NHS GRAMPIAN

Review of North East of Scotland Child Protection Committee

Introduction

In November 2008, the Chief Executive Officers Group (CEOG) of the North East of Scotland Child Protection Committee (NESCPC) agreed that a 90-day review of the NESCPC should take place. This was seen as important given the desire to continually improve the effectiveness of the pan- Grampian committee, particularly in the wake of feedback from an NESCPC Development Day * and the publication of the HMIe reports following the inspections of child protection services in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray*.

The purpose of the review was:

“To critically examine the NESCPC to determine if the structures, reporting processes and communication flow are fit for purpose, taking account of the new arrangements and expectations surrounding HMIe Inspection of Children’s Services, Integrated Children’s Services Plans and Public Protection”

Aim

The paper is being submitted to NHS Grampian Board for information.

Discussion

A multi-agency team, consisting of staff from Grampian Police, NHS Grampian and Moray Council, with advice and input provided by senior staff from Education and Social Work in Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Councils, carried out the review.

The team conducted an audit of current arrangements in the NESCPC and scoped existing arrangements elsewhere in Scotland. Current strengths and weaknesses were highlighted.

The final report proposed a preferred model which would consist of a pan-Grampian Executive Group, a pan-Grampian Co-ordinating Group and three multi-agency Child Protection Committees*.

This model was debated by the CEOG at its meeting of 18 June 2009.

The CEOG agreed that disaggregation of the NESCPC carried a number of risks and supported a pan- Grampian approach to: -

Strategy development

Significant Case Reviews

Child Protection Register

Inter-agency Guidelines

All agreed to the Chief Constable’s proposal that he review the reports from the NESCPC development day and the 90 - day review alongside the CEOG discussion and come back with a revised proposal that meets the need for local ownership and pan - Grampian work. It is anticipated that this will be completed within one month.

Key Risks

Disaggregation of the NESCPC would have risks for NHSG in terms of servicing three committees.

It is possible there could variations in operation and practice in the three local authority areas.

There could be a requirement for additional funding to support a different structure.

Conclusion

The CEOG has discussed the Review of the North East of Scotland Child Protection Committee. It has agreed that there is a need to balance the benefits of a pan-Grampian NESCPC with the need for local ownership of the child protection agenda.

The Chief Constable will bring a revised proposal to the CEOG in one month’s time

Recommendation

NHS Grampian Board is asked to note this paper and feedback any comments to the Chief Executive so that they can influence the final outcome of the review.

* Copies of the Development Day Report, the HMIe Inspection Reports and the 90-Day Review are available if required.

Elinor Smith

Nurse Director

19 May 2009