MCH provides high quality community and specialist services to people living in Medway and Kent. We understand our safeguarding responsibilities and consider them of vital importance

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) have been assured we have robust process in place to support staff to recognise the abuse and keep people safe, understand the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and work within the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS).

We report our safeguarding activity against agreed metrics to the Quality Assurance Committee, with quarterly reports submitted to our commissioners in the CCG and public health. We also contribute information and resource to both the Kent and Medway Safeguarding Adults Board (KMSAB) and the Medway Safeguarding Children Partnership (MSCP). MCH sit on both the MSCP, KMSAB business group and the subgroups of both Boards.

Our Board is assured that:

• We are meeting statutory requirements for Disclosure Barring Service checks for staff.Compliance is monitored centrally and there is an escalation process.
• Safeguarding policies are in place in line with KMSAB and MSCP policy and procedure.
• A training needs assessment and strategy is in place to ensure those working with adults and children complete mandated training and access supervision relevant to their roles on safeguarding children and safeguarding adults.
• Named professionals for safeguarding children and lead clinicians for safeguarding adults are clear about their roles and have sufficient time and support to undertake them.
• We have a safeguarding audit programme in place, which provides the Board with assurance that safeguarding systems and processes are effective.
• MCH is actively involved in partnership working with Medway and Kent County Council and other local agencies, in relation to the development and provision of multi-agency arrangements to safeguard and protect adults and children.

On the basis of this MCH confirms it has considered its position in regard to safeguarding children and adults and has assurance that it is meeting requirements and is following good practice.