Welcome to the Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report for the period covering the 1st of April 2023 to 31st of March 2024, which is produced on behalf of the partnership by the Delegated Safeguarding Partners in Leeds.
We would like to start with taking the opportunity to thank all our front-line practitioners and managers, who work tirelessly to improve outcomes for children across the city. It is the commitment, dedication, and care that they give to children and families, on a daily basis, that keeps children safe.
Over the last year we have taken the time to review and refresh our safeguarding arrangements. This work will continue into 2024-25 and further information will be published on our website, in line with the requirements of Working Together 2023.
During the review of the safeguarding arrangements, several of the subgroups have not met on a regular basis in their usual format, to allow a review of functions and outcomes. However, the work has continued across the partnership, and this is evident within the report. We are particularly proud of the findings of the recent Joint Targeted Area Inspection and feel that this demonstrates the strong commitment in Leeds to safeguarding children at all levels. Strategic partnerships in Leeds were described as well embedded and mature and strategic leaders, across all agencies invested in the partnership and in reducing the risks to children to make Leeds a safer city.
This year has also seen the introduction of an Independent Scrutineer, David Derbyshire, who joined Leeds in September 2023. We want to take this opportunity to thank David for his work to date in supporting the partnership to strengthen our safeguarding arrangements and look forward to utilising his expertise further in the coming year.
Work has continued throughout the year in relation to our safeguarding priorities and this report demonstrates the developments that have taken place and the opportunities for further work in the coming year.
As a partnership, we are committed to continually improving safeguarding practice in the city, and in the coming year we want to strengthen the voice and influence of children and young people and be able to clearly evidence the impact of the work of the partnership on the outcomes for children and families.
This year we have made the decision that our annual report should be more accessible and have made a commitment to produce a video with key messages.
Jo Harding, Director of Nursing & Quality, Leeds Office
NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board
Julie Longworth, Director, Children & Families
Leeds City Council
Steve Dodds, Chief Superintendent, Leeds District
Commander, West Yorkshire Police