Gwent Wide Adult Safeguarding Board Report 2013 - 2015

Ratified by Board 06.08.2015

GWENT-WIDE ADULT SAFEGUARDING BOARD

Report 2013 – 2015

An overview of the objectives and achievements of the Gwent-wide Adult Safeguarding Board April 2013 – April 2015. Gwent Wide Adult Safeguarding Board Report 2013 - 2015    Foreword Dave Street, Chair, Gwent-wide Adult Safeguarding Board

I am pleased to present the report of the Gwent Wide Adult Safeguarding Board (GWASB) for 2013 to 2015.

The amalgamation of three separate Area Adult Protection Committees in to a regional Adult Safeguarding Board has been a complex and time consuming exercise. However, I am pleased to be able to say that engagement of partner Dave Street agencies has been excellent and we really can say that we have the right organisations and people around the table. Gwent Wide Adult Safeguarding As Board members we work in a very challenging environment. The financial Board chair. environment in public services has been well publicised and is hugely challenging. This means that partnership working will be more crucial than ever in ensuring that all partner agencies can respond to the needs of vulnerable people who we regard at risk.

The Board has reviewed its sub group structure and now has an infrastructure that will help us meet the challenges of 2015/16 and beyond. We have been able to access some financial support from the Regional Collaboration Fund to assist us with the development of the Board and we will do our best to continue to access additional resources over the forthcoming year.

Initial priorities for 2015/16 are standards of care within care homes and Domestic Violence and clearly a major issue for the Board over the next 12 months will be preparing for the implementation of the Social services and Well Being Act in April 2016. The Act places significant responsibilities on the Adult Safeguarding Boards and it will be crucial that we use the next 12 months to ensure we can rise to the requirements of the Act.

We know from both national reports and from issues closer to home that where things do go wrong the cascading of learning is vital and we will continue to ensure national and local reports are given appropriate consideration. In 2015 the Independent Review of Operation Jasmine will be published. The Adult Safeguarding Board will be key in taking forward the recommendations that arise from the report and ensuring they are implemented across Gwent.

As Chair of Board, I am also keen to ensure that there are strong links between us and the regional local Safeguarding Children’s Board. The opportunities for the sharing of learning and resources are considerable and need to be maximised to benefit vulnerable people of all ages.

Finally I would like to formally acknowledge the contributions of all Members of the Gwent Wide Adult Safeguarding Board for their support and commitment and I am confident that we are well placed to meet our forthcoming challenges.

2 Gwent Wide Adult Safeguarding Board Report 2013 - 2015   

1. WHAT IS THE GWENT-WIDE ADULT SAFEGUARDING BOARD?...... 3

2. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE BOARD?...... 3

3. WHO ARE ITS MEMBERS?...... 3

4. WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THE BOARD?...... 4

4.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE SUB GROUP...... 5

4.3 TRAINING SUB GROUP...... 5

4.5. ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICTION SUB GROUP...... 5

4.7 ADULT PRACTICE REVIEW SUB GROUP...... 5

5. OBJECTIVES...... 5

6. MONITORING OF ACTIVITY IN GWENT...... 6

7. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND SUCCESSES...... 9

THE BOARD DEVELOPMENT:...... 9

LEARNING:...... 10

SUB GROUPS: TRAINING, QUALITY ASSURANCE, POVA CO-ORDINATORS AND ADULT PRACTICE REVIEWS...... 12

8. LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS/GOOD PRACTICE...... 15

9. LOOKING FORWARD...... 16

1. WHAT IS THE GWENT-WIDE ADULT SAFEGUARDING BOARD?

1.1 The Board is the forum accountable, through its robust interagency partnership, for the strategic leadership, monitoring and reviewing of adult safeguarding practice in Gwent. It is responsible for the implementation of the All Wales Policy and Procedures for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults from abuse and Neglect 2013 and other supplementary guidance. It is also responsible for the development of local procedural guidance and associated documentation where necessary.

1.2 The Gwent-wide Adult Safeguarding Board was established in January 2011, merging the tri Council Area Adult Protection Committee arrangements in Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen and Monmouthshire, with those of Caerphilly and Newport. The Board’s creation was a proactive response to Welsh Governments commitment to the protection of adults at risk through the introduction of a legislative framework, and the anticipation that through this framework statutory regional Safeguarding Boards would be created. It served as an opportunity to collaborate across the region and to embed interagency partnership for the strategic leadership, monitoring and reviewing of adult safeguarding practice.

