URL: https://scambs.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=12947

Decision Maker: Lead Cabinet member for Housing

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The Council’s overarching Safeguarding Policy and the related Policy for Supporting Residents experiencing domestic abuse were both extensively re-written in 2022/23.  Both policies required a refresh in 2025.  Consequently, the two policies were considered by representatives of the Council’s Corporate Safeguarding Group during October/November 2025. Minor amendments were made to both policies as a result of this work. In both policies, out of date information has been corrected.  For example, updated web links have been inserted which link to the Council’s Equalities Statement and to the Complaints Process.  Embedded links in the Safeguarding Policy have been updated in relation to external training and referral forms and to provide a link to the Council’s 2025/6 Modern Slavery Statement. In addition, the following changes have been made to the policy for Supporting residents experiencing domestic abuse: i) reference to the gendered nature of domestic abuse have been made more explicit, ii) a clear statement that children are considered to be victims of domestic abuse where abuse occurs within their family as been added iii) refence to the Council’s White Ribbon accreditation and related actions has been included. The Lead Cabinet Member for Housing has delegated authority to approve minor amendments of this nature to both policies.  Copies of the updated policies are attached for reference.

Content: The Council’s overarching Safeguarding Policy and the related Policy for Supporting Residents experiencing domestic abuse were both extensively re-written in 2022/23.  Both policies required a refresh in 2025.  Consequently, the two policies were considered by representatives of the Council’s Corporate Safeguarding Group during October/November 2025. Minor amendments were made to both policies as a result of this work. In both policies, out of date information has been corrected.  For example, updated web links have been inserted which link to the Council’s Equalities Statement and to the Complaints Process.  Embedded links in the Safeguarding Policy have been updated in relation to external training and referral forms and to provide a link to the Council’s 2025/6 Modern Slavery Statement. In addition, the following changes have been made to the policy for Supporting residents experiencing domestic abuse: i) reference to the gendered nature of domestic abuse have been made more explicit, ii) a clear statement that children are considered to be victims of domestic abuse where abuse occurs within their family as been added iii) refence to the Council’s White Ribbon accreditation and related actions has been included. The Lead Cabinet Member for Housing has delegated authority to approve minor amendments of this nature to both policies.  Copies of the updated policies are attached for reference. To approve minor wording changes to following the policies:   Policy for Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults at risk of Harm Policy for supporting residents experiencing domestic abuse. To ensure accuracy in terms of content, embedded web links and references to external agencies. Option: To not refresh the policies. Reason for rejection: The policies required a refresh in 2025.

Date of Decision: February 4, 2026