Safeguarding services praised

SAFEGUARDING services in Warrington have been rated highly by a recent peer review challenge, which took place 15-19 September.
Many areas of adult safeguarding in Warrington including social work, links between partners, leadership, training, staff attitude and advocacy were praised in the review.
A peer challenge is not an inspection – rather it is a supportive but challenging ‘critical friend’ approach to assist councils and their partners in celebrating their strengths and identifying their own area for improvement.
When reporting their findings the peer review team said: “There is a lot to be proud of in Warrington and effective practice is keeping people safe. There is a positive culture of openness and reflection and a team of committed, positive and skilled staff who are proud of what they do and have the right values and a lot of integrity.
Cllr Pat Wright, (pictured) the council’s lead member for health and wellbeing, said: “The results of the review have shown that we have a lot to be proud of in Warrington. The review has indicated that vulnerable people in Warrington receive the support that they need with a co-ordinated multiagency approach. This is well deserved news for everyone who works together to protect vulnerable adults in the borough and the results have given us a real drive to take plans forward and build on our strengths.
“We have already started working on the areas that were identified for improvement, such as the strategic commissioning of services, providing feedback, and strengthening councillor awareness. I am confident we can become even more effective in delivering improved outcomes for adults who use our services.”
Warrington’s Safeguarding Adults Board (WSAB), the multi-agency strategic body which oversees safeguarding activity in Warrington was quoted by the team as ‘making a real difference.’
Audrey Williamson, Independent Chair of the WSAB said: “We know that when all agencies and organisations work together it is more likely that vulnerable adults are kept safe and protected. This review confirmed that our partnership, including police, health, the council and the voluntary sector is strong and committed. We will continue to work together in Warrington to ensure that safeguarding adults in the borough remains everyone’s business.”
The review investigated safeguarding practices across the town, within the council and externally with partners.
Senior officers of the council, health commissioners and providers, and the police have held workshop to support the development of an action plan to keep the services up to their high standard.
The final report is due out in four weeks’ time.