Poole council's adult safeguarding service praised for 'good quality'

The peer review was carried out by external experts from other local authorities and the Local Government Association.

The council's safeguarding arrangements for adults from abuse - which can take many forms including physical, emotional, sexual, financial or through neglect - were found to be of good quality and well managed.

Their report said there was, “passion and ambition to improve outcomes for vulnerable adults right throughout the council and across the range of partners”.

The Safeguarding Adults Board, which holds the council, NHS and other local organisations to account for the way they protect vulnerable people, was thought to have, “served Poole well and ensures there are effective systems in place to oversee the system of safeguarding”.

Cllr Karen Rampton, cabinet portfolio holder for health and social care said: “I am delighted that this independent review has found that the council does well at protecting our most vulnerable residents and that we work effectively with partners, including the NHS, to do this.

“This is an area in which it is vital we continue to improve and we will be working to implement the recommendations of the Peer Review. It is really positive that the report recognised how involved members are in the role of Adult Social Care."

Jane Ashman, chairman of the Bournemouth and Poole Safeguarding Adults Board, said: "I am pleased that this independent report has recognised the value of bringing together local leaders from the NHS, local authorities, police and elsewhere.

“We are able to hold local health and social care service to account for their safeguarding work and to ensure that vulnerable people are protected from harm."

The council is now working closely with its partners to develop areas highlighted in the report. These include developing the support given to carers, looking at earlier involvement with someone at risk of harm and training staff about financial abuse.