Minutes of the Meeting held
on Thursday 16 April 2015
in the Filby Room, Police Headquarters, Jubilee House, Falconers Chase,
Wymondham, Norwich NR18 0WW
Present:
Joan Maughan – Independent Chair
Nigel Andrews – Tenancy Support Manager, Norwich City Council
Lorna Bright – Assistant Director, Social Work, Adult Social Care (also representing Harold
Bodmer)
Nick Davison – Chief Superintendent, Norfolk Constabulary
Stuart Horth – Head of Community Safety, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service
James Kearns – Chief Executive Officer, BUILD, Norwich
Christine Macdonald – Development Manager, Healthwatch, Norfolk
Elizabeth Morgan – County Councillor, Norfolk County Council
Kate Rudkin – Head of Development and Operations, Age UK, Norfolk
Jane Sayer – Director of Nursing, Quality & Patient Safety, Norfolk & Suffolk NHS
Foundation Trust
Ian Sturgess – Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator, Police & Crime Commissioner’s Officer
(representing Jenny McKibben)
William Styles – Govenor, HMP Norwich
Mark Talbot – Vice Chair, ARMC
Mark Taylor – Chief Officer, Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Groups
Helen Thacker – Manager, Safeguarding Adults Board
Jan Cant – Business Support Officer, Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board
Item
Minute
Declarations of Interest - None reported
1
Apologies for Absence
Jenny McKibben – Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner,
Police & Crime Commissioner’s Office (representative Ian
Sturgess)
Jackie Schneider – Head of Patient Safety and Clinical
Quality, North Norfolk CCG
2
Welcome and Introductions
The Chair welcomed all to the meeting confirming it was
the first meeting of the newly established strategic Norfolk
Safeguarding Adults Board. It was noted that it was
intentional to have a smaller membership and would be at
an executive level. Any individual delegated to represent
their organisation at meetings would be expected to have
appropriate level of responsibility and authority to make
Action
decisions on the full member’s behalf.
Vacancies on the NSAB, representatives to be confirmed
include
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3
District Council, Chief Executives
Lay representative
Probation Service (due to retirement of Sarah
Wardley)
Norfolk independent health provider
Confirmation of any part of the minutes that is
exempt under the Freedom of Information Act
State if Whole report or the Section number(s) involved:None
Exemption(s):- None
4
Approval of Minutes
Amendment: Apologies for absence at the meeting held
on 21 January 2015 to be recorded for James Kearns.
The group agreed that the minutes of the 21 January
2015 represented an accurate record of that meeting and
they were to be finalised.
Signed as a definitive record of the meeting.
(Joan Maughan, Chair of the meeting)
5
Matters Arising from the previous meeting
Item 2: Matters Arising – confirmed that meeting with
Norman Lamb will be followed up after the general
elections in early May. Norman Lamb’s assistant has
confirmed that he continues to have a big interest in
safeguarding issues in Norfolk and, if appropriate after
elections, would be willing to meet with representatives
from NSAB.
Item 4 News Desk (Housing) – Reported that the new
Housing Subgroup had held very useful meetings and
2
SAB
Manager
had agreed their Terms of Reference, adding more
organisations to their membership list, including East of
England Ambulance Service, Fire and Rescue service
and Police. The Chair, Nigel Andrews, is working closing
with Walter Lloyd-Smith, Chair of Learning, Development
and Policy Subgroup on a prevention of self neglect
strategy. On track for it to be completed by December
2015.
Discussion paper “Self-neglect as a category of abuse” by
Walter had been tabled to inform the board.
It was requested that all board members take time to read ALL
the discussion paper and send any comments to Nigel
(nigel.andrews@norwich.gov.uk) as soon as possible.
It was confirmed that there would be more in depth
discussion of the complex issues around self neglect at
the next board meeting. Self neglect continues to be
placed on the board’s Risk Register as a concern.
Item 4 News Desk (Peer Review) - It was reported that
the final meeting, before formal sign-off on 1 June 2015,
will be held on 23 April 2015 to look at any outstanding
actions that need to be taken or brought to the board’s
attention. Update on completion of Peer Review 2014 –
2015 to be given at next meeting.
Item 4 News Desk (Safeguarding Adults Review – SAR) –
Following the implementation of the new Care Act a
review of the SAR Policy, Procedures and referral form
(SAR1) has been necessary to reflect new definitions of
abuse and to reflect learning from current SAR being
held. It is hoped that all updated documents will be
completed by 12 May 2015. New documents will be
published on the NSAB website and circulated as widely
as possible.