1.3 The Gwent-wide Adult Safeguarding Board is currently a voluntary collaboration established to improve inter-agency regional practice in protecting vulnerable adults. The Board has a role in co-ordinating and ensuring the effectiveness of regional organisations to work to safeguard adults at risk, but it is not accountable for their operational work. Each member agency of the Board remains responsible and accountable for the safeguarding service delivered in their organisations. The Safeguarding Adults Board does not have power to direct other organisations.

2. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE BOARD?

2.1 The Board’s vision is to ensure that all adults in Gwent are safeguarded effectively through partnership working and community engagement. The Board provides strong leadership, governance and accountability and promotes the rights of adults at risk to live in safety and actively works to prevent, identify and investigate alleged abuse.

3. WHO ARE ITS MEMBERS?

3.1 Since 2011 the Board has developed significantly and has achieved a shared purpose and understanding and an infrastructure to enable the Board to function. Engagement and commitment has been secured from senior representatives from all local authority areas and agency partners including Gwent Police, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Wales Probation Trust and Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations.

3.2 The Board is chaired by Dave Street – Corporate Director of Social Services in Caerphilly County Borough Council with the vice chair post being occupied by Denise Llewellyn, Director of Nursing, of Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. Its members are:

. Aneurin Bevan University Health Board . Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council – Adult Social Services . Caerphilly County Borough Council – Adult Social Services . Community Rehabilitation Company . Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations . Gwent Police . Monmouthshire County Borough Council – Adult Social Services . National Probation Service . Newport City Council – Adult Social Services . Representative of the Lead Officers, Gwent Local Authority Housing group within the region . Representative of the Regional Domestic Abuse Forum . South East Wales Emergency Duty Team . South Wales Fire and Rescue Service . Torfaen County Borough Council –Adult Social Services . Wales Ambulance Services NHS Trust

3.3 In September 2014, the Welsh Government requested all Safeguarding Board Chairs in Wales to nominate a “lead partner” for their Safeguarding Board. The lead partner is responsible for establishing the regional Safeguarding Board. It was unanimously decided that Caerphilly County Borough Council would be named as the lead partner. This was shared with Welsh Government and was later prescribed in the draft regulations and statutory guidance issued in November 2014.

4. WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THE BOARD?

Gwent-wide Adult Safeguarding Board

Engagement Quality Training Sub Adult Practice and Assurance Sub Group Review Sub Communication Group Group 5 Gwent Wide Adult Safeguarding Board Report 2013 - 2015   

4.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE SUB GROUP

4.2 The sub group supports the Board through monitoring compliance with All Wales Policy and Procedures for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults from abuse and Neglect 2013. The group undertakes relevant reviews, audits, research and investigations as directed by the Board. The group makes recommendations in light of any reviews, audits and investigations and monitors the extent to which those recommendations are carried out.

4.3 TRAINING SUB GROUP

4.4 The sub group supports the work of the Board by influencing the training provision available for staff who work with vulnerable people. The focus is to improve the consistency of training in the region, ensure the effective implementation of the All Wales Procedures and to disseminate information in respect of other relevant training, changes in law, guidance, and regional procedures to frontline staff.

4.5. ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNICTION SUB GROUP

4.6 The newly formed sub group will support the Board by engaging with adults, carers, the general public and professionals. It will co-ordinate and facilitate engagement opportunities for people which may include a wide variety methods and mechanisms. The group will also consider opportunities for citizens to participate in the work of the Board.

4.7 ADULT PRACTICE REVIEW SUB GROUP

4.8 The sub group supports the Board by making recommendations on whether an incident meets the criteria for conducting an Adult Practice Review. The Group acts as a point of contact for advice and guidance to agencies involved in conducting Adult Practice Reviews and analyses and interprets thematic learning for the Board, agencies and practitioners and supports them in implementing recommendations. 5. OBJECTIVES

The Board’s objectives and priorities for 2013-2014 were:

. Communities are engaged in prevention - Promoting awareness in, and engaging with, the community. . Services for adults safeguard their rights – setting consistent standards for staff. . Justice is achieved – ensuring the quality of safeguarding practice. . Safeguarding enables, empowers and improves quality of life – learning from and improving practice. . Partnership working is effective – ensuring governance improves safeguarding.

6. MONITORING OF ACTIVITY IN GWENT

6.1 Referral rate in Gwent.

6.2 In the year 2013/2014 there were 1732 referrals received in Gwent of which 1195 met the threshold for adult safeguarding. In the year 2014/2015 the figures were similar with the Gwent region receiving 1820 referrals of which 1028 met the threshold for adult safeguarding.

