The Portfolio Holder for Housing & Community Safety presented a report which sought approval for the adoption of the updated Safeguarding Policy to enable the Council to more effectively meet its statutory responsibilities under s. 11 of the Children’s Act 2004 and follow guidance published by the Department of Health and Kent County Council in relation to vulnerable adults.  The main advantage was that the guidance to Officers was now more comprehensive and made sure contractors and volunteers were aware of their professional and moral obligations for Safeguarding.  The Policy was intended to apply to all staff, Members of the Council, contractors and volunteers, and also clarified the District Council’s responsibility for ensuring that any organisation that received funding from the District Council had appropriate policies in place to safeguard children and vulnerable adults.  Members noted and considered the relevant minute and recommendations received from the Housing & Community Safety Advisory Committee who had considered the same report.  

The Chief Officer Communities and Business advised that it had more recently been updated in light of a new important piece of legislation the Children and Families Act 2014. 

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved:  That it be recommended to Council to adopt the updated Safeguarding Policy for the protection of children and vulnerable adults.