In response to those findings, the Care Trust Plus has reviewed its arrangements, and those of its providers, for safeguarding children and is assured that these arrangements are robust and, in particular, can confirm that:

·       The CTP meets the statutory requirement with regard to the carrying out of Criminal Records Bureau checks on relevant employees.

·       Child protection policies and systems are up to date and robust, including a process for following up children who miss out-patient appointments and a system for flagging children for whom there are safeguarding concerns.

·       All eligible staff have undertaken and are up to date with safeguarding training at Level 1 and a training plan is in place for staff that require more in depth training e.g. Levels 2 or 3.  The CTP also plans to implement an on-line e-learning package to support the ongoing delivery of Level 1 training.

·       The designated nurse role resides within the CTP managed by the lead Director for safeguarding children.  They are clear about the role and have sufficient time and support.  The designated doctor is working within the acute trust and a service level agreement has been developed.  There is a named GP and capacity named nurse for supporting Care ,Mental Health and Primary Care provider services and there are clear job descriptions outlining  roles and responsibilities in place.

·       The Associate Director of Quality/Strategic nurse is the CTP’s Board level lead for safeguarding.  The CTP has robust performance management arrangements in place for contracts with providers including GP to ensure they are fulfilling their role in safeguarding children.

The CTP takes its responsibilities for safeguarding seriously and would want to assure the public and service users, through the publication of the above declaration, that the arrangements in place are robust and meet all statutory and good practice requirements.

Jane Lewington
Chief Executive
October 2009