Agenda item

The Board to receive an update on the developments in provision for CSE.

Amanda Davis, Senior Manager, Children’s Social Care, LCC presented this item.

Amanda gave an update on developments in LCC's children's social care provision of CSE.  Following the remodelling of Children's Social Care, a review of CSE provision has been undertaken.

Amanda explained some of the findings, in particular:

Consistency, CSE teams are operating differently and it’s important we are consistent, this includes looking at staff, training, multi-agency.

The outcome of the review has been the development of an action plan, of which 19 additional permanent posts have been created for the CSE teams.  Partner agencies have been involved and agreed to drive forward this includes police, health, Barnardos, local authorities.

There is a CSE Task & Finish Delivery Group who will be looking at the action plan, this includes 5 or 6 work strands including recruitment, processes, systems, pathways, and data.

Amanda advised that they are looking at changing how they deliver services.  Simon Dent is the lead at the Police, Hazel Gregory and Sue Clarke are the Health Leads.  Anyone from CSE or domestic abuse or others are welcome to join the task and finish delivery group.  Paul Wilcox is the lead at Barnardos and Stella Stansfield at the Children’s Society.

Amanda made a request to the Board for members to contribute to the work strands by contacting the relevant lead from their agency if interested.

There has been a recruitment campaign currently underway for a variety of posts including managers, social workers, support workers and administrative posts.  The interview panel is multi agency and Amanda noted difficulties in identifying panel members, Amanda asked if anyone could spare 1 or 2 days or has any staff that could help to please let her know.

Debra Wilson advised that she will have people who will want to be part of the Task and Finish Group work strands.

Amanda advised that the vacancies are as below:

Monday 3^rd October

CSE Practice Manager based in CART, includes screening, tracking

Wednesday 5^th October

Senior Social Worker, similar role, looking at missing from home, CSE, absence from school

Tuesday 4^th October

Practice Manager, North and Central, oversight of management practice of CSE.

A discussion was had around the messages reaching the relevant departments and services and also the number of meetings.  It was agreed that the groups should link up without creating another tier.  Amanda advised that this is something they are looking at and a scoping exercise is due to take place to see if all meetings/groups are needed and how work can be streamlined.

Amanda advised that the vacancies should be filled and in post by the beginning of the year.

The Chair thanked Amanda for attending and asked if further information on sub-groups when they meet etc. and details of the recruitment to be sent through to us for circulation.  Rebecca explained it was all positive and that we would share in our organisations what is happening.

Amanda advised that she could arrange for Sarah Quick, Team Manager to attend the group regularly.

Rebecca agreed this would be useful and also if Amanda could pass on the groups concerns over multiple groups looking at CSE.