2013/2014 Torfaen Caerphilly Monmouth- Blaenau Newport GWENT shire Gwent WIDE

Total number of 486 368 280 192 406 referrals received 1732

Total that met 367 314 124 101 289 the threshold 1195

Total number of completed 153 366 176 101 289 referrals 1085

Of these, the number where the alleged victim 19 137 55 20 113 344 had a record of a previous referral

% of referrals 12% 37% 31% 20% 39% that were repeat

Number of inappropriate 119 47 104 89 71 referrals 430

% of inappropriate referrals in 24% 13% 37% 46% 17% relation to total referrals received

Total number of 396 349 338 252 485 referrals received 1820

Total that met 275 280 96 124 253 the threshold 1028

Total number of completed 177 276 283 105 253 referrals 1094

Of these, the number where the alleged victim 27 117 103 27 72 346 had a record of a previous referral

% of referrals 15% 42% 36% 26% 28% that were repeat

Number of inappropriate 121 60 55 128 59 referrals 423

% of inappropriate referrals in 31% 17% 16% 51% 15% relation to total referrals received

6.3 Data shows that in 2013/2014 physical abuse was the most prevalent category, with financial abuse and neglect closely following. This was the same for 2014/2015.

2013/2014

Type of abuse

Pysical Sexual Emotioanl Financial Neglect

292 347

63 293 170

2014/2015

6.4 The data shows that of 1085 referrals received 169 were further categorised as being domestic abuse in 2013/2014 and in 2014/2015 178 out of 1094 were. It has been

identified that not all areas in Gwent are reporting domestic abuse in adult protection consistently. This has been rectified and future data for domestic abuse should be more accurate.

Total number of types of abuse 153 366 176 101 289 suffered by 1085 victim

Of which, this number were 21 116 6 26 0 recorded as 169 domestic abuse

Total number of types of abuse 177 276 283 105 253 suffered by 1094 victim

Of which, this number were 38 79 12 8 41 recorded as 178 domestic abuse

6.5 The most common place where abuse was alleged to have taken place was in the victims own home, this was both in 2013/2014 and 2014/2015. This was followed by residential and nursing care homes.

2013/2014

460 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 135174 150 77 100 6 50 17 61 0 13 26 1 0 27 18 4 36 3 27

2014/2015

6.6 Category of vulnerability.

In 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 the most prevalent category of vulnerability was physical disability – over 65.

2013/2014

300 262 250 211 198 192 200 150 94 100 50 20 22 3 0

2014/2015

6.7 In 2013/2014 there were 216 criminal investigations in the region, of which 44 resulted in a criminal prosecution (including cautions). In 2014/2015 the number of criminal prosecutions increased to 224 yet the prosecution rate was lower at 33. In 2013/2014 There were a further 362 non-criminal investigations and 398 in 2014/2015.

Number of 25 109 29 17 36 216 criminal investigations during this period

Number of non- 62 77 83 48 92 362 criminal investigations during this period

Total number of 6 16 5 1 16 44 prosecutions / police cautions

Number of 31 89 44 18 42 224 criminal investigations during this period

Number of non- 81 54 126 46 91 398 criminal investigations during this period

Total number of 2 17 6 3 5 33 prosecutions / police cautions

6.8 The Board will consider how it validates this data and address some of the key findings above including:

. Repeat referrals – one local authorities data showed that 42% of referrals received where victims who had been abused previously.

. Prosecution rates – data for the two years show a low prosecution rate compared with how many criminal investigations were completed.

. Threshold for referral – one local authorities’ data show that 51% of referrals received were inappropriate.

7. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AND SUCCESSES

THE BOARD DEVELOPMENT:

7.1 A strategic development session was hosted by the Business Manager of the South East Wales Safeguarding Children’s Board on 6th June 2013. This served as an opportunity to share good practice and support the Board to unite as a group working to regionally agreed priorities. More recently through the Collaboration Grant provided by Welsh Government, a second development session has been held by Rob Hutchinson of Rob Hutchinson Consultancy Ltd on 6th May 2014. It was agreed at the latter development session that the regional themes and priorities for the Board moving forward were quality in residential and nursing settings, domestic abuse and prevention of abuse.

