The work of keeping children safe at Conservative-led East Sussex County Council has been praised in an independent report just published.
Last week’s meeting of the ‘People Scrutiny Committee’ received the statutory report from Chris Robson, the independent chair of the East Sussex Safeguarding Children Partnership.
Mr Robson said its findings should give “complete confidence” in the way the Partnership strives to safeguard children in East Sussex, he went on to speak about the strength of the Partnership, which he called “exceptional”, and pointed to “some truly outstanding partnership work” in the county during the last 12 months.
Chairing the meeting, Conservative county councillor Johanna Howell said: “Often, when it comes to Children’s Safeguarding, all we seem to hear is bad news, so, I am thrilled and humbled to hear so much praise for our hard-working staff and leadership team within ESCC Children’s Services”.
Mr Robson also praised representation at Partnership meetings, which is ranked “excellent”, alongside “a culture of support and challenge as we strive to reach our joint objectives”.
Summarising his team’s findings, the inspector says: “Perhaps of greatest importance is the fact that East Sussex is blessed with a professional, caring and incredibly hard-working community of individuals who work and volunteer in the safeguarding arena. On behalf of the Partnership, I would like to offer each of them our sincere thanks for all they do.”
The council’s Lead Member for Children and Families, Conservative Bob Bowdler, said: “To read such a positive report about such a difficult subject it quite breathtaking.
“I am proud to be the Lead Member of Children’s Services t East Sussex, and never cease to be astonished by the commitment and dedication of ALL our staff”, he added.
The report also acknowledges “a real will to seek continuous improvement in East Sussex” via “excellent” training, supported by effective trainers from a wide range of backgrounds”
Mr Robson says he acknowledges the fantastic work of the East Sussex team who work tirelessly behind the scenes, and thanks them on behalf of all the Partnership members.
