Safeguarding Panels
The statutory committees which drive forward child protection collaboration at local level are the five local safeguarding panels. These local panels are coterminous with each of the five Health and Social Care Trusts and are independently chaired by people from outside the member organisations.
Each Independent Chair (Two Chairs cover the five panels) has been appointed on the basis of their previous operational management experience within the child protection and safeguarding system and are members of the Board. The role of the safeguarding panels is to take forward collaborative work locally to deliver the key strategic priorities set by the SBNI.
The panels also identify new and emerging issues from the ground, thereby ensuring that the SBNI are fully informed of any concerns emerging from local communities, parents, children and other key stakeholders.