Decision details

Cabinet considered the annual safeguarding report from the Director of Adults’ Health and Care.

With reference to the annual report, the trend of increasing demand for services and the increasing complexity of support required was highlighted. It was noted that safeguarding reviews throughout the year had provided significant learning and that service improvements had been brought forward. The introduction of liberty protection safeguards and the impact and implications of these were set out, in particular the role of senior social workers in carrying out reviews. The successful fire prevention programme, led by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, and the “see it to stop it” app, which allowed concerned individuals to make referrals were both drawn to Cabinet’s attention.

Members welcomed the report and questioned how Hampshire compared with other similar areas. It was confirmed that Essex and Kent were both experiencing a similar increase in referrals, driven by the common themes of acts of omission, self-neglect and physical abuse.

The outcomes of the enhanced support worker pilot were discussed and it was confirmed that around 40 individuals had been referred through the scheme and intervention had been possible to address risks from issues such as fire and hoarding in conjunction with a range of partners. A fuller update would be available in 12 months.

The recommendations in the report were considered and agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.