7.2 In February 2014, the Board reviewed its membership to ensure that all key agencies were represented at the appropriate level of seniority to make decisions for their organistaions. Alterations were made and a decision was made that the Director of Social Services in Newport City Council would also join the Board, providing two Directors of Social Services as part of the membership. Furthermore, in light of the Social Services & Well Being (Wales) Act 2014 stating that any provider of Probation Services is a Relevant Partner, a representative of Wales Community Rehabilitation Company was invited to become a Board member.

7.3 All sub groups of the Board have been reviewed and have been re-structured as below. A decision was made that the longstanding POVA co-ordinators group would no longer be a formal Sub Group of the Board. The Board wishes to note that positive outcomes that have been achieved in the POVA co-ordinators group and suggests that this continues to meet as a supportive regional learning forum.

Was: Now:

Training and Awareness Training

Serious Case Review Adult Practice Review

POVA coordinators Engagement and Communication

Quality Assurance Quality Assurance 14 Gwent Wide Adult Safeguarding Board Report 2013 - 2015   

LEARNING:

7.4 In 2013, Welsh Government introduced draft guidance in respect of new Adult Practice Reviews to mirror, Child Practice Reviews that were undertaken by Safeguarding Children Boards. These require agencies to work together to determine any learning following the death or serious injury of an adult at risk from abuse, neglect or exploitation. The Board piloted the new Adult Practice Review Guidance for the Torfaen serious case review JR. A Learning Event for practitioners was held from which there was positive feedback. Both the Adult Practice Review process and report have been commended for being more concise and delivering lessons learnt in a more timely way. The wider learning and recommendations are being addressed through the sub-groups.

7.5 Over the two year time frame concerned, the Board has continued to review the multi agency learn lessons action plan from Operation Jasmine and note that all actions are completed and remain monitored. In December 2013, the First Minister advised that there would be an Independent Review of Operation Jasmine and during the summer of 2014 Board agencies contributed to this. The Board has overseen the implementation of a range of actions taken to improve practice since this period and this continues to be a priority for 2015-2016.

7.6 In December 2013 the Board received a presentation from Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Information Governance Unit regarding the Wales Accord for Sharing Personal Information (WASPI). The purpose was for all agencies to improve service delivery to individuals by the lawful and routine sharing of personal data across organisations. Following this, the Board co-ordinated a mapping exercise identifying the information sharing processes already in place. The Board also provided feedback to Welsh Government requesting that consideration be given to omitting WASPI’s from the then impending Bill.

7.7 In February 2014, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board delivered a presentation on the public Inquiry into concerns in Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust. As a result of this, the Board commissioned the Training and Awareness Sub Group to develop and deliver a briefing for all provider services. The Board wished to ensure that all agencies in Gwent are aware of and can learn from the lessons identified in this inquiry.

7.8 In March 2014, the Welsh Government, through the Collaboration Grant, provided funding to the Board. A proportion of this funding was spent on the creation of new publication materials. This resulted in all Gwent authorities using the same leaflets,

posters and pop up banners as each other. Each publication has all 5 local authority details contained.

7.9 More recently, in October 2014, Welsh Government made funds available through the Delivering Transformation Grant, to fund a transformation team to support local authorities to undertake a self assessment in readiness of the Social Services and Well Being Act (Wales) 2014 that is due to be implemented in April 2016. As part of this team, an Adult Safeguarding theme lead post was created and the Board has welcomed the extra resource provided to the Board as part of that role.

7.10 The Board has acknowledged, discussed and have provided formal responses to consultations including the Social Services and Well Being (Wales) Act 2014, Adult Practice Review Guidance and the Gender Based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Bill.

7.11 In October 2014, representatives of the Gwent Anti Slavery Group attended the Board to discuss the services they provide. As a result, adult safeguarding training has been updated to reference modern slavery and the link to adult safeguarding. The Board welcomed the invitation to work more closely with the group and supports its aims to prevent, identify and investigate slavery, to deliver effective safeguarding practice and seek to ensure justice is achieved

7.12 In December 2014, the Safeguarding and Access to Justice Programe Lead for the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales attended the Board to discuss the Programme. It was noted that his role is to determine the level of abuse to older people, to ensure that a systematic approach is in place to identify those who are at risk and that victims have access to effective safeguarding support. The Board understands the need for a multi agency systematic approach in addressing domestic abuse of older people and welcomed the presentation and information.

