An explanation of the terms and acronyms used in this article are at the bottom of the page.

What is it?

The LSCB VCS standing reference group acts as a structured link between the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) and the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB). It raises issues to be discussed and is able to feed those issues into the main LSCB board meetings. It aims to be encourage the involvement and develop the influence of the VCS in the work of the LSCB.

Read the Safenetwork Case Study on the VCS Reference  Group 

What does it do?

The group aims to:

1. To represent VCS perspectives and interests on the LSCBs and to influence the work of the LSCBs in such matters as safeguarding training, safer recruitment, the development of agency specific child protection policies and the management of allegations against staff/volunteers
2. To identify VCS representatives to attend LSCB Subcommittees as appropriate
3. To seek the views of the VCS on issues of concern to the LSCBs and report back to the LSCBs via the LSCB Development and Procedures Sub Group. These may include such issues as bullying, culturally appropriate practice, substance misuse, the relationship between child and adult services, domestic abuse
4. To raise awareness within the VCS and to disseminate information about the work of the LSCBs and the LSCB procedures and practice guidance; and to raise the awareness of the LSCBs in relation to the VCS and the work of the sector
5. To identify appropriate resources available to the VCS which may assist organisations in relation to the development of good safeguarding
6. To create and maintain appropriate links with other VCS networks and with key partnerships such as Children and Young People's Boards

Further information about how the groups works and it's roles and responsibilities are in the LSCB VCS Standing Reference Group's Terms of Reference and Action Plan (see bottom of page).

Who is in the group?

Members of the group include representatives from VCS groups across the 3 areas such as Care Free Barnardos, Rainbows, NSPCC Balraksha Project, The Bridge, Family Action and The Children's Workforce Development Project at VAL.

Two members of the group act as representatives on the LSCBs. Rama Ramakrishnan (who is also the group's Chair is the VCS representative on the Leicester City LSCB and Wendy Brickett is the VCS representative on the Leicestershire and Rutland LSCB.

What difference does it make?

The group ensures that the voice of the VCS is represented on the LSCB and it's various sub-groups. By doing this it ensures that the role of the VCS in safeguarding is recognised, understood and valued.

Meetings

The groups meets every two months.

Get in contact

If there is anything you would like to raise with the group or if you are interested in joining, please get in contact with:

Wendy Brickett
Tel: 0116 2575003
Email: wendy.b@valonline.org.uk

Esther Chamberlain
Tel: 0116 2575052
Email: esther.c@valonline.org.uk

Abbreviations:

LSCB - Local safeguarding Children Board

Local Safeguarding Children Boards co-ordinate and ensure the effectiveness of local arrangements and services to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

LCityLSCB - Leicester City Local Safeguarding Children Board, which covers Leicester City.

LRLSCB - Leicestershire and Rutland Local Safeguarding Children Board, which covers Leicestershire and Rutland.

VCS - Voluntary and Community Sector