.  The report was presented by Karen Wright, Senior Manager, Safeguarding Adults.

Karen Wright raised the following key points:-

•        Northumberland had experienced a 38% increase in safeguarding concerns and a 6% rise in safeguarding enquiries in 2021/22.  The main location of abuse had been within the home but there had also been an increase in reports relating to nursing and care homes.

•        There had been surges in activity relating to Covid including self-neglect, isolation, domestic violence and mental health issues.

•        There had been a focus on understanding the impact of the pandemic on local safeguarding activity enabling a response to changing safeguarding needs, identifying lessons learnt and informing future planning and priorities.

•        The MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) had been extremely effective in providing a multi-agency response in Northumberland and enable quick action in responding to safeguarding concerns.

•        Key strategic priorities outlined in the report would be revised with the integration of the Children and Adults’ Boards, however, there would still be some focus on Children or Adults only themes.

•        Much of the work done in Northumberland had been recognised as good practice nationally.

•        In the previous Annual Report, the increase in domestic abuse had been of significant concern.  The increase had continued this year but at a lower rate.  This was a concern for both the Children and Adult Boards and it was expected to continue under the joint arrangements.

•        Regarding criminal exploitation, there was a delivery plan to increase community awareness.

•        It was always a priority to make safeguarding personal.  Adults at risk were asked what they wanted to happen and achieving those outcomes.  It was hoped to involve adults at risk more in the working of the Board going forward. 

•        There had been no safeguarding adult reviews in the last year under the criteria but two learning reviews had been commenced.  A recent joint review with the Children’s Board had resulted in significant learning.

•        In addition to the integration with the Children’s Safeguarding Board, it had also been decided to separate from the joint arrangements with North Tyneside and to operate with a more place-based focus.

The following comments were made:-

•        It was confirmed that there was voluntary sector representation in the wider partnership.  The membership of all the sub groups was being reviewed as part of the new structure to ensure that bodies were represented on the groups most relevant to them. 

•        There was a safeguarding adults training programme and lots of guidance documents regarding self-neglect.  An animation had been recently produced aimed at the public and volunteers.  These were available on the Safeguarding Adults website. 

•        The wider governance was being looked at to streamline and maximise the work as there were so many different governance oversight arrangements.  It was aimed to keep developing and evolving, to avoid unnecessary duplication and be more effective.

RESOLVED that the contents of the report be noted.