Safeguarding Children Partnership Board
Who is the Telford & Wrekin Safeguarding Children Board and what does it do? How the Board does things is as important as what it does.
To shape how it delivers its role, the Board has adopted the following principles and values:
Empowerment – people being supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and give informed consent;
Prevention – it’s better to take action before harm occurs;
Proportionality – the least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented;
Protection – support and representation for those in greatest need;
Partnership – working with communities who have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting abuse and neglect; and
Accountability – accountability and transparency in safeguarding practice.
Working Together 2023 (WTG23) requires Telford & Wrekin Council, West Mercia Police, and Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System (ICS) to establish and maintain multi-agency safeguarding arrangements to protect vulnerable children. In line with WTG 2023, the Partnership has continued to strengthen its governance and accountability structures. Key developments include:
Enhanced Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements: Reflecting shared responsibility and increased accountability across all statutory partners— Telford & Wrekin Council, West Mercia Police, and Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICS;
Independent Scrutineer Role: Providing objective oversight and challenge to ensure transparency and effectiveness;
Recognition of a Strong and Mature Partnership: The Partnership continues to demonstrate resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement; and
Regional Collaboration: Engagement with Lead Safeguarding Partner meetings across the West Mercia footprint ensures alignment with broader regional safeguarding priorities.
The responsibility to maintain multi-agency safeguarding arrangements to protect vulnerable children is overseen by the Telford and Wrekin Safeguarding Children Partnership Board, jointly funded by the three statutory partners. The Board has fully adopted the principles of WTG23, resulting in the establishment of a newly appointed, top-tier leadership group. Senior leaders from each agency meet regularly with the Lead Safeguarding Partner (LSP) to gain assurance and address concerns related to safeguarding children in Telford and Wrekin. In addition to this, the broader Safeguarding Children Partnership Board continues to operate, comprising service leads, directors, and representatives from education and the third sector.
A lead Safeguarding Partner (LSP) structure across the Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin footprint. Comprising of Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Chief Executives, Chief of West Mercia Police and the Chief Executive of Telford and Shropshire ICB).
A Delegated Safeguarding Partner (DSP) structure specific to the Telford & Wrekin authority area. This is known locally as Safeguarding Children Board.
The Board plays a central role in driving the safeguarding agenda across Telford and Wrekin. Membership is drawn from a broad range of statutory and strategic partners, ensuring diverse representation and robust oversight.
Board membership includes:
Independent Scrutineer
Telford & Wrekin Council – Children’s Services
NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System (ICS)
West Mercia Police
Telford & Wrekin Council – Education and Skills Voice of the Child Representative, Project Manager, and School Improvement Adviser/ITT Lead
Telford & Wrekin Council – Policy & Governance Service Delivery Manager
Legal Advisor – Solicitor, Team Leader (People), Telford & Wrekin Council
West Mercia Youth Offending Team
Safeguarding Children Board Manager – Telford and Wrekin Partnership
Education Representative – Local Head Teacher
Core Strategic Focus:
Child-Centred Practice: Ensuring the voice and experience of the child is central to all safeguarding activity.
Accountability: Holding partners to account for their role in keeping children safe.
Data-Driven Insight: Collecting and sharing intelligence to evaluate effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
Workforce Development: Ensuring staff and volunteers are equipped with the training and confidence to safeguard effectively.
Continuous Improvement: Reviewing policies and guidance to maintain high standards of practice.
Public Awareness: Promoting understanding of safeguarding issues and how to respond.
To enhance strategic oversight, the Partnership has introduced Executive DSP meetings, involving statutory leads, a local headteacher representing Education, and the Independent Scrutineer. These meetings are held between Safeguarding Children Board sessions, providing a focused space for leaders to monitor progress and address emerging priorities.
From December 2024, Jo Britton, Director of Children’s Services (DCS), chairs both the Safeguarding Children Board and the Executive. The chairing role is subject to annual review and may rotate by mutual agreement when deemed in the best interests of the Partnership. The Chair will present this Annual Report to both the Telford & Wrekin Council Scrutiny Board for Children and Families and the Health & Wellbeing Board, reinforcing transparency and accountability.