Content

Decision
 
RESOLVED that
Cabinet:

1.1)          
Considered the
Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk Policy (2026) as set out
at Appendix A and recommended to Council for adoption as a Policy
Framework Document.

1.2)          
Delegated
authority to the Assistant Director Policy and Partnerships, in
consultation with the Corporate Safeguarding Officer, to make minor
administrative amendments to keep the policy updated in line with
new national guidance or local safeguarding
arrangements.
 
Reasons for
decision
 
The Council had a legal duty under the Children
Act 2004, Care Act 2014, Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2014,
Domestic Abuse Act 2021, and other legislation to safeguard and
promote the welfare of children and adults at risk.
 
As a district council delivering a wide range
of services, Hertsmere Borough Council must ensure that robust,
clear, and up-to-date safeguarding arrangements are in
place.
 
The updated policy reflects:
•
changes in legislation and statutory
guidance
•
agreed local procedures from statutory
Safeguarding partners: Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children
Partnership (HSCP) and Hertfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board
(HSAB)
•
improved internal processes including:
strengthened management oversight and governance arrangements, new
training pathways, alert systems and complex case management
arrangements
 
Approval strengthens governance, accountability
and the Council’s ability to protect children and adults at
risk.
 
Alternative Options
Considered
 
The Council could maintain the current policy
without revision. This option is not recommended as it would not
reflect updated statutory guidance, emerging safeguarding risks, or
recent learning from local and national reviews. Retaining the
existing policy would weaken the Council’s ability to respond
effectively to the evolving needs of children and adults at
risk.
4.2
The Council could implement partial updates
only. Selecting only specific elements for revision—such as
terminology updates or minor procedural changes—was
considered insufficient because partial updates would not address
key gaps in regulatory requirements, reporting pathways, governance
arrangements and staff training.
 
The Council could adopt a third-party template.
This option was explored through scrutiny of other Councils’
safeguarding policies. However, these did not always align fully
with Hertsmere Borough Council’s internal structures,
responsibilities or local partnership arrangements. A tailored
policy ensures clarity, accountability and consistency across
services.
 
The Council could delay approval pending
further review. Postponing approval is not recommended due to the
ongoing need for clear, current guidance for staff and partners.
Delays risk inconsistent safeguarding practice across departments
because whole staff training would need to be postponed pending
approval.