Image © Grant Hyatt Photography
Here you’ll find news and opinions from the National Independent Safeguarding Board Wales.
HMICFRS reports on child sexual exploitation
Posted by The Board. Mon 5 Feb 2024
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) have published two reports on child sexual exploitation: An inspection of how well the police and National Crime Agency tackle the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children and An inspection of the effectiveness of the police and law enforcement bodies’ response to group-based – Read more..
“Strengthening our collective safeguarding responsibility” webinar
Posted by The Board. Wed 25 Oct 2023
A National Independent Safeguarding Board (NISB) webinar as part of National Safeguarding Week 2023. “Strengthening our collective safeguarding responsibility”. Wednesday 15th November 2023 9.30am – 12.00pm and 12.30pm – 3pm Via Microsoft Teams https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/strengthening-our-collective-safeguarding-responsibility-tickets-740654065247?aff=oddtdtcreator Please share amongst your networks . This will be a live virtual event. #SafeguardingWales
New report: Water-related fatalities in children and young people under 25 years of age, Wales, 2013-2022
Posted by The Board. Thu 10 Aug 2023
The Child Death Review Programme, Water Safety Wales and RoSPA have published a report on Water-related fatalities in children and young people under 25 years of age, Wales, 2013-2022. The aim of this report is to help inform the work of water safety professionals in Wales to prevent future deaths of children and young people from – Read more..
Ending Physical Punishment
Posted by The Board. Wed 23 Feb 2022
From 21 March 2022, physically punishing children will be illegal in Wales. The Ending physical punishment campaign is raising awareness about this important change in law and has started its biggest and most important burst in the campaign to date.
Watch online: “Right to be Safe – responding and preventing child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation in Wales.”
Posted by The Board. Tue 30 Nov 2021
As part of National Safeguarding Week Welsh Government hosted an online event – “Right to be Safe – responding and preventing child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation in Wales.” Follow the link to view the presentation and the question and answer panel chaired by NISB member Tessa Hodgson. The Right to Be Safe Online Conference 2021 – Read more..
New safeguarding training module for public and third sectors in Wales
Posted by The Board. Tue 16 Nov 2021
A single consistent safeguarding training module has been launched for public and voluntary sector staff across Wales. Group A Safeguarding Training Module Completing the new training module will enable everyone to: explain the term ‘safeguarding’ recognise abuse or the risk of abuse, harm or neglect know what actions to take if they witness or suspect – Read more..
New review in England investigates babies harmed by fathers and stepfathers
Posted by The Board. Thu 7 Oct 2021
A new report investigating the death or serious harm of 23 babies in England is calling for midwives, health visitors and social workers to provide more support to fathers. The independent Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel in England reviews serious child safeguarding cases – when a child dies or suffers serious harm, and abuse or – Read more..
New Research: Bystander Experiences of Domestic Violence and Abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic
Posted by The Baord. Tue 5 Oct 2021
Violence Prevention Unit have published their latest research on Bystander Experiences of Domestic Violence and Abuse during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This study, delivered in partnership with the University of Exeter, and funded by Public Health Wales, included a survey and interviews with members of the public to better understand the experiences and behaviours of bystanders to domestic – Read more..
Violence Prevention Unit – What Works to Prevent Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV)?
Posted by The Board. Tue 5 Oct 2021
Violence Prevention Unit have published their latest research on What Works to Prevent Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (VAWDASV)? Funded by Welsh Government, this systematic evidence assessment identifies effective primary and secondary prevention interventions for VAWDASV, to inform the adoption of evidence-based policy and practice. VAWDASV is a major public health problem, criminal – Read more..
“Talk to me – hear my voice” – a guide to service user engagement
Posted by The Board. Tue 5 Oct 2021
A guide to service user engagement from Leeds Safeguarding Board with citizen-led practice guidance including top tips for practitioners “Talk to me – hear my voice” Read the guide here
New website helps older people being abused to find the information, advice and support they need
Posted by The Board. Tue 8 Jun 2021
The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has launched a new website to help older people who are being abused, or those at risk, find the information, advice and support they need. Using the new website, older people, as well as their family and friends, can easily search for services and support in their local area that – Read more..
Get Help Stay Safe: Information and support for older people experiencing abuse
Posted by The Board. Wed 5 May 2021
During the past year, we’ve been working with a range of partners as part of the Stopping Abuse Action Group established by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales. You can find out more about this work here. As part of our work, we have developed a new information leaflet to provide information and support for – Read more..
