Terms of Reference: Lead Safeguarding Partners (LSPs)

Purpose

Lead Safeguarding Partners (LSPs) provide strategic leadership, coordination, and accountability for multi-agency safeguarding arrangements across Gloucestershire, as set out in statutory guidance. While they retain overall responsibility, much of the operational function is delegated to Delegated Safeguarding Partners and the GSCP Executive to ensure effective delivery and oversight.

Core Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

o Provide clear, visible leadership across the safeguarding system.

o Seek assurances that safeguarding arrangements are child-centred, family-focused, and inclusive of all relevant agencies.

2. Governance and Oversight

o Oversee the development, implementation, and review of local safeguarding arrangements.

o Ensure compliance with statutory duties under the Children Act 2004 and Working Together 20231.

o Approve and monitor the GSCP’s strategic plan, priorities, and performance framework.

3. Partnership Coordination

o Facilitate collaboration between safeguarding partners (Local Authority, Integrated Care Board, Police) and relevant agencies.

o Ensure effective engagement with key stakeholders.

4. Information Sharing and Accountability

o Promote and monitor effective information sharing across agencies.

o Ensure transparency in decision-making and reporting, including publication of annual reports.

5. Independent Scrutiny

o Ensure the commissioning of independent scrutiny of safeguarding arrangements to assess effectiveness and impact.

o Ensure the partnership is acting on findings from inspections, audits, and reviews (e.g., JTAI) to improve practice.

6. Funding and Resources

o Agree and oversee the equitable funding of partnership arrangements.

o Ensure the GSCP Business Unit is adequately resourced to support partnership activity.

7. Risk Management and Escalation

o Identify and respond to strategic risks affecting safeguarding outcomes.

o Ensure escalation procedures are in place and used appropriately.

Membership and Accountability

· LSPs are senior representatives from:

o Gloucestershire County Council (Children’s Services)

o Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB)

o Gloucestershire Constabulary

· LSPs are accountable to their respective organisations and collectively to the public for the effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements.

Meeting Frequency and Reporting

· LSPs will meet twice yearly and a third as part of the GSCP Executive in September to sign off the Annual Report

· They will receive reports through the DSP’s (GSCP Executive)