Member

The noble Lord raised specific questions about the reorganisation of ICBs and safeguarding. ICBs play a crucial statutory role in safeguarding children, protecting vulnerable children from harm and supporting the welfare of all children through vital strategic and expert interventions. The Children Act 2004 sets out the role of ICBs, along with the police and local authorities, as statutory safeguarding partners. These partners are under a legal duty to work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children in their area through multi-agency safeguarding arrangements. The statutory guidance, Working Together to Safeguard Children, provides greater clarity on the roles, responsibilities and expectations of safeguarding arrangements.