Board Manager's Blog (August 2023) Thu 10 Aug 2023

August 2023: "Safeguarding During the Summer Months"

Hello again, everyone. This is Darren Minton, your Safeguarding Business Manager. As we find ourselves in the heart of the summer season, it's crucial to remember that safeguarding remains a priority. This month, we're focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities that the summer months present when it comes to safeguarding for both children and adults.

Before we dive into this month's topic, I'd like to reflect on June’s Safeguarding Week. It was a fantastic week filled with valuable multi-agency training events and activities. The level of engagement and commitment from everyone involved was truly inspiring. Clearly, as a community, we are united in our dedication to safeguarding. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make Safeguarding Week a success.

Now, let's turn our attention to the current summer months. Summer in the UK brings with it a sense of freedom and exploration. The days are longer, the weather is warmer, although , lets be honest its been a bit of wash out so far. Many of us are drawn to the great outdoors. It's a time for picnics in the park, barbecues with family and friends, and the thrill of open-water swimming for some.

Open-water swimming has become increasingly popular in our beautiful lakes, rivers or the seaside.

It's a fantastic way to enjoy nature, stay fit, and cool off during the hot summer days. However, it's not without its risks. Every year, we hear tragic stories of young and older adults getting into difficulty while swimming in open water. Some of these incidents, sadly, result in fatalities.

The dangers of open-water swimming can include cold water shock, unpredictable currents, hidden debris, and even the risk of waterborne diseases. It's also important to remember that open water sites do not have lifeguards on duty, especially those not designated bathing areas.

So, how can we enjoy the summer and stay safe? Whether you're a parent, a teacher, or an adult planning to swim in open water, educate yourself and others about the potential dangers. Discuss the risks and the importance of safety measures. Choose a safe and supervised location if you or your child plan to swim in open water. The Royal Life Saving Society UK provides excellent resources and advice on water safety. Visit their website at www.rlss.org.uk for more information. Keep an eye on each other in the water. If you notice someone in difficulty, alert a lifeguard immediately, or if there's no lifeguard, call the emergency services.

Remember that safeguarding is a year-round commitment as we enjoy the summer season. Whether we're parents, teachers, or simply members of the community, we all have a role to play in keeping each other safe.

Spotlight: Case Review Sub Group & SAR Sub Group

This month, we're turning the spotlight on not one but two crucial subgroups: the Case Review Sub Group and the Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR) Sub Group.

The Case Review Sub Group is our safeguarding radar for children. They identify and review serious child safeguarding cases, pinpoint key issues, important learning and liaise with the National Panel.(Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel) The Group also cast their net wider, examining 'near miss' situations and examples of good practice to extract valuable lessons.

The SAR Sub Group, on the other hand, focuses on adults at risk of abuse or neglect. They conduct Safeguarding Adults Reviews (SARs), as the Care Act 2014 mandates. SARs are initiated when there is reasonable cause for concern about how the Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB), its members, or other persons with relevant functions work together to safeguard an adult. This applies whether the adult has died as a result of suspected abuse or neglect or if they are still alive and have experienced serious abuse or neglect.

The purpose of SARs is not to find fault but to learn from complex cases and improve services to prevent future abuse and neglect. Each member of the SAB must cooperate and contribute to reviewing to identify the lessons to be learnt from the adult's case and apply those lessons to future cases.

Both groups set the local process for identifying serious cases and learning opportunities, oversee rapid reviews, and recommend whether a review should be conducted. They commission authors for reviews, run learning events and reports, and monitor action plans in response to reviews, ensuring compliance.

These groups collaborate closely with other sub-groups, disseminating lessons, reviewing policy, and conducting audits. They provide assurance on the progress of action plans, and sign-off completed reviews. They also liaise with other bodies, including other Local Authority areas, the Bradford Safeguarding Adults Board, and the Bradford Domestic and Sexual Violence Board.

The Case Review Sub Group and the SAR Sub Group are our safeguarding powerhouses, driving continuous improvement and ensuring we're always learning and continually improving. For more information about these subgroups and to access learning publications, please visit the 'Learning' section on the Safer Bradford website.

Until September , stay safe, enjoy the summer and lets hope we do get some sunshine, and remember: safeguarding is everyone's responsibility....and wear sunscreen 😊…or don’t forget your umbrella

Bye for now  Darren