Issue - meetings
Meeting: 20/01/2026 - Cabinet (Item 108)
108 SAFEGUARDING POLICY 
PDF 2 MB
Decision:
RESOLVED:
1. Cabinet endorses and adopts the revised Safeguarding Policy.
2. Cabinet delegates authority to amend/update this policy to ensure it remains compliant with legislation to a member of the Executive Leadership Team in consultation with the relevant portfolio holder.
RECOMMENDED:
3. Cabinet recommends that Full Council agree changes to the Members’ Code of Conduct to include explicit safeguarding responsibilities.
REASON FOR DECISION:
· To ensure the Council continues to meet its statutory safeguarding duties under the Children Act 2004 and the Care Act 2014, reflects current guidance (Working Together 2023, Care and Support Statutory Guidance 2024), and is prepared for anticipated duties in the forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill 2025.
· The updated policy improves clarity and accountability, reflects new safeguarding priorities (including domestic abuse, modern slavery, cuckooing, self-neglect and hoarding), and provides stronger support for staff wellbeing.
Minutes:
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Cabinet noted that the Environment and Community Panel had considered this report and supported the recommendations to Cabinet.
The Corporate Governance Manager presented the report as included in the Agenda.
Councillor Rust congratulated officers on production of the Policy and how it was now much more manageable and easier to read. She commented that this was an important document to help Councillors when meeting with residents and provided clarity of roles and reporting lines.
Councillor Moriarty commented that training for Councillors was important.
In response to a question from Councillor Morley, the Corporate Governance manager informed Cabinet that Safeguarding Risk Assessments were included in the process and work would be carried out to embed processes.
Councillor Kemp addressed the Cabinet under Standing Order 34 thanking those involved for bringing this forward and that it was an important document for Councillors.
Councillor Rust highlighted that the Policy included a ‘takeaway sheet’ which included reporting lines and out of hours contacts.
RESOLVED:
1. Cabinet endorses and adopts the revised Safeguarding Policy.
2. Cabinet delegates authority to amend/update this policy to ensure it remains compliant with legislation to a member of the Executive Leadership Team in consultation with the relevant portfolio holder.
RECOMMENDED:
3. Cabinet recommends that Full Council agree changes to the Members’ Code of Conduct to include explicit safeguarding responsibilities.
REASON FOR DECISION:
· To ensure the Council continues to meet its statutory safeguarding duties under the Children Act 2004 and the Care Act 2014, reflects current guidance (Working Together 2023, Care and Support Statutory Guidance 2024), and is prepared for anticipated duties in the forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill 2025.
· The updated policy improves clarity and accountability, reflects new safeguarding priorities (including domestic abuse, modern slavery, cuckooing, self-neglect and hoarding), and provides stronger support for staff wellbeing.