Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The Sub Committee received a report of the Director of Community & Children’s Services which gave an overview of the Safeguarding Policy’s awareness raising campaign, ‘Notice the Signs’. The campaign was targeted at two distinct audiences: City of London employees (including Members and partner agencies) and City of London residents. Officers reported that 7 Safeguarding Champions had been appointed throughout the Corporationto improve general knowledge, understanding and awareness of the City of London Corporation’s (and its employees’) role in safeguarding children and adults at risk, and the campaign would raise awareness among local residents of what constitutes abuse and provide information and advice to ensure that they know what to do if concerned.

Officers reported that the Corporation rarely received community referrals of safeguarding concerns, which was highly unusual, and it was hoped the campaign would address this. In response to Members’ queries, officers reported that officers worked alongside charities, and that safeguarding procedures were in place to facilitate shared responsibility for third party referrals. Members were advised that communications and support available was evident to all concerned.

RESOLVED – That:

(a)  Posters for the campaign and a covering letter be placed in Members’ pigeonholes to highlight their role as Corporate Parents;

(b)  The Assistant Director of People include Members with specific safeguarding leads; and

(c)  The campaign be included in ward newsletters in November 2014.