SUB GROUPS: TRAINING, QUALITY ASSURANCE, POVA CO-ORDINATORS AND ADULT PRACTICE REVIEWS

7.13 The Training Sub Group has continued to monitor training and amend and update it as required. The training has recently been reviewed to include reference to other forms of abuse including Hate Crime, Forced Marriage and Modern Slavery. In the year 2013 to 2015 the following have received adult safeguarding training provided by local authorities, Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations and Health. Attendees include social services staff, private sector staff, health, police and probation.

Type of training Total number of attendees: Delivered by Delivered by Delivered by LA’s: GAVO ABUHB through E- Learning, 13/14 14/15 13/14 14/15 13/14 14/15

Basic awareness (typically 2hours) 141 216 207 182 80 introduction/Induction Awareness raising (typically one day) 1016 534 31 2270 1253

Awareness raising refresher (typically ½ 455 771 10 day) Non-Criminal Investigation 208 132 40

DLM training 17 10 764 537

Other bespoke training 13 43 80

Working with alleged perpetrators 42

Peer POVA 11 55

Advanced POVA training 54

7.13 The Training Sub Group has supported the sharing of a new form of training referred to as “Peer POVA training”. Caerphilly County Borough Council piloted adult safeguarding training for vulnerable adult groups delivered by volunteer members of the public and has since shared this initiative with sub group members. It is envisaged that Newport and Monmouthshire will introduce this training in 2015.

7.15 The Training Sub group co-ordinated a Gwent response to World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2014 by holding public awareness raising events in local supermarkets. These events were held in all areas with the use of the Gwent publication materials recently created. This served as an opportunity to engage with the public and raise awareness of the safeguarding service local authorities provide. The Sub group hopes to build on this in future years.

7.16 The Training Sub Group created an events calendar in order that sub group members could represent the Board and raise awareness of adult protection on a Gwent-wide basis. Using the new publication materials, stands have been held at the annual Aneurin

Bevan University Health Board Nursing Conference and a workshop was run at the 2013 Substance Misuse Treatment Provider Conference “Working in Partnership”. It is envisaged that further events will be attended in 2015/2016.

7.17 The Training Sub group has taken forward the learning from recommendations made in the Francis report and have built this into a briefing for all providers. These are to be rolled out in all local authorities.

7.18 The Training Sub group also considered a means to formally standardise non-criminal investigation training. Options were presented to the Board however due to differing service delivery models in local authorities, changes were not made at this time.

7.19 Through the POVA coordinators Sub Group a further new training initiative for practitioners who work with alleged perpetrators was shared. This was developed in Caerphilly County Borough Council and has since been delivered in all five local authority areas. This training targeted practitioners who work with families who provide care for a vulnerable adult, whose actions are, or have the potential to become abusive, neglectful or cause harm to the vulnerable adult. This has proved to be useful training for social work staff and has in some local authority areas been re run for more staff to attend.

7.20 During the two year period there has been one Serious Case Review (SCR) completed for the Torfaen area and one Adult Practice Review (APR) again completed in Torfaen. The SCR report was shared with the Board on 13th February 2014 and lessons learnt from the case have been disseminated throughout the area. The APR reached a conclusion in September 2014 and was shared at an extraordinary Board meeting on 16 th September 2014. The lessons learnt and recommendations have been disseminated.

OTHER UPDATES

7.21 The Board wishes to note the significant developments in the domestic abuse conference call (DACC) process and the impact that this has had on early identification and intervention for adults at risk of suffering domestic abuse. The Domestic Abuse Conference Call is a multi-agency approach to safeguard victims and families affected by domestic abuse. The purpose of the call is to share information at the earliest possible opportunity and identify measures that can be put in place to safeguard victims of domestic abuse. The DACC started in 2011 when it was initially piloted in Newport and is now active in all 5 areas. There are a number of agencies signed up to the process and include Social Services (Children’s and Adults departments), Housing Associations, Probation Services, Health, Women’s Aid, Llamau and a number of other key partner agencies. The call now focuses on 5 areas of concern in relation to Domestic Abuse. They are:

. All incidents which have been graded as high risk through the use of a DASH risk assessment. . All repeat victims / offenders. Repeat victims are defined as 2 incidents in any 12 months. . Serial victims / offenders. Where there has been more than 1 victim / offender in any 3 year period. . All vulnerable victims as per the Youth justice and criminal evidence act 1999 . Any incident which any representative feels appropriate to discuss.

