Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 27, 2025

Purpose: To adopt the policy.

Content: Decision: To adopt Guildford’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedure Parts 1, 2 and 3 which articulates our commitment to safeguarding and ensures managed compliance with our statutory duties consistently across the council. Reason(s): 1.       This new safeguarding policy and procedure replaces our existing policy which was approved in 2018 and updated in 2020. It also replaces the supplementary referral quick guides developed to support the existing policy in 2020 and most recently updated in 2022. An update to policy is required to reflect internal and external changes to safeguarding policies and guidelines. 2.       This new safeguarding policy and procedure aligns the policy approach with Waverley Borough Council. 3.       We recognise our statutory responsibilities for safeguarding and our role to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children, and adults with or without care and support needs, that we support, provide services for, and interact with. 4.       We recognise our obligations under the Care Act 2014, the Children’s Acts 1989 and 2004 and the Mental Health Act 2005 Other options considered and rejected by the Executive: That the Executive do not agree to adopt the policy, and recommendations from the Executive are incorporated into a revised version of the policy. Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted: None.