Calderdale Council’s work to protect children at risk of harm has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
The Council has been selected as a finalist in the Frontline Risk category of the ALARM Risk Awards 2022. The awards recognise achievement in risk management and acknowledge the work of risk and insurance practitioners across the country. ALARM is the Association of Local Authority Risk Managers.
The Council was a pioneer in creating a Children’s Social Care Risk Management Group in 2017, in response to the national increase in children at risk referrals and in line with its priority to safeguard the borough’s young people.
The group ensures that risks and opportunities are incorporated into decision-making across the Council and that different services work closely together. The group also enables the sharing of information from other partner agencies such as the Police, in relation to ongoing criminal cases.
Cllr Silvia Dacre, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Resources, said:
“Calderdale is one of the only councils in England to have set up a multi-disciplinary Children’s Social Care Risk Management Group, highlighting our enterprising approach. This level of joint working leads to significant efficiencies and creates real value for local taxpayers’ money, and most importantly, positive outcomes for Calderdale’s most vulnerable children.”
Cllr Adam Wilkinson, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, added:
“Congratulations to the team for their hard work, which has led to the well-deserved national recognition of being shortlisted in the ALARM Risk Awards.
“We want all Calderdale children and young people to be safe and successful, and the Children’s Social Care Risk Management Group plays a part in achieving this. They understand the importance of learning from historical events and past social work practice, to help manage children’s social care risks today.”
The winners of the ALARM Risk Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony on Monday 4 July in Manchester.