7.22 Gwent Police are currently leading on a proposal to bring together regional safeguarding services for children, adults at risk and domestic abuse into one collocated resource referred to as a MASH. A Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is a place which co- locates safeguarding agencies (and their data) with a view to identifying risks to vulnerable people/children at the earliest possible point and responding with the most effective intervention. The project will scope what a co-located environment will look like and what processes will need to be in place to share information, identify risk and make informed, defensible decisions. The MASH staff will conduct rapid multi agency confidential assessments, based on shared knowledge and data so that interventions are proportionate and improve the outcomes for vulnerable people. Gwent Police are coordinating this work with dedicated input from children’s and adult services. A communication strategy is in place and it is intended that updates will be provided to the Board in due course. It is envisaged that such a service would support the consistent application of all aspects of safeguarding including thresholds, signposting and investigatory action.

8. LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS/GOOD PRACTICE

8.1 The Board wishes to acknowledge the local service developments and examples of good practice in relation to adult safeguarding. Although these have been achieved by individual organistaions, this supports the region to learn from each other and work collaboratively.

8.2 Following a review of service in Monmouthshire, more resources have been created in their POVA team resulting in a more robust response to adult safeguarding alerts. Monmouthshire County Borough Council has identified the need for more detailed training in the prevention of financial abuse. Therefore training has been commissioned from a Cardiff Law firm and is planned for March 2015.

8.3 Newport City Council have reviewed and updated many of their internal adult safeguarding protocols and procedures resulting in a more clear and concise way of working. The team has recently been involved in the adult social services inspection by CSSIW and early feedback of their adult safeguarding arrangements was positive.

Furthermore, Newport City Council has newly increased resources to the POVA team through the provision of a dedicated specialist financial investigator.

8.4 Caerphilly County Borough Council have reviewed their duty advice system and made adjustments to streamline the process and avoid duplication. Their advice form has been altered so that it can become the referral form if the threshold is reached. The seconded Aneurin Bevan University Health Board POVA coordinator post based in Caerphilly POVA team was reviewed in December 2013 and due to the positive outcomes achieved has been made a permanent post.

8.5 Blaenau Gwent’s POVA team and Supporting People Teams have been relocated to form a ‘Safeguarding Hub’. This provides direct access to preventative services commissioned by the Supporting People program when referrals are received for vulnerable people who may not be consenting to POVA or Care Management services but who require support to live safely and independently in the community. This has proved a beneficial move.

8.6 An audit and data cleansing exercise in respect of data relating to ‘health led’ non- criminal investigations was undertaken by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. The audit identified considerable anomalies in the data collection process and inconsistencies in the way the health board and the 5 local authorities were recording adult protection referrals. Following this review, a new streamlined system for raising concerns, sharing information and submitting adult protection referrals has been created. A single point of access is now in place and it is envisaged this new way of working will address the anomalies that were identified and allow meaningful data to be captured.

8.7 Torfaen Safeguarding Unit continues to work jointly in respect of Adult and Child Protection. Staff within the Unit have developed cross discipline working with positive outcomes primarily in information sharing, better informed decision making and an improved overview of issues for vulnerable persons. The Safeguarding Unit benefits from a range of professional skills and knowledge including a Senior Investigating Officer. The Unit also works in close partnership with Torfaen’s commissioning Unit which is proactive in prevention and intervention affording improved Safeguards to Vulnerable people.

9. LOOKING FORWARD

9.1 In moving forward, the Board has developed a 2015 – 2016 formal Annual Plan whereby it aims to address key issues of priority including, domestic abuse and quality of care in residential settings. Work plans for all 4 sub groups have been developed which will support the Board to achieve its objectives. By being clear about what the Board wishes to achieve, and in identifying what needs to be done to achieve them, the

Board can monitor its progress and comment formally at the end of the next financial year. The Board has considered the draft Statutory Guidance for the Safeguarding Board and aims to uphold the principles from here on. This will give the board the opportunity to prepare, learn and embrace the new regulations and prescribed ways of operating as a Board ready for implementation in April 2016.

9.2 The Social Services and Well Being Act 2014 sets out framework which will enable citizens to have a stronger voice and control over the services they receive, whether these are preventative, early intervention or in response to crisis. The newly formed engagement and communication sub group will be developed to uphold these principles by coordinating and facilitating engagement opportunities for people in our communities. This will include giving adults an opportunity to engage in activities of the Board and assist the board to achieve its objectives.

9.3 The Board also welcomes any developments from the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub Project. The vision is that all statutory agencies are co-located so that consistent robust safeguarding decisions can be made on a rapid basis, with clear lines of communication that will improve the outcomes for all adults at risk in the Gwent area.

06.08. 2015