Read the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales newsletter
Posted by The Board. Thu 25 Mar 2021
Welcome to the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales stakeholder newsletter. This is designed to keep you up to date, at a glance, with the work of the Commissioner and her team as well as key developments in policy and practice concerning ageing and older people. If you would like more information about any of the – Read more..
Have a safe Christmas: advice from Get Safe Online
Posted by The Board. Mon 14 Dec 2020
Make sure you can spot the difference between genuine and fake websites, secure and insecure payment pages and authentic and counterfeit goods. You can find more information at www.getsafeonline.org/safechristmas
Making connections: a multi-disciplinary analysis of domestic homicide, mental health homicide and adult practice reviews
Posted by The Board. Wed 25 Nov 2020
Congratulations to Amanda Robinson and colleagues at Cardiff University for their recent outstanding paper award for their Journal of Adult Protection: Making connections: a multi-disciplinary analysis of domestic homicide, mental health homicide and adult practice reviews. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JAP-07-2018-0015/full/html
Safeguarding Week Highlights
Posted by The Board. Wed 25 Nov 2020
This is your chance to hear Jane Randall, chair of the National Independent Safeguarding Board Wales talking with the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales and the Children’s Commissioner for Wales about the experiences of the groups they represent and how the impact of the pandemic and the national lockdowns have affected them. If you’re having – Read more..
Don’t Let Me Fall Through the Cracks: a report on homelessness amongst Care-Experienced Young People in Wales
Posted by The Board. Wed 4 Nov 2020
End Youth Homelessness Cymru have published a report on homelessness amongst Care-Experienced Young People in Wales. Read it here:
Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel Annual Report 2018-19
Posted by The Board. Wed 4 Nov 2020
Read the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel’s Annual Report for 2018-19 here:
How to avoid fraud when Christmas shopping online: advice from Get Safe Online
Posted by The Board. Wed 4 Nov 2020
The busiest time of year for online shopping is also the busiest time for online criminals. Read our expert, easy-to-follow advice: www.getsafeonline.org/safechristmas
Responding to child sexual abuse
Posted by The Board. Fri 2 Oct 2020
Responding to child sexual abuse: learning from children’s services in Wales’ report is now live on the CSA Centre website, They have also published a briefing paper setting out the CSA Centre’s recommendations for local and national policy makers and services in light of the report findings.
Leave no-one behind: Action for an age-friendly recovery
Posted by The Board. Wed 19 Aug 2020
The Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has published a new report, Leave no-one behind: Action for an age-friendly recovery The report examines the significant impact that Covid-19 has had on older people throughout Wales, and sets out the action needed across a number of key areas – including social care and health, the economy, and – Read more..
Stop It Now! Wales resources on preventing child sexual abuse
Posted by The Board. Thu 30 Jul 2020
Stop It Now! Wales are running several projects on preventing child sexual abuse. Read more about their work here:
Keeping safe online half term round up
Posted by The Board. Tue 21 Jul 2020
A round up of online safety news, resources, events and competitions for learners, their parents/carers, education practitioners and governors: https://hwb.gov.wales/zones/online-safety/news/articles/8797a6c6-4ecd-454d-a1ce-9d090d3282c3
Children’s Commissioner for Wales Report: Coronavirus and Me
Posted by The Board. Tue 7 Jul 2020
On 13th May 2020 the consultation ‘ Coronavirus and Me’ was launched to find out the experiences of children and young people in Wales. Over 23,700 children and young people aged 3-18 shared their views. This initial report contains an overview of results from the consultation:
Together we’ll keep children and young people safe as we rebuild from Covid-19
Posted by The Board. Tue 7 Jul 2020
The Welsh Government has produced this non-statutory guide to remind practitioners working across agencies of their responsibilities to safeguard children and to support them in responding to concerns about children at risk.
A few simple steps can help older people to protect themselves from online crime and scams
Posted by The Board. Mon 6 Jul 2020
With more older people using computers, tablets and smartphones as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s crucial that older people take a few simple steps so they can stay safe online. That’s the message from an action group of organisations working together to safeguard and protect older people in Wales. Many older people throughout – Read more..
