Who we are

“Nothing is more important than children’s welfare. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable, and loving home. Children who need help and protection deserve high quality and effective support. This requires individuals, agencies, and organisations to be clear about their own and each other’s roles and responsibilities, and how they work together”

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023

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.

Safeguarding means protecting someone's right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It involves people and organisations working together to prevent and stop abuse or neglect. All safeguarding honours the feelings, beliefs and decisions of children, young people and their families. 

Safeguarding means:

• protecting children from abuse and maltreatment
• preventing harm to children’s health or development
• ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care

All safeguarding work is supported by six key principles:

1. empowerment - we will support and encourage people to make their own decisions and give informed consent
2. prevention - we will strive to take action before harm occurs
3. proportionality - we will give the least intrusive response to risks
4. protection - we will give support and representation for those in greatest need
5. partnership - we will provide local solutions through local community services. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse
6. accountability - we insist upon accountability and transparency in all safeguarding practices

If you have any queries, please contact zoe.gartland@n-somerset.gov.uk.