Welsh Government launches single national safeguarding programme including new intelligence hub

The programme will include the establishment of a new Ministerial Assurance Board and intelligence hub to detect warning signs earlier and share information faster.

It is hoped that it will improve leadership, accountability, intelligence and consistency across the system.

The programme follows the Strengthening Safeguarding Governance Review, led by Jan Pickles.

Key improvements are said to include:

• a new Ministerial Safeguarding Oversight Board;
• a safeguarding function within the National Social Care Intelligence Hub;
• a National Safeguarding Plan and National Risk Register.

“The programme will strengthen learning from safeguarding reviews, inspections, data and practice, helping organisations identify risks earlier and respond more effectively when concerns arise,” the Welsh Government said.

It will also create the foundations for future consultation on proposals for an Adult and Child Protection Authority for Wales and mandatory reporting of abuse.

Deputy Minister for Social Care, Mental Health and Women's Health Delyth Jewell said: "Strengthening the responsiveness and accountability of safeguarding measures in Wales has been a top priority for this new Welsh Government. Every child and adult in Wales should have the utmost confidence that any concerns of abuse are heard and acted on by relevant authorities, which is why we have acted decisively to implement this ambitious programme.

"This programme is about building a stronger safeguarding system for Wales, one that identifies risks earlier, learns from past failings and ensures organisations work together to protect people from harm.

"Most importantly, this programme will ensure the voices and experiences of children, young people, adults at risk, victims and survivors help shape the services designed to protect them."