Safeguarding Whose business is it anyway? Randal McHugh Trust Adult Safeguarding Specialist

The role of the TASS Part of the governance arrangements of the Trust. Oversee the implementation and quality assurance of Safeguarding policies. Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all vulnerable people engaged in Trust services Be actively involved and in the coordination and management of potential or suspected abuse

The Safeguarding role extends across all sectors Community Acute Nursing Residential Supported living Criminal Justice system

Who is involved in complex cases? DHSSPS HSCB Trusts PHA DBS Coroners Office Health and Safety Executive Community, Private/voluntary sector/employers Commissioner for older people RQIA Members of the public Professional regulatory bodies BSO

TrustNursing Home Residential home Total SEHSCT NHSCT BHSCT WHSCT SHSCT Total TrustNursing Home Residential home Total SEHSCT NHSCT BHSCT WHSCT SHSCT Total Independent Sector Homes Number of registered beds

Challenges of coordinating a complex investigation (Multiagency) Who takes the lead? Differences in organisational structures Differences organisational governance structures. Establishing effective communication infrastructures across a wide range of stakeholders Negotiating delegated responsibility and accountability at each stage of the process. Managing the media( from a public interest to sensationalised reporting) Political

Challenges for Trusts Different organisational structures within Trusts Consistency in the application of the regional policies and procedures and the surrounding governance arrangements. Complexities of coordinating other public sector agencies outside Trust boundaries Sharing the Learning How services are commissioned within Trusts- Independent sector service provision. Ensuring that safeguarding procedures are embedded in the Statutory & Independent sectors. Resource intense Implications for service provision

Good News!! Safeguarding has been given recognition and priority from HSCB There has been investment year on year to support structures to deliver safeguarding agenda. Increase in self referral from community/voluntary sector Increased awareness in grass roots practice in relation to safeguarding. Number of cases that have been successfully investigated and managed safely. Moving towards the development of a serious case review process.

No room for complacency !! We have learned through the process The need for continued effective interagency working Highly developed communication systems that reach across organisations and Trusts. The need to promote public awareness The need for organisations to be open and transparent.

Whose business is it?? “Safeguarding is the business of every one” Edwin Poots Northern Ireland Minister Of Health