A message from Derek Benson – SSCP Independent Chair
Hello, I am delighted to be joining the SSCP as its Independent Chair, a role carried out with distinction by the outgoing Chair, Simon Hart. Simon’s commitment to the safeguarding of children and adults has been exemplary, and I hope I can continue the work he has done in Surrey over recent years.
Over the coming weeks and months, I hope to meet as many of the partners as I can, so that together we can make the safeguarding of the children and young people in the county as effective as possible. I join the partnership with approaching forty years’ experience in public service, predominantly as a police officer and more recently within the safeguarding community.
I am passionate about the well-being of our children and am looking forward to working with you in our shared endeavour to safeguard children in Surrey.
A message from Liz Murphy – SSCP Independent Scrutineer
Hello, I am delighted to be afforded the opportunity to undertake the role of Independent Scrutineer in Surrey. The requirement for statutory partners to have an element of independent scrutiny as a part of the local multi agency safeguarding partnership arrangements is set out in statutory guidance. The purpose of the role is act as a ‘critical friend’ and to drive continuous improvement in safeguarding arrangements, activity, and practice. I have heard from Simon Hart, outgoing SSCP Independent Chair, about the commitment and ambition to provide effective safeguarding services to children and their families, the commitment to work collaboratively to do so and the desire to learn directly from practice too. I intend that my role and work will further develop these key components of effective safeguarding arrangements.
The focus of my work will be determined by the statutory partners and is likely to include the effectiveness of the leadership they provide and the extent to which this creates the conditions for good safeguarding practice to flourish as well as the effectiveness of inter-agency working. To understand the enablers and barriers to effective inter agency working, and the experiences of children and families in the county, my work will also include listening to the views of front line staff and children and families. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to work alongside you to support the continuous improvement of safeguarding practice and outcomes for children and their families in Surrey.
