Safeguarding information sharing 'barriers' remain

A total of 1,169 adults were referred for safeguarding support in 2023-24

Despite a range of improvements, "barriers remain" on information sharing between public bodies when wellbeing concerns arise, the head of the safeguarding board has said.

In the organisation's annual report for 2023-24, Lesley Walker restated a call for reforms to the Safeguarding Act, which would make the practice a legal duty.

The document also detailed how referrals to the Adult Safeguarding Team (AST), which is part of Manx Care, had increased by 155% since 2021-22.

The board said this was due to a "myriad of reasons", including better public awareness and work of the staff in the health safeguarding team.

The report outlines the priorities for the organisation and explains the findings of a series of audits and reviews, which would "provide helpful intelligence on areas that may require support".

Scrutiny of multi-agency adult safeguarding practices, which sees a coordinated approach by Manx Care, the police and other agencies, found there was "good evidence" the collaboration had led to "improved outcomes".

But further improvements needed included "the promotion of a culture of professional curiosity".

In 2021-22 a total of 434 referrals were made to AST, that rose to 862 the following year, before rising again to 1,169 in 2023-24, with the greatest number of service users in the 76 to 90 age bracket.

The most common reasons an individual was referred for support were neglect, and physical, and psychological abuse.

New guidance on self-neglect and a review of Adult Services could also have "had a direct impact on the increase in referrals", the report found.

'Significant barriers'

A review of support for children highlighted a need for greater support for young people and their families where there were risks of exploitation.

That included a "cross-island Early Help Strategy", that could help prevent those most vulnerable from being harmed, the board said.

Ms Walker said she had raised concerns in previous annual reports that one of the most "significant barriers to effective safeguarding practice locally" had been information sharing.

"Despite practice guidance, a myth busting leaflet, podcast, and the reinforcement by senior leaders of the importance of sharing information where safeguarding concerns exist, it has been clear barriers remain," she said.

Any changes to the existing regulations would need approval from ministers before going to Tynwald.