Following on from the previous item, the Chair reported on the workshop that had been held by, and for, Members of the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 23 August 2017 - the purpose of which had been to discuss the future relationship between scrutiny and the Wirral Safeguarding Children Board (WSCB). 

The report informed that a number of members had attended a safeguarding training event provided by the Centre for Public Scrutiny in January 2017. A key message for the scrutiny of safeguarding arrangements was the establishment of strong relationships with key partner bodies and organisations. The Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) was clearly a key partner. Therefore, a workshop had been arranged for 23 August 2017 at which Committee members were better able to understand the key links between scrutiny and the Board and to recommend ways in which those links could be improved. All members of the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee had been invited to the session.

The report informed that a session commenced with a presentation delivered by the Chair of Wirral’s Safeguarding Children Board, Professor Maggie Atkinson followed by a wide-ranging discussion with Members and key officers. The presentation included the role of the Local Safeguarding Children Board; the relationship between the LSCB and the host Local Authority; and current challenges for the Board. Members note: Chair of the WSCB, Professor Maggie Atkinson is not an Officer of the Council.

The Chair informed that the Executive, and the WSCB had each recently endorsed the outcomes of the workshop, namely:

• It would be positive to develop a complimentary relationship between Wirral’s Safeguarding Children Board and the Children and Families Overview & Scrutiny Committee via a protocol to enhance the working relationship between the two bodies (a draft version of the protocol was attached as Appendix 2 to the report).

• Based upon Wood Review investigation into the future role of LSCBs and recommendations to review the role of LSCBs, it was agreed that a report on the future of LSCBs should be presented to the September meeting of the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

• The work programme of the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee be amended to include updates on the work taking place at the HIVE and the employment prospects for care leavers.

Resolved – That

(1)  the report be noted;

(2)  the draft protocol regarding the future working relationship between Wirral Safeguarding Children Board and the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved; and

(3)  the proposed additions to the Committee’s Work Programme relating to the Youth HIVE and the employment prospects for care leavers be agreed.