New multi-agency safeguarding arrangements for Rochdale

Rochdale Borough Safeguarding Children Board

Rochdale Borough Safeguarding Children Partnership has replaced the Rochdale Borough Safeguarding Children Board in order to meet new legal duties.

The Children and Social Work Act 2017 and Working Together 2018 set out the requirement for the establishment of new multi-agency safeguarding arrangements covering each local authority area.

These national reforms followed a review of local safeguarding children boards (LSCBs) which recommended LSCBs should be replaced by a stronger partnership arrangement of three statutory partners, police, clinical commissioning groups and local authorities who would agree local children safeguarding arrangements.

The new partnership builds on the work of the Rochdale Borough Safeguarding Children Board and secures future arrangements for safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and young people.

Many of the functions of the board will remain including publishing safeguarding policies and procedures, organising free, multi-agency training and reviewing serious and significant incidents involving children. Arrangements for independent scrutiny of the effectiveness of local safeguarding remain a priority and these will be enhanced further.

Amanda Clarke, Safeguarding Adviser has been appointed as the independent Chair of the newly created Partnership and brings a wealth of experience to Rochdale.

Amanda will replace Jane Booth who stepped down from her role as Chair at the end of June. Jane will continue in her role as Chair of the Rochdale Borough Safeguarding Adults Board.

Speaking of her appointment, Amanda said: “I am very pleased to have been appointed as Chair of the Rochdale Borough Safeguarding Partnership and I’m looking forward to working with partners and the local community in my new role.”

The process to report concerns about a child remain the same, if you are worried about a child, please contact:

The Early Help and Safeguarding Hub
T: 0300 303 0440 (Monday – Friday: 8.30 am – 4.45 pm)
T: 0300 303 8875 (out of office hours)
E: ehash@rochdale.gov.uk