Safeguarding service to be streamlined in Wolverhampton

Councillors backed plans for a number of changes to streamline Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together at a meeting on Wednesday.

It comes after a review and face-to-face consultation was carried out on the service after a meeting was held in October.

The report said: "New arrangements take into account the outcome of the consultation which includes reducing the level of bureaucracy, sharpening the focus of the priorities and building upon the strengths of the partnership and integration of the board."

The move will boards and committees reduced to create one group of Wolverhampton Council, West Midlands Police and Wolverhampton Clinical Commissioning Group bosses.

'Ensure voices are heard'

An independent chair will be replaced by a nominated person from the partners, with "wider community" engagement undertaken to "ensure the voice" of children, families and vulnerable adults are heard.

Work carried out by the board will be scrutinised and focused on answering "what difference have we made?".

And the service will continue to safeguard by promoting and building "resilience" which supports them in staying safe.

The report said the service should also be "more" flexible, dynamic and responsive to feedback from children, young people and families.

Council bosses hope the move will help reduce "bureaucracy" in the service – whilst ensuring the partners hold each other to account.

Wolverhampton Council leader Ian Brookfield said: "It can be a very sterile name and people look and say 'what's that' about it.

"But some of the most important work that happens in the city is looking after children and our elderly people and adults with needs.

"The work that goes on to support and protect those groups of people who need support is huge.

"We should be proud of it."

The changes will come into effect from September 30 this year.