Read the Board’s Annual Report 2017-18 and Practitioner’s Guide

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 is relevant to the protection of children and adults – the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended) and the Children Act 1989. The Guide also sets out data protection responsibilities. It is a lucid guide which demonstrates how the law advances effective practice. It is an essential guide for practitioners and managers across sectors, local authorities, NHS Wales, advocates, lawyers and students.

The National Board’s “Annual Report 2017-18” is also published. It marks the end of the first National Board’s term of office. The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act’s Statutory Guidance[1]states:

“The purpose of the annual plans and annual reports …. is to be a useful tool of accountability …In this context accountability has three components. They are:-

• accountability to the public;[2]
• accountability to the statutory agencies from which the Safeguarding Boards’ partners are drawn; and
• accountability to the inspectorate bodies (para 203).

Publication is a key component in ensuring accountability…” (para 204).

The Annual Report summarises the content of the six Regional Boards’ reports. It tracks progress in terms of the activities of Regional Safeguarding Boards, endorses learning and leadership at all levels and with the assistance of the Chairs of the Regional Boards, it sets out a promising and hopeful agenda for Wales.

Margaret Flynn  

 

[1]Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014: Working Together to Safeguard People. Volume 1 – Introduction and Overview

[2]This includes Ministers. Elected governments carrying out the ‘will of the people.’