Written question WQ96218

Collectively, the Welsh Government, the National Independent Safeguarding Board, Regional Safeguarding Boards, Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) and other inspectorates work to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of safeguarding systems.

The Joint Inspection of Child Protection Arrangements programme was established to ensure there was a focus on multi-agency child protection practice.

Learning from the joint inspection programme is shared with relevant Ministers, Cabinet Secretaries and policy teams. The Regional Safeguarding Boards develop action plans in response to recommendations from joint inspections and monitor and evaluate the impact these have on practice in their regions.

There are regular meetings between the National Independent Safeguarding Board members, Regional Safeguarding Board chairs and business managers and Welsh Government officials to share learning from these inspections and other improvement activities, which feed into further activities and help to shape policy.

CIW monitors progress through its ongoing performance review activity with local authorities. It expects local authorities to share positive practice with other local authorities, to disseminate learning and support continuous improvement of statutory services throughout Wales.

Bringing the inspectorates together is an effective way of considering safeguarding given the multi-agency approach necessary to provide comprehensive and effective arrangements to protect children.

Working together ensures all aspects of protecting children are thoroughly evaluated and improved where necessary. Such an approach has the best chance of achieving systemic change and improving outcomes for children.