Governance structure and terms of reference

The North Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership (NSSCP) is made up of three organisations:

• North Somerset Council
• NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board
• Avon and Somerset Police

We work together to protect and promote the welfare of children and young people in North Somerset. We have multi-agency safeguarding arrangements to ensure that we identify and respond to the needs of children and families. 

Lead safeguarding partners (LSPs)

LSPs are responsible for strategic leadership. They meet regionally two times a year and once locally with the NSSCP. 

Delegated safeguarding partners (DSPs)

DSPs are responsible for operational delivery. Meetings are chaired by a DSP bi-monthly. The DSP meeting is currently chaired by Michael Richardson, Deputy Chief Nurse. 

Operational safeguarding group

This group is attended by DSPs, agency safeguarding leads and subgroup chairs and vice chars. Meetings are chaired by a DSP bi-monthly. The operational safeguarding group is currently chaired by Claire Shiels, Director of Children’s Services. 

Subgroups

• child safeguarding practice review subgroup – stood up as required
• quality assurance and learning: driving continuous improvement subgroup
• strategic MASH subgroup – this oversees the multi-agency safeguarding hub (MASH)
• risk outside the home (ROTH) subgroup – this oversees the multi-agency child safety (MACS) panel

Independent scrutineer

The scrutineer provides support and challenge at both strategic and operational level.