The Role of the Governing Board in Safeguarding

The Role of the Governing Board in Safeguarding Karen M Davies Kathy Mc. Donough Dave Yardley

Responsibilities as a Safeguarding Critical Friend The GB must have due regard to statutory guidance and ensure it is understood. “Governing bodies and proprietors should ensure there appropriate policies and procedures in place in order for appropriate action to be taken in a timely manner to safeguard and promote children’s welfare. ” (Keeping Children Safe in Education- Sept 2016)

Role of Safeguarding Governor Governance Handbook – Jan 2017 states: “an individual on the board should take leadership responsibility for the organisation’s safeguarding arrangements, which include its prevent duty”.

Role of Safeguarding Governor Named Safeguarding Governor to take the lead responsibility for the following : • Work alongside the designated DSL • Ensure effective practice and systems are in place • Question and Challenge

Safeguarding Governor - Key Issues to Consider • Overall Learning Environment • Safeguarding Procedures • Management of Safeguarding Concerns and Complaints. • Single Central Record • Section 175 Safeguarding Assessment • Reporting to Governors

Reporting to the Board BCC recommended model reporting template is available for use: https: //www. birmingham. gov. uk/downloads/fi le/3461/safeguarding_report_to_governors

Other considerations • ‘Governors Govern’ • Who undertakes the role of Safeguarding Governor • Skills • Benchmarking • Wider Issues • Frequency

Key Points of Contact School and Governor Support (S&GS): • schoolsupport@birmingham. gov. uk Follow S&GS on Twitter: @SGSBCC • Termly Agenda Briefings • Fortnightly - Friday Update from S&GS • Governor Training Programme (incl whole GB role, safer recruitment, workshops, elearning: • www. birmingham. gov. uk/governor_training_and_development • Governance Handbook and Competency Framework: www. gov. uk/government/publications/governance-handbook