Decision details

RESOLVED that Cabinet agreed separation of the Pan-Dorset Safeguarding Children arrangements and the creation a Dorset Safeguarding Children’s Partnership and a BCP Safeguarding Children’s Partnership in order to meet the needs of two separate Local Authorities and enable the effectiveness of the partnership arrangements moving forward.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Children and Young People

Reasons

One of the fundamental reasons behind this proposal is the difference between the two local authorities within the existing partnership. The authorities operate differently, and their approaches to safeguarding and working practices often diverge. The recent changes outlined in the Working Together Guidance 2023 pose an additional challenge for our current Pan-Dorset arrangement. With the removal of the Independent Chair role, implementing the necessary changes becomes considerably more complex under a Pan-Dorset arrangement. By transitioning to a Dorset Safeguarding Partnership and a separate BCP Safeguarding Partnership, both authorities can adapt their structures and procedures seamlessly to align with the revised guidelines. This will enable them to fulfil their safeguarding responsibilities independently and effectively across the region, with each Director of Children's Services maintaining individual responsibility and being supported by scrutineers.