Lessons from Lockdown: Supporting vulnerable children and young people returning to school and to learning
Posted by The Board. Fri 26 Jun 2020
This briefing highlights what Action for Children Cymru and Barnardo’s Cymru have learnt about the impact of Covid-19 on vulnerable children, young people and their families. https://www.barnardos.org.uk/wales https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/what-we-do/our-work-in-wales/
Child Practice Reviews in Wales – online workshop
Posted by The Board. Thu 25 Jun 2020
ExChange Wales is delighted to bring you this online workshop about Child Practice Reviews in Wales, following the cancellation of our workshops in Cardiff and Colwyn Bay earlier this year (due to the pandemic). http://www.exchangewales.org/single-post/2020/06/04/Child-Practice-Reviews-in-Wales—online-workshop
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on child welfare: domestic abuse
Posted by The Board. Thu 18 Jun 2020
This briefing uses insight from NSPCC helpline contacts and Childline counselling sessions to highlight the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people during the coronavirus pandemic.
Protecting and Safeguarding Older People: Covid-19 Information Pack
Posted by The Board. Fri 5 Jun 2020
We’re working with a range of other organisations to ensure older people are protected and safeguarded during the Covid-19 pandemic. Download our new information pack and find out more about what you need to look out for and where to go for help and support. #GetHelpStaySafe #YouAreNotAlone Download a Microsoft Word version
We all have a role to play in protecting older people from abuse
Posted by The Board. Tue 12 May 2020
An action group1 working to stop the abuse of older people is urging the public to report any concerns they may have if they fear an older person may be at risk of or is experiencing abuse. Under the current lockdown measures, many of the usual opportunities to identify abuse – through contact with professionals – Read more..
NSPCC offer support during the COVID 19 pandemic
Posted by The Board. Thu 30 Apr 2020
Helping you to support children during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Guidance recently published by Welsh Government for those working in adult services
Posted by The Board. Wed 29 Apr 2020
Please see guidance recently published by Welsh Government, for those working in adult services, along with contact points: Safeguarding Adults – resources Safeguarding – practitioner handout
Statement from the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales
Posted by The Board. Thu 23 Apr 2020
You’re not alone. We’re here for you and we can help and support you.
Social care workers in Wales to receive card to prove they’re key workers
Posted by The Board. Tue 14 Apr 2020
All social care workers in Wales are to be sent a card that will potentially help them access the benefits available to key workers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. https://socialcare.wales/service-improvement/information-and-resources-to-guide-you-through-covid-19
Guidance for Vulnerable Children and Young People and Coronavirus
Posted by The Board. Thu 9 Apr 2020
Welsh Government has produced guidance setting out information about vulnerable children and safeguarding during the coronavirus pandemic, which can be found here: https://gov.wales/vulnerable-children-and-safeguarding-coronavirus
Education Safeguarding Guidance and Coronavirus
Posted by The Board. Thu 9 Apr 2020
Welsh Government has produced guidance for schools on safeguarding children during the coronavirus pandemic, which can be found here: https://gov.wales/education-safeguarding-guidance-coronavirus
A useful blog giving a snapshot of the new ONS data on CSA
Posted by The Board. Mon 27 Jan 2020
At last some reliable prevalence data on CSA . A useful blog giving a snapshot of the new ONS data. https://www.csacentre.org.uk/resources/blog/
National Safeguarding Week 11-15 November 2019 – Programme of Events
Posted by The Board. Wed 9 Oct 2019
Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Safeguarding Boards North Wales Safeguarding Board
Appointment of the chair and members of the National Independent Safeguarding Board
Posted by The Board. Thu 9 May 2019
Witten Statement by The Welsh Government Appointment of the chair and members of the National Independent Safeguarding Board by Julie Morgan, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services Part 7 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 set out a new legal framework to strengthen safeguarding arrangements so that people at risk – Read more..
A Practical Guide to Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders and Forced Marriage Protection Orders
Posted by The Board. Tue 5 Feb 2019
Date: Wednesday 6th March 2019 Time: 0900 – 1530hrs Address: City Hall, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3ND Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation Orders are civil injunctions that offer a legal means to protect and safeguard both victims of, and potential victims of these harmful practices. The process to obtain an order – Read more..
AAFDA Conference 2019
Posted by The Board. Thu 31 Jan 2019
Taking place on Thursday March 21st in Swindon, the AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) 2019 conference will be packed with speakers from the sector, representatives from Government and families bereaved by domestic homicide. Confirmed speakers include: Harriet Wistrich alongside a family member bereaved by double domestic homicide: Harriet is a solicitor of twenty plus – Read more..
