Brent councillors have called for significant improvements in how safeguarding data is collected and presented, citing a lack of baseline information that hinders the effective measurement of progress and identification of trends. The concerns were raised during a review of the Brent Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) Annual Report for 2025-2026.
Councillor Anger specifically highlighted the absence of data on adult social care referrals, questioning why is there no real baseline data in here on the number of adult social care referrals, and whether you could be more specific about what they pertain to and how you have improved the outcomes over the year and in the future?
Nicola Brownjohn, Independent Chair for the Brent Safeguarding Adults Board, acknowledged these concerns, explaining that the Board's Performance & Audit subgroup is still developing and faces challenges in data collection across different agencies. We all collect data differently,
she stated, noting that the data isn't the boards. It belongs to the separate agencies.
She agreed that future reports should incorporate Brent-specific data with trend analysis spanning at least three to five years.
Data Collection and Standardisation Challenges
The primary challenge in collecting and standardising safeguarding data across different agencies in Brent is the inherent variation in how each agency collects information. This was highlighted in the context of the Performance & Audit subgroup's work, where it was noted that data ownership resides with individual agencies rather than the board itself. This fragmentation makes it difficult to establish a comprehensive baseline, particularly for metrics like adult social care referrals. Ms Brownjohn elaborated that while national data exists, it often only captures high-level cases that meet the Section 42 inquiry threshold, making it challenging to gain a complete picture of those with complex care and support needs who may not meet this criterion.
Improving Multi-Agency Working
Several improvements for multi-agency working were discussed to enhance safeguarding efforts. These include strengthening the multi-agency ethos, with a recommendation for future reports to critically examining communications between agencies.
To address data sharing and collaboration challenges, a proposal was made for a working session between the committee and relevant staff to establish what data is most useful for scrutiny.
Furthermore, a learning point from a Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR) emphasised the need for better feedback loops when cases are referred for a safeguarding enquiry, to assure partners of progress and next steps. The Brent Safeguarding Adults Board has established subgroups like the Case Review Group and the Performance & Audit Group, alongside a Joint Brent Safeguarding Partnerships Executive Group for strategic leadership. However, challenges persist due to organisational changes and the complexities of large agencies operating across multiple boroughs. To mitigate this, a North West London Safeguarding Adults Board chairs network has been formed. The police also noted difficulties with IT systems and the need for improved expertise in using them for multi-agency data sharing. Specific collaborative initiatives include the development of a Self-Neglect Toolkit and associated training resources. The new strategic plan for 2026-2028 prioritises Community engagement,
the digital world,
and an effective workforce
as key areas requiring multi-agency collaboration.
Addressing Inappropriate Screening Out
Councillors also raised concerns about individuals being inappropriately screened out of safeguarding processes, requesting the inclusion of safeguarding figures to assure the committee that individuals are not being screened out inappropriately.
While the specific implications were not detailed, the concern suggests that individuals may not receive necessary support. Claudia from Adult Social Care explained that the referral to inquiry conversion rate of 25 to 30%
needed explanation. She noted that a significant variation exists between the number of concerns received and those that proceed to a safeguarding enquiry, attributing this to increased awareness and a robust triage process that ensures cases meet the safeguarding threshold. The committee has requested to look at the data on this and the repeat referrals, the outcomes, and which do progress and which don't.
Report Redesign and Future Data Availability
Suggestions were put forward to redesign the annual report for greater digestibility, potentially incorporating infographics and a traffic light system. Councillor Clinton proposed a broader systemic focus on enhancing multi-agency working, including data sharing and collaboration, as a priority for the Board. Rachel Crossley, Corporate Director for Service Reform and Strategy, stated that the council produces six-monthly reports that include analysis of safeguarding data, such as the number of cases, geographical origins, and protected characteristics. This information could be made available to the committee.
Performance & Audit Subgroup Status
The Brent Safeguarding Adults Board's Performance & Audit subgroup is described as a little bit younger and it's still in its infancy.
It focuses on performance review and undertaking multi-agency audits when data gaps are identified. While a specific timeline for its full development is not provided, its ongoing work indicates active progress.
Further recommendations included a request for a section within the report to critically examine communications between agencies and a proposal for a working session between the committee and relevant staff to determine the most useful data for scrutiny. The original report can be found in the Public reports pack Tuesday 30-Jun-2026 18.00 Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee.