Agenda item

To receive a report from the Head of Democratic Services presenting a progress update from the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB), including details of the LSAB Annual Report for 2019/20 and the Strategic Plan for April 2020 – March 2023.

The Head of Democratic Services submitted a report that presented a progress update from the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB), including details of the LSAB Annual Report for 2019/20 and the Strategic Plan for April 2020 – March 2023.

The following were in attendance:

-  Councillor Rebecca Charlwood, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adults

-  Cath Roff, Director of Adults and Health

-  Shona McFarlane, Deputy Director, Social Work and Social Care Services

-  Richard Jones CBE, Independent Chair of the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board

-  Emma Mortimer, Safeguarding Adults Board Manager

The Independent Chair of the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board introduced the report, highlighting the work ongoing to ensure that the Board’s work is driven by lived experiences by engaging with different groups and working in partnerships with other organisations, to continue to meet individual’s outcomes by mitigating and reducing risk. In relation to COVID-19, Members were advised that the Safeguarding Adults Board had undertaken a project to understand the impact of COVID-19, noting some of the key challenges, areas of concerns, and learning from across the health and care sector.

Members discussed a number of matters, including:

·  Data and trends for referrals during 2019/20. In response to a query, Members were advised that the safeguarding referrals initially reduced at the beginning of the pandemic, however, referrals have more recently begun to move on an upwards trajectory. Members also queried the depiction of overlapping forms of abuse within the data provided. Members were advised that the categories as set out in the report are identified by central government and referrals are categorised by the primary concerns. It was also confirmed that the figures relate to referrals, and therefore a number of referrals may be associated with a single individual.

·  Mapping of cases to identify need for additional services and support. Members suggested that future reports identify areas of Leeds with high figures of abuse, to evidence increased risk of some forms of abuse in more deprived wards. Members were advised that abuse is not defined by socioeconomic groups, due to the range of forms of abuse that happens in all settings, including commissioned services. However, it was noted that more detailed geographical analysis could be provided to Board Members.

·  Engaging with faith groups. Members noted the cases of child and adult sexual abuse within religious and faith settings, and sought more information on the engagement with these groups. Members were advised that teams work with communities to offer support and training, including social care with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

·  Board-level audit. Members were advised that the Leeds Safeguarding Adults Board are progressing new audit processes to understand people’s experiences during the safeguarding process.

·  Instances of financial scamming increasing due to COVID-19. In response to a query, it was noted that the Board continues to work collaboratively with partners as the challenge and threat of fraudulent activity continues to develop. 

RESOLVED –

a)  That the contents of the report, along with Members comments, be noted;

b)  That the information requested from Members (as set out above) be provided.