NIASW calls for revisioning of the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland