Issue - meetings

Resolved: the committee thanked the chair of the LSAB and noted the report.

Professor Michael Preston-Shoot (Independent Chair, Lewisham Safeguarding Adults Board) introduced the report. The following key points were noted:

3.1       The Lewisham Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) is well established. It is well supported by the council, the police and the Lewisham CCG, and has good engagement from third-sector organisations. It has good budget contributions from the council and the CCG as well as contributions from the two local NHS trusts. There are no current concerns about the health of the LSAB.

3.2       The LSAB has completed two safeguarding reviews – a third is in progress. One potential concern is that all the reviews have related to men of African/Caribbean origin, and two have related to mental health.

3.2       People who may have previously relied on lower-level support are increasingly finding that it is no longer available and as a result are increasingly at risk of experiencing significant harm, which eventually comes to the notice of the council. This means that many referrals are demonstrating increased acuity and complexity. This trend is expected to continue.   

The committee asked a number of questions. The following key points were noted:

3.3       The committee queried whether there is enough training on adult safeguarding for councillors and council staff.

3.4       Adult safeguarding training has been provided for councillors and can be repeated annually, or more frequently if required. Safeguarding training for council staff is monitored alongside training for police and health staff. Council staff have received the required level of safeguarding training.

3.6       The committee asked about the level of awareness of safeguarding issues among the wider public.

3.7       Awareness of safeguarding among the wider public is variable. This is why the LSAB is holding an awareness raising conference in November aimed at the third sector. The LSAB has also run faith-based training which resulted in the appointment of adult safeguarding champions in faith groups in Lewisham.

3.8       The committee expressed concern about the operation of unregulated providers.

3.9       The LSAB knows where most of the unregulated providers are and the council (with its partners) is using its statutory powers to address this issue. Unregulated providers are an area of concern across London and elsewhere in England. The Chair of the LSAB suggested that the Department of Health and Social Care should consider extended regulation in the hope of raising standards in the sector.

Resolved: the committee thanked the chair of the LSAB and noted the report.