Brent Council is reviewing the role of housing in safeguarding failures, particularly concerning adults with substance misuse issues.
The Brent Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee convened on Wednesday to discuss annual reports from the Brent Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) and the Brent Safeguarding Children Partnership (BSCP). A key focus was the strategic priority of addressing substance misuse and housing needs, as highlighted in several Safeguarding Adults Reviews (SARs).
Nicola Brownjohn, Independent Chair for Brent Safeguarding Adults Board, presented the SAB's annual report, emphasising that the board provides strategic support rather than direct services. She noted that the Mark, Stephen, and Joanna cases underscored the critical need for appropriate housing for individuals grappling with substance misuse. The board is collaborating with housing services and public health to tackle this issue.
Councillor Kanta Mistry raised concerns about the accessibility of the SAB report and inquired about lessons learned from specific cases. Ms. Brownjohn responded that the cases highlighted the need for appropriate housing for individuals with substance misuse issues. Councillor Mistry also asked about the police's role in substance misuse cases, and Ms Brownjohn explained that the police were involved in issues like cuckooing.
Claudia Brown, Operational Director of Adult Social Care, Brent Council, endorsed the fact that the board is working well, that we have increased the number of subgroups and that's working well, and that we're actually starting to see some improvement in outcomes as a result, the learning as a result of SAR.
Catherine Pickford, Archdeacon of Northolt/Willesden Area, Church of England Faith Schools, representing Healthwatch, said that communities still feared disclosing safeguarding concerns due to fear of loss of services or work. Ms Brownjohn responded that the board was working to improve community engagement and communication.
Key emerging priorities for the next 12 months include self-neglect, substance misuse, and housing. Recommendations were made to co-produce priorities with those with lived experience and commission a multi-agency-led safeguarding awareness campaign.
The Brent Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report and the Public reports pack are available online.
