LSCB’s emerged from one of the recommendations of the Laming Inquiry and its functions are set out under Section 14 of the Children Act 2004:
- To coordinate what is done by each person or body represented on the Board for the purpose of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in the area; and
- To ensure the effectiveness of what is done by such person or body for those purposes.
The Board is led by an independent Chair. The Chair is appointed through a recruitment process. They are responsible for the overall management of Board work. Led by the Chair, the Board identifies an annual set of priorities which determine the LSCB work plan for the year. The Board has sub-groups monitoring and driving the work plan forward. Each Sub Group has a Chair (normally nominated following discussion between the Sub Group, Chair and Business Manager) and they would meet with the Chair on a regular basis to discuss progress and issues.
The Executive Group (Exec) Terms of Reference
The primary purpose of the Group, is to ensure that the business of the Board is effectively managed and progressed, to ensure that partner agencies are fulfilling their statutory obligations under Working Together 2015.
The Scrutiny and Assurance Group (SAG) Terms of Reference
The primary purpose of the Scrutiny and Assurance Sub Group is to scrutinise, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of LSCB, it’s partner agencies and commissioned organisations for the purposes of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in Luton.
The Multi Agency Audit Group (MAAG) Terms of Reference
The MAAG is authorised to carry out four core multi agency audits per year, in line with the LSCB’s key business priorities to provide assurance to the Board, that partner agencies are meeting their statutory responsibilities for safeguarding children in the delivery of their services.
The Learning and Improvement Group (LIG) Terms of Reference
The primary purpose of the Learning and Improvement Sub Group is to monitor and evaluate operational practice across the LSCB and ensure its effectiveness for the purposes of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in Luton.
The Serious Case Review Group (SCR) Terms of Reference
The primary purpose to receive and consider serious cases of abuse, neglect or death where a Serious Case Review may be appropriate and make recommendations to the Chair of Luton Safeguarding Children Board.