Read the Board’s Annual Report 2017-18 and Practitioner’s Guide
Posted by The Board. Mon 10 Dec 2018
The National Board is publishing two documents today. The first is “A Practitioner’s Guide: Basic Legal Principles” by Ruth Henke QC, Laura Shepherd and Abla O’Callahan. This is a valuable guide to the law which applies in Wales and specifically to the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and its interface with legislation which – Read more..
Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse recommendations
Posted by The Board. Mon 10 Dec 2018
Following the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) Interim Report published in April 2018, Welsh Government has written to Professor Alexis Jay to formally notify the Inquiry that these recommendations have been fully accepted. Read on for further information… The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse was established on 12 March 2015 ‘to – Read more..
And the Winner is…
Posted by The Board. Wed 28 Nov 2018
In June we asked you to nominate a registered nurse or midwife practicing in Wales for the Safeguarding Award category at the RCN Nurse of the Year Awards 2018. This award recognises a Registered Nurse or Registered Midwife who has made an outstanding contribution to the safeguarding of children and/or adults at risk under the – Read more..
Working with Exploitation – Safeguarding Week 2018
Posted by The Board. Tue 13 Nov 2018
On 12 November 2018, as part of National Safeguarding Week, 600 frontline staff in Western Bay came together to share ideas on working with Exploitation – be that County Lines, Coercive Control , Modern Slavery, Radicalisation or Scamming vulnerable people. Organised by the Western Bay Safeguarding Board and chaired by Jan Pickles from NISB the – Read more..
Children in Wales Annual Conference 2018
Posted by The Board. Fri 21 Sep 2018
3 October 2018, 10am – 4pm Mercure Holland House Hotel, Cardiff Children in Wales Annual Round Table Conference The Whole Child: The importance of getting it right Children can experience uncertainties, adversity, poverty and trauma. The ability to adapt well, cope better and thrive despite these challenges is a crucial aspect of – Read more..
RCN in Wales Nurse of the Year 2018
Posted by Rachel Shaw. Tue 5 Jun 2018
Do you know someone who could be nominated for the RCN in Wales Nurse of the Year 2018 in the Safeguarding Category? If so share their story and give them the recognition they deserve – nominate them in the Safeguarding category of this year’s RCN Wales Nurse of the Year Awards which is sponsored by – Read more..
Learning from Somerset
Posted by Margaret Flynn. Wed 9 May 2018
During March 2018, Somerset’s Safeguarding Adults Board hosted a conference at which a Safeguarding Adults Review was considered. The review concerned Mendip House, a National Autistic Society (NAS) home based within a campus service.[1] The NAS apologised for the treatment of Mendip House residents and apologised for the failure of its managers and systems to – Read more..
IICSA Truth Project
Posted by Keith Towler. Fri 4 May 2018
The Independent Inquiry Into Child Sexual Abuse are running an awareness campaign about it’s Truth Project. This is a national campaign for Wales and England and you may have already seen Truth Project billboards and advertisements in press, magazines and on social media and radio. The Truth Project has been set up so that victims – Read more..
Regional Table Talks on the proposal to remove the defence of reasonable punishment in Wales
Posted by The Board. Fri 9 Mar 2018
The Welsh Government is committed to bringing to an end the physical punishment of children by removing the defence of reasonable punishment in Wales. To gain your feedback on the development of the legislative proposal, the Welsh Government would like to invite representatives of your organisation to a ‘Table Talk’ Regional Workshop. For more information – Read more..
Celebrating safeguarding in Wales
Posted by Simon Burch. Fri 29 Sep 2017
Celebration and safeguarding are two words that are not often seen in the same sentence. As individuals and organisations focus on protecting people who are experiencing abuse, and the media highlights past and present failings, it is easy to forget that “safeguarding” is a positive word. Every day people’s lives are being changed for the – Read more..
Safeguarding, Voice and Resilience
Posted by Keith Towler. Tue 5 Sep 2017
How many of us have been to meetings where we leave uninspired and wondering if there was any point to the last couple of hours? Most of us I suspect. Today was different. Today was an absolute joy where I came out feeling positive having learned a few things and wondering what more I could – Read more..
Read our specially commissioned poem from Gillian Clarke!
Posted by Margaret Flynn. Tue 20 Jun 2017
Click here to read a poem from National Poet of Wales 2008-2016, Gillian Clarke. ‘The Silence’ was specially commissioned for the National Independent Safeguarding Board.