Discussed concerns that there is lack of understanding of
the criteria for referral for a SAR and the need for clear
guidance, including the purpose for an SAR as a route for
learning and not a vehicle to name and shame. It was
noted that it can be an expensive, long drawn out process
but there is a statutory requirement for the NSAB to
commission SARs and to secure appropriate funding.
Item 9 Open Space (DWP) – It was confirmed that DWP
will be attending the Central LSAP are keen to be
involved with all Locality Safeguarding Adults
3
SAB
Manager
Partnerships.
Item 9 Open Space (Restructure) – Confirmed that
minutes/reports from Subgroups and LSAPs will now be
presented at the NSAB Business Group meetings. The
Chair of the new business Group will be a member of the
strategic board.
6
Newsdesk
Making safeguarding personal (MSP) – MSP is a
national initiative involving people who have experienced
the safeguarding process being asked what they would
like to be achieved, if expected outcome not achieved
questioning if expectations were realistic or changes
needed in organisations that support them through it.
MSP has been embedded in local authority safeguarding
adults process with a questionnaire to be completed at
the end of investigations. Responses are collated with
analysis and feedback given to the SAB Manager. Any
concerns will be raised with Risk & Performance
Subgroup and/or NSAB as necessary.
Health Advisory Group – It was reported that a new
NSAB Health Advisory Group had now been convened
with the inaugural meeting being held on 20 April 2015.
Chair for the first meeting will be Jackie Schneider. The
first meeting was to formalise the role of the Chair,
including ensuring an appropriate representative on the
board and to draft a terms of reference.
Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR) – detail redacted
Public Protection Board - Regional Partnership Chairs’
Meeting – It was reported that the Chair now attends the
Partnership Chairs’ Meeting (soon to be known as the
Public Protection Board). The group covers both children
and adult abuse. Topics so far discussed have included
shared issues regarding domestic abuse and deprivation
of liberty. It was noted that the Coroner requires
notification when a vulnerable adult dies, in particular
when there are multi-agency common interests.
Back log of Deprivation of Liberty (DoL) referrals – it was
reported that the local authority was now in receipt of a
capital payment to help clear the back log of DoL referrals
that has arisen following the Cheshire and West ruling.
The large number of pending assessmentshas been
placed on the NSAB risk register.
4
The Police are running an Honour Based Abuse, Forced
Marriages and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) task and
finish workshop 22 June 2015 to explore Norfolk’s
response – request for a member to represent the board
on the task and finish group. Nominations to be send to
Helen Thacker (helen.thacker@norfolk.gov.uk) as soon
as possible.
ALL
Annual Report (April 2014 to March 2015) – confirmed
that there is now a requirement for an annual report to be
produced by the board. A final draft will be collated and
sent for editing shortly. It was noted that audited financial
accounts would not be included but may be added as an
addendum at a later stage. The final report will be
presented to the Adult Social Care Committee on the 11
May 2015 and published on the NSAB website. A limited
number of hard copies will also be produced for all board
members.
7
Risk & Performance Subgroup
Kate Rudkin (Chair) reported that the group had spent a
large proportion of time working on a safeguarding adults
performance dash board. A final version will be complete
and shared for discussion at the next meeting.
The risk register had been reviewed following the
implementation of the new Care Act and had required
new headings. The risk register will be aligned with the
board’s business plan to mitigate risks. LSAPs have
been asked to comment on the new format before being
presented to the board at the next meeting.
Discussed the potential to add a governance section to
the risk register that could highlight any concerns
regarding poor governance, accountability, knowledge
base and attendance at board. It was noted that this is
included in the frame work of the Charity Commission risk
register.
Concerns were shared regarding risks of lack of
information sharing between agencies. It was
acknowledged that many examples could be shared by
board members of incidents within their organisations
when information was not shared, in particular when a
legal steer or concerns that senior managers would not
support individual’s decision had delayed any action.
It was noted that there are already signatories of statutory
agencies to an information sharing protocol but that there
5
Kate Rudkin
Kate Rudkin
continues to be difficulties in sharing and accessing
important information.
It was reported that Sheila Lock, Director of Children
Services, is working closely with the Chair to produce a
joint protocol to reduce barriers for information sharing.
Confirmed that Sheila’s paper will come to the NSAB to
be reviewed and ratification.
