Rapid review of safeguarding in a PCT
The brief
- Carry out a rapid review of how effectively the PCT is discharging its safeguarding responsibilities across the Trust and the wider health economy, and make recommendations for how these might be strengthened in the future.
- Consider how existing processes and structures for safeguarding may need to change in light of the evolving roles of commissioners and providers, and evaluate the range of options for achieving continuous improvement in safeguarding practice through the new organisational arrangements.
What we did
- Carried out a series of interviews with all those in the PCT engaged in the safeguarding agenda, including those responsible for developing safeguarding advice, training and supervision, those leading key child and adult services, GP and clinical leads, Public Health, commissioners, and clinical governance leads.
- On the basis of the interview evidence, identified key strengths and areas for development, and tested a range of proposals for future development with key stakeholders.
- Triangulated findings through interviews with safeguarding leads at the Local Authority, NHS London, and other London Boroughs, and reviewed compliance against the main statutory requirements.
- Developed a concise and action focused report which identified areas for development, and made practical recommendations for strengthening existing arrangements and moving towards a new model of delivery which would operate effectively within the new commissioning organisational model.
Impact
The review provided the PCT with a clearer perspective on what was already working well, and where there was scope to strengthen arrangements, particularly in relation to reporting and governance structures. The organisation has taken action to implement the recommendations, and is further developing the templates and processes for use locally. There is a clear blue-print for medium to long-term development of the service, and there is commitment and enthusiasm at board level for carrying these changes through.
Feedback
Isos combined a sensitivity in their approach with an intellectual and methodological rigour which gave us a helpful analysis of the current arrangements and the way forward, together with some practical support for implementation. The final report was concise, accessible and clear and welcomed by those involved in safeguarding.