People Cabinet Member – Minutes – 25 July 2012

9          (9) INDEPENDENT CHAIR OF THE SAFEGUARDING ADULTS BOARD The Director of People submitted a report which sought approval for the creation of the post of Independent Chair of the Safeguarding Adults Board.

Following a number of serious incidents involving the abuse of vulnerable adults, the Department of Health consulted with councils and pressure groups and subsequently issued policy guidance on the protection of vulnerable adults, No Secrets, which was launched in 2000, under section 7 of the Local Authority Social Services Act 1971. This created a duty for the council to take the lead role in relation to the safe guarding of vulnerable adults.

The Association of Directors of Adults Social Services (ADASS) published “A     National Framework of Standards for good practice and outcomes in Adult Protection Work” – ADASS 2005. This identified that best practice for the delivery of the safeguarding agenda is a multi-agency partnership. As a result the Local authority established the Safeguarding Adult Board in October 2006.

The Safeguarding Adult Board (SAB) was a multi agency partnership with representation from the police, fire service, hospitals, mental health services, Primary Care Trust, ambulance service, probation service, care homes, home care agencies, Care Quality Commission (CQC), elected members, voluntary sector and housing providers.

The role of Chair had historically been undertaken by the Director of Adult Social Services, however some councils had created the post of independent chair to provide objectivity and challenge and to remove any conflict of interest.

It was considered that this would create a board with a higher degree of independence from the council and improve scrutiny of the delivery of the safeguarding agenda. It was explained that the post holder would be self employed under a contract to the council, although the normal recruitment selection processes would be followed.

Resolved – That the development of the Independent Chair of Safeguarding Adults Board be approved.