Agenda item - Brighton & Hove Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Update 2024-25

Report of the Independent Chair of the Safeguarding Adults Board (copy attached).

6.1      This item was presented by Seona Douglas, Independent Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) Chair, and by Guy Jackson, SAB Business Manager.

6.2      Ms Douglas explained how the SAB operates, noting that all partners are committed to their work with the Board. Ms Douglas expressed her sadness at the recent decision to abolish local Healthwatch, as Healthwatch Brighton & Hove have done invaluable work with the SAB, ensuring that local people’s opinions are heard. Ms Douglas also praised the hard work and commitment of the SAB officers.

6.3      Ms Douglas outlined priorities for the coming year, which include doing more to capture the opinions of service users. Getting feedback from users can be challenging, but it is vital that their voices are heard. There will also be a continued focus on rough sleeping and homeless communities, and particularly on the adequacy of support for people who are housed outside the city.

6.4      Caroline Ridley noted that SAB’s rapid response service is excellent. She asked why there are relatively few contacts from 18-24 year olds. Ms Douglas agreed to respond to this point in writing.

6.5      Alan Boyd noted that Healthwatch Brighton & Hove will continue operating for some time. Healthwatch is proud to be a SAB partner and supports the Board’s focus on transition from young people to adult services, and on capturing user voices.

6.6      Stephen Lightfoot noted that the SAB is a good example of impactful partnership working, very effectively chaired by Ms Douglas. In time Integrated Care Boards will transfer their safeguarding functions, although it is not currently clear to which body these will be transferred.

6.7      Tanya Brown-Griffith asked a question about liaison with GPs. Ms Douglas responded that there is excellent local engagement with GPs, which is not necessarily the case across the country. Primary care will be a focus on next year’s annual report.

6.8      RESOLVED –

·       that the SAB Annual Report be noted and partner agencies commended for their contribution to safeguarding adults with care and support needs; and

·       That SAB achievements and challenges be noted.