10:05AM, 19 May 2013

About the LSCB Independent Chair

Last updated October 20, 2011

LSCB Independent ChairAs allowed for under the Children Act 2004 and "Working Together to Safeguard Children 2006 and 2010", the LSCB has appointed an independent chair, Dave Ellis, who took up his duties from 1st September 2006.

Mr Ellis was the BCU Commander, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and retired from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary in May, 2005. 

The Chair provides an independent voice for the LSCB, to ensure its smooth running and make certain that organisations collaborate effectively to coordinate and promote the safeguarding agenda.

The chair is accountable to the Local Authority via the Director of Children, Young People and Families for the effectiveness of their work.

The LSCB does not have authority to direct member organisations since each agency/organisation has its own lines of accountability for safeguarding and is responsible for its own operational arrangements.

However, it is a statutory body which has a vital role in providing an independent voice in relation to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and in supporting - but also challenging, where necessary, the safeguarding work of individual agencies

It is important that the LSCB is closely aligned with the Children's Trust Board (CTB) since both have important strategic roles in relation to improving the well being of all children in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.  LSCB is not accountable to the CTB but is represented on their group by the Independent Chair.

LSCB is also formally consulted during the development of the Children and Young People's Plan and has a significant input into the staying safe component.

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