A new partnership to safeguard children. Why were we required to change? Wood review report (2016) findings resulted in the introduction of statutory legislation (Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018) which replaced Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) with a Safeguarding Partnership. New Safeguarding Partnership is led by Health partnership via the CCGs; Sussex Police and the local authority as equal and joint partners. Statutory deadline of 29 June 2019 for LSCBs to publish new arrangements. Changes are designed to enable partners to determine what will work most effectively in their area: expected to be flexible and innovative. Wood review report quote “The cost of the current arrangements to key agencies such as the police, health and local government is not sustainable. Too much of practice leaders’ time is taken up in servicing the architecture of multi-agency arrangements.”

Key Functions of the West Sussex Safeguarding Children Partnership Children are safeguarded, and their welfare promoted. Partner organisations and agencies collaborate, share and co- own the vision for how to achieve improved outcomes for vulnerable children. Organisations and agencies challenge appropriately and hold one another to account. There is early identification and analysis of new safeguarding issues and emerging threats. Learning is promoted and embedded in a way that local services for children and families can become more reflective and implement changes to practice.

The new WSSCP Arrangements: Headlines Streamlined Steering Group to drive improvement and robust scrutiny and challenge. Wider Partnership focussed on Engagement and Impact Pan Sussex Steering Group – meets twice a year – focus on overview and Pan Sussex arrangements Revisions to the Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP): work across an increased geographical footprint. Changes to how the Partnership learns from incidents in which a child dies or is seriously harmed. Practitioner led forum - provides a direct link between WSSCP senior leadership and frontline staff . Actively involves key partners. Partners can articulate and communicate a clear vision across the local partnership. Clear understanding of Local Need and data based on local strategic needs analysis. Clear vision for multi agency practice shared with all staff. Ensures a joined up approach with other local strategic bodies e.g. HWB, SAB, CSP’s and across Sussex. Partnership is grounded in professional practice. Strong support, challenge and scrutiny within the multi-agency system. Creates a learning culture. Engages children and young people in strategic development. That we can evidence impact!

The role of the WSSCP is STILL to …. Ensure that all those working with children in the local area work together effectively to keep children safe and promote their welfare Scrutinise the quality of the safeguarding work delivered by agencies to ensure it is improving children and young people’s lives Make sure the children’s workforce have the skills they need to safeguard children effectively