safeguarding
Councils are assessing adult safeguarding effectiveness, responding to increased domestic abuse, and extending children's services.
Richmond upon Thames' adult safeguarding arrangements were deemed effective in October 2026, with 99% of identified outcomes achieved, according to the Richmond Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2025-2026. Lambeth Adult Social Care also received a 'Good' overall rating from the Care Quality Commission in October 2026, with 'Outstanding' performance in equity and outcomes. Meanwhile, Barnet's Domestic Abuse Support Hub saw a 24% increase in referrals in September 2026, straining resources.
Tower Hamlets' Mayor's Executive Decision Making committee considered extending a contract for a specialist community public health nursing service, which provides safeguarding for children under five, in October 2026. Newham Council's Standards Committee outlined a Councillor Development Programme for 2026/27 in March 2026, which includes safeguarding training for councillors. Harrow's waste plan also faced scrutiny in July 2026 over safeguarding protected waste sites.
The topic of safeguarding, which involves measures to protect vulnerable individuals from harm, abuse, and neglect, is scheduled for discussion at Lewisham's Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) and Tower Hamlets' Appointment Sub-Committee on October 21, 2026. Bromley Council's Executive agreed in June 2026 to extend a mental health services partnership to allow for improvements in Care Act compliance and safeguarding arrangements.
Key facts
- Richmond upon Thames' adult safeguarding arrangements were deemed effective in October 2026, with 99% of outcomes achieved. Source
- Lambeth Adult Social Care received a 'Good' CQC rating in October 2026, with 'Outstanding' performance in equity and outcomes. Source
- Barnet's Domestic Abuse Support Hub saw a 24% increase in referrals in September 2026. Source
- Enfield Council's Cabinet adopted a 10-year Serious Violence Strategy in September 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 19 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.