Lay Member Role Description: Barnet Safeguarding Adults Board

  1. Purpose of the role

The role of a lay member is to bring a more ‘grass roots’ perspective to the work of Barnet Adults Safeguarding Board (BSAB), to think as a member of the public and to play a part in the oversight and scrutiny of decisions and policies made by the Board.

This is a voluntary role.

  1. Job Description

Their main duties would be:

  • to attend and contribute to quarterly BSAB meetings and participate in a small number of relevant best practice events and sub-groups as appropriate
  • to attend an annual SAB development day
  • to actively support stronger public engagement in local adult safeguarding issues and contribute to an improved understanding of the BSAB’s work in the wider community
  • to challenge the BSAB on the accessibility by the public and adults at risk of its plans and procedures
  • tohelp to make links between the BSAB and community groups.
  1. Person Specification

Essential

  • Lay members must live or have close links to the borough, e.g.Own a business in Barnet, have an adult relative in Barnet being cared for by LBB while living in another borough; work in Barnet
  • Lay members must have an interest in safeguarding adults at risk of abuse or neglect
  • Lay members must have a commitment to improving outcomes for adults at risk
  • Lay members must declare any prior connection with agencies or elected members working within Barnet, this includes their family members
  • Lay members must have a commitment to the values and vision established by the BSAB
  • Lay members must have a commitment to equality and diversity within their own life experience and in promoting good outcomes for adults in Barnet
  • Applicants will be required to demonstrate an understanding of the handling of sensitive data
  1. Recruitment Selection

Lay members will be appointed following an interview process and subject to statutory checks and references including an enhanced DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service). One personal and one professional reference will also be taken up.

Applicants will be required to disclose any previous personal involvement in the adult safeguarding process, although it should be noted that this would not necessarily constitute a barrier to appointment.

Successful applicants will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement before taking up the role.

  1. Induction, training and support

All new BSAB members will be entitled to a process of induction which will involve:

  • Basic briefing on the function of the Board and the duties of the Board members
  • This will include receiving a copy of the BSAB Annual Report and Business Plan
  • A meeting with the BSAB Chair and Board Business Manager
  • Identification of further training and learning needs

Lay Members will be expected to complete basic awareness training in respect of adult safeguarding within the first 3 months of appointment.

Lay Members will be subject to annual appraisals undertaken by the BSAB Chair and will be provided with safeguarding development activity on an on-going basis.

  1. Expenses

The role is a voluntary one, although travel expenses will be met and a reward payment of £7.50 per hour

  1. Appointment and notice period

The appointment is for a two year period with an annual review. The appointment can be terminated at any time with an expectation of one month’s notice period on either side.