Purpose

To update on the proposed separation of the
Pan-Dorset Safeguarding Children arrangements to create a BCP
Safeguarding Children’s Partnership and a Dorset Safeguarding
Children’s Partnership in order to meet the needs of two
separate Local Authorities and enable the effectiveness of the
partnership arrangements moving forward.

Content

RESOLVED that Cabinet
agreed separation of the Pan-Dorset Safeguarding Children
arrangements and the creation a Dorset Safeguarding
Children’s Partnership and a BCP Safeguarding
Children’s Partnership in order to
meet the needs of two separate Local Authorities and enable the
effectiveness of the partnership arrangements moving forward.
Voting: Unanimous
Portfolio Holder: Children and Young
People
Reasons

One of the fundamental reasons behind this proposal is the
difference between the two local authorities within the existing
partnership. The authorities operate differently, and their
approaches to safeguarding and working practices often diverge. The
recent changes outlined in the Working Together Guidance 2023 pose
an additional challenge for our current Pan-Dorset arrangement.
With the removal of the Independent Chair role, implementing the
necessary changes becomes considerably more complex under a
Pan-Dorset arrangement. By transitioning to a Dorset Safeguarding
Partnership and a separate BCP Safeguarding Partnership, both
authorities can adapt their structures and procedures seamlessly to
align with the revised guidelines. This will enable them to fulfil
their safeguarding responsibilities independently and effectively
across the region, with each Director of Children's Services
maintaining individual responsibility and being supported by
scrutineers.