Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 32
32
Accepted in Part
Mandate DWP representation on Safeguarding Adult Boards and duty to refer vulnerable claimants
Recommendation
We recommend the Government make it a statutory requirement for all Safeguarding Adult Boards to include DWP representation. As part of its statutory safeguarding duty, DWP should also have a specified duty to refer vulnerable claimants to other agencies, including those which have a duty of care, to ensure their additional needs are supported. We also recommend DWP publish the Memorandum of Understanding it developed with the National Network for Chairs of Safeguarding Adults, so that it is in the public domain and to improve understanding among external partners of DWP’s responsibilities. (Recommendation, Paragraph 128) 100 Reviewing harm and learning from mistakes
Government Response Summary
The government plans to publish the Memorandum of Understanding. They support increasing DWP representation on Safeguarding Adult Boards, with ACSSLs currently on 80%, but do not commit to making it a statutory requirement or establishing a specified duty to refer vulnerable claimants.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
DWP will continue to explore further opportunities to strengthen its partnership with the National Network for Safeguarding Adults Board Chairs and enhance the Department’s contribution at both local and national levels. DWP currently has active engagement with local Safeguarding Adults Boards (SABs). The Department’s Advanced Customer Support Senior Leaders (ACSSLs) maintain links with all SABs and currently represent DWP at approximately 80% of these boards. DWP continues to work with the National Network for Safeguarding Adult Board Chairs to increase representation, informed by engagement indicating that Board Chairs place significant value on the Department’s presence at these meetings. The Department fully supports the ambition of achieving consistent and comprehensive representation across all SABs, as part of its commitment to multi-agency working and improving outcomes for vulnerable customers. In addition to the joint Memorandum of Understanding, DWP continues to support the local Safeguarding Adult Boards by: • Providing timely and relevant customer information to support the SAB’s reviews • Explaining the Department’s interactions with a customer • Sharing learning and improvements taken forward as a result of these cases This collaborative approach increases transparency, accountability and continuous improvement. The joint memorandum of understanding is planned to be published as part of the Governments’ commitment to transparency.