To seek Cabinet’s approval and formal adoption of the updated Safeguarding Policy and Procedures (2026-2027) as the Council’s safeguarding framework, in line with Cabinet’s constitutional responsibility for strategic policy.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)     formally adopts the updated Safeguarding Policy and Procedures (2026-2027) as the Council’s formal safeguarding framework, in line with its executive responsibility for strategic policy;

(b)     notes that the Safeguarding Handbook for Staff and any associated staff-related safeguarding procedures will be presented to a future meeting of the Human Resources and Council Tax Committee for approval, in accordance with its constitutional remit; and

(c)     authorises the Assistant Director (People), in consultation with the Portfolio Holders with responsibility for safeguarding and the Head of Paid Service, to make any further amendments to the Safeguarding Policy and Procedures and associated policies as may be required to ensure compliance with future changes to safeguarding legislation.

Cabinet considered a joint report of the Corporate Finance & Governance Portfolio Holder and the Assets & Community Safety Portfolio Holder (A.9) which sought Cabinet’s approval and formal adoption of the updated Safeguarding Policy and Procedures (2026-2027) as the Council’s safeguarding framework, in line with Cabinet’s constitutional responsibility for strategic policy.

Members were reminded that the Council had a statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people, and adults with care and support needs. The updated Safeguarding Policy and Procedures (2026–2027) established the Council’s strategic approach to fulfilling those duties in line with the Children Act 1989, the Care Act 2014, and other relevant legislation.

The Policy was reviewed annually by Officers to ensure compliance with current legislation, statutory guidance, and best practice. This review also considered enhancements to strengthen governance and operational clarity. The latest update reflected recent changes in safeguarding legislation, guidance from the Essex Safeguarding Boards, and recommendations from the Independent Review of Prevent (2023). In developing and delivering safeguarding training, the Council would continue to work closely with Essex County Council to ensure content reflected practical, up to date guidance, including areas such as safeguarding considerations for children who might be missing from education.

Cabinet was informed that mandatory safeguarding training continued to be delivered via the Council’s e-learning platform, alongside Prevent Awareness Training for all staff. The Policy applied to all Council services, staff, volunteers, contractors, and grant funded organisations. It embedded safeguarding within recruitment processes, including DBS checks for identified roles, and formed part of the employee induction programme. The Assistant Director (People) remained the named Senior Officer for whistleblowing complaints, working with Designated Safeguarding Lead(s) and senior management on formal safeguarding referrals. The Corporate Director (Operations and Delivery), continued to hold the statutory Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) role for children and a non-statutory role for adults, in line with Essex County Council procedures.

It was reported that the accompanying Safeguarding Handbook for Staff provided detailed guidance on recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns, reporting procedures, whistleblowing protocols, and staff responsibilities. It promoted a multi-agency approach and reinforced the role of Safeguarding Champions across directorates.

Cabinet was responsible, under the Council’s Constitution, for determining and approving strategic policies. In line with this responsibility, Cabinet was asked to approve and adopt the updated Safeguarding Policy and Procedures as the Council’s formal safeguarding framework. The Human Resources and Council Tax Committee would subsequently consider and approve the Safeguarding Handbook for Staff and related employment procedures at a future meeting, ensuring consistency with Human Resources governance arrangements.

Adoption of the revised Safeguarding Policy and Procedures was essential to ensure the Council remained compliant with current statutory requirements and the updated framework provided Officers with clear authority and accountability for consistent application across all services, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to being a fair, supportive, and legally compliant employer, and therefore:-

It was moved by Councillor Kotz, seconded by Councillor Placey and:-

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)     formally adopts the updated Safeguarding Policy and Procedures  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110