Work still to be done on child safeguarding (From Western Telegraph)

Work still to be done on child safeguarding

9:10am Sunday 14th October 2012 in County News

Work is progressing on Pembrokeshire’s child safeguarding services, but there is still room for improvement, a new cabinet member’s report has said.

Cllr Sue Perkins, of Labour, took over the role of member for children and safeguarding following the last election, and presented her first report on Monday.

Cllr Perkins’ report referred to the combining of management of education and children’s social services following the retirement of director of education Graham Longster.

Current director of social services, Jake Morgan, will take over responsibility for both departments and Cllr Perkins told members she would be working very closely with Mr Morgan to ensure that that safeguarding improvements remain at the top of the agenda.

Highlighted in the report were a number of strengths, as well as significant areas for improvement.

A particular area of concern was staffing levels and the difficulties the service faced in recruiting and retaining social workers and first line managers, and the pressure this puts on maintaining adequate standards of practice.

Cllr Perkins told members that Mr Morgan was preparing a report which would be available at the end of the month and its recommendations will “make sure our social services are supported”.

Her report also recorded the areas being dealt with in reference to the improvement board.

“Everyone I have met is absolutely committed to making those improvements – frontline staff, the leader and the cabinet,”

added Cllr Perkins.

Cabinet member for education Cllr Huw George added: “We are completely committed as staff, here in county hall and staff in schools.

“I hope the parents and children in Pembrokeshire can have every confidence that we are moving in the right direction.”