Issue - meetings

Councillor Harlow, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, outlined the recommendations of the Executive for the implementation of the Council’s updated Safeguarding Policy.  It was proposed that the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, would be delegated authority to update the Policy to take into account future changes.

RESOLVED

That (i)    the Safeguarding Policy dated April 2022, attached at Appendix 1 to the report, be implemented with a formal review every two years; and

          (ii)   the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, be given delegated authority to update the Policy when changes occur, as informed through countywide safeguarding networks and lead officer/member groups.

Reporting Person – Louise Strongitharm

The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Councillor Harlow, outlined a report proposing the implementation of the updated Safeguarding Policy for the Authority.  The policy would ensure that the Council continued to safeguard children and adults at risk of harm, and support staff, Councillors, volunteers and relevant external services to stay updated on safeguarding practices.

Councillor Barker enquired after the division of responsibilities between Woking Borough Council and Surrey County Council and asked whether guidance had yet been received from the Government on the support for Ukrainian refugees.  It was noted that the revised Policy included signposting to original sources of information, largely gathered by the Surrey Safeguarding Children’s Partnership and Adults Board.  In respect of support for Ukrainian refugees, whilst guidance had not yet been received from the Government, the Council had drawn up its own checklist for assessing suitable properties and had already undertaken some home visits.  In terms of safeguarding measures, it was not yet clear whether this would fall to the County Council or the Borough Council.

REcommended to Council

That  (i)    the Safeguarding Policy dated April 2022, attached at Appendix 1 to the report, be implemented with a formal review every two years; and

          (ii)   the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, be given delegated authority to update the Policy when changes occur, as informed through countywide safeguarding networks and lead officer/member groups.

Reason:   To ensure Woking Borough Council’s Safeguarding practice is current and agreed at all levels.