8
Governance Group
Reported that the Governance Group of the NSAB will be
a ‘virtual’ subgroup of the board. Membership
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Harold Bodmer – representing Norfolk County
Council
Mark Taylor – representing Health
Nicholas Dean – representing Police
This is not a leadership group but will advise the NSAB
Chair on any particular issues of governance or oversight
of anything that appears not to be meeting requirements
of the new Care Act. They will also have an over view of
the board’s budget requirements, sharing costs as equal
partners, in particular for Safeguarding Adult Reviews.
It is not expected that this group will have regular face to
face meetings but issues will be discussed via email.
Face to face meetings will be called when required.
9
NSAB Constitution - ratification
Discussed details of the NSAB constitution as previously
circulated to all members of the board. Confirmed that all
SABs now require an approved constitution following the
implementation of the new Care Act.
Reference 2 – the role of the Chair to be included in
Section 2 (Purpose) as well as in Section 6 (Role of
Independent Chair).
Reference 4.2 - Guidance was request from the board on
the expectations of members who represent potentially a
large volume of private sector agencies, including care
providers and voluntary organisations. How performance
of the information being fed in and out of the board
meetings and communications can be measured.
Discussed the necessity for clear organisational pathways
for communication, including involvement of forums within
6
Joan
Maughan
the voluntary and private sector. It was acknowledged
that providers do have a responsibility to inform and, with
the use of an informative website, should be able to
access clear and useful information and contact details.
Concerns were shared regarding the need to develop a
joint multi agency approach to data collection and
scrutiny.
Providers of housing services to be added to the named
member agencies.
Joan
Maughan
Ref 11.2/11.3 – ensure copies of annual report are sent to Joan
Chief Executives of housing providers and district
Maughan
councils via board members.
Reference to be made within the document to criteria for
Joan
referral to and function of the Safeguarding Adults Review Maughan
panel.
Whilst every effort had been made to ensure the NSAB
would be able to approve a constitution and governance
at meeting, minor changes would be required before
ratification.
It was noted that until formal approval achieved the NSAB
would remain without a required constitution.
10
Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation Trust – presentation by
Jane Sayer
The Chair welcomed Jane Sayer, Director of Nursing,
Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation Trust and outlined the
reasons for the request to invite the NSFT to assure the
board that they could be confident that, following the CQC
inspection in October 2014, the trust is moving forward
with improvements to their service. The board not only
wished to seek assurance but also to be supportive to the
trust in any way it could.
It was reported that a monthly mental health stake
holders meeting had been established, although an
internal group, a representative from the board would be
welcome. Lorna Bright to attend meetings to represent
the NSAB and report to the board as appropriate. The
group has an overview of the NSFT action plan and how
its implementation is impacting on staff and
patients/service users.
More joint working with other agencies had been
7
Lorna Bright
encouraged, including police working on in-patient units.
Funding for more mental health nurses and more
government funding for services in mental health for
young people had been achieved.
Discussed concerns that the board wished to raise
concerns regarding mental health providers with local MP
(also Minister for Health) Norman Lamb prior to the call
for a general election. It was recommended that a wider
group from the board are invited to join the Chair and
NSAB Business Manager if a meeting is secured with Mr
Lamb or appropriate Minister after the elections in May
2015.
11
SAB
Manager
Prisons and Adult Safeguarding – presentation by
Will Styles
The Chair welcomed Will Styles, Governor, Norwich
Prison who had been invited to inform the board on how
Norfolk prisons are affected by safeguarding adults policy
and procedures.
It was reported that more referrals had now been
received by the local authority, for care and support
assessments, following on from Jo Cook’s (Operational
Head of Integrated Care, Adult Social Services) excellent
work, working closely with the prison service, and helping
to set up procedures and appropriate routes into social
services for vulnerable prisoners.
Discussed the criteria required to meet social care
services, sometimes confusing for prison staff. It was
recognised that prisoners who have served their country
in the armed forces are provided with as much support as
possible to enable them to access appropriate services.
It was noted that there is an increase in the age of
prisoners as well as longer sentencing. More sex
offenders are receiving custodial sentences, potentially
because of high profile celebrity cases in the media.
Prisoners can also be victims of abuse, often with the
need for earlier intervention of service. Prisoners
potentially have more opportunity to self-harm and a
higher suicide rate.
Helen Thacker invited appropriate prison staff to talk/meet
Safeguarding Practice Consultants in MASH to discuss
how criteria is applied for a safeguarding referral. Contact Will Styles
can be made with Helen to arrange this.
8
12
Election of Vice Chair
Request was made for nominations for Vice Chair. No
nomination was put forward.
13
A Vice Chair is required by the board to deputise for the
Chair, in particular if they are unable to attend a board
meeting. The Chair urged members of the board to
consider themselves be put forward for the role of Vice
Chair and contact her directly to discuss details.
Any other business
ALL
New NSAB Manager
With many congratulations to Helen Thacker for her
successful appointment to a new role of Head of Service
– Safeguarding, Adult Social Care, the Chair advised the
board that the position of NSAB Manager will be
advertised shortly for new appointment as soon as
possible.
The Chair extended many thanks to Helen for all that she
had achieved in the short time she had been in post and
that she had been an extremely effective business
manager for the board.
Board Restructure
The Chair invited the board to share any views on the first
meeting of the restructured board.
It was noted that a smaller executive level membership of
the board had achieved more business within the time
and that the newsdesk items had been very helpful. The
agenda had considered more strategic items without the
need to discuss in detail reports from subgroups and
LSAPs (which will now form part of the new Business
Group meetings).
The members were pleased to see that fewer papers
were needed for the meeting and that invited
presentations had been informative and interesting.
Recommendation that board members measure the
outcome of each meeting by asking themselves “What
ALL
have we done over the last 3 hours to make people at risk
in Norfolk, safer?”
14
Date of next meetings (please note dates for 2016
have now been set as detailed below)
9
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Wednesday 15 July 2015
Thursday 15 October 2015
Thursday 7 January 2016
Thursday 3 March 2016
Thursday 5 May 2016
Thursday 7 July 2016
Thursday 6 October 2016
NB: all meetings will be held from 10am to 1pm
All meetings will be held in Filby Room, Police
Headquarters, Jubilee House, Falconers Chase,
Wymondham, Norfolk NR18 0WW
Parking is available at Waitrose (across the road from
Police Headquarters). Please park in the numbered bays
closest to the footpath leading to the Police
Headquarters. No identification/parking permit is required
on your car.
10
Actions from NSAB held on 16 April 2015
Item
5
5
5
6
Action
Lead
Meeting with Norman Lamb to be followed up after the
elections in early May 2015 if appropriate.
Requested all board members read tabled discussion
paper “Self-neglect as a category of abuse” by Walter
and forward comments to Nigel Andrews
nigel.andrews@norwich.gov.uk as soon as possible.
Update on completion of Peer Review 2014 - 2015 at
next meeting.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) task and finish
workshop 22 June 2015 – request for a member to
represent the board on the task and finish group.
Nominations to be send to Helen Thacker as soon as
possible.
SAB Manager
Nigel Andrews/All
members of NSAB
SAB Manager
ALL
7
Performance Dash Board to be shared for discussion
at the next meeting.
Kate Rudkin
7
Risk Register presented to the board at the next
meeting
Minor Changes to Constitution:
Kate Rudkin
9
Joan Maughan
Ref 2 - the role of the Chair to be included in Section 2
(Purpose) as well as in Section 6 (Role of Independent
Chair).
Ref 4.2 - Providers of housing services to be added to
the named member agencies.
Ref 11.2/11.3 – ensure copies of annual report are
sent to Chief Executives of housing providers and
district councils via board members.
Reference to be made within the document to criteria
for referral to and function of the Safeguarding Adults
Review panel.
9
10
10
Copy of SAR1 form to be sent to Stuart Horth
Representative for the board at monthly mental health
stake holders meetings convened by NSFT
A representational group from the board are invited to
join the Chair and NSAB Business Manager at meeting
with Norman Lamb or appropriate Minister after the
elections in May 2015. (see 5 above)
11
Jan Cant
Lorna Bright
SAB Manger
11
12
13
Appropriate prison staff invited to talk/meet
Safeguarding Practice Consultants in MASH to discuss
how criteria is applied for a safeguarding referral.
All members of the board to consider themselves be
put forward for the role of Vice Chair and contact Joan
Maughan (NSAB Chair) directly to discuss details.
Recommendation that board members measure the
outcome of each meeting by asking themselves “What
have we done over the last 3 hours to make people in
Norfolk at risk safer?”
12
Helen Thacker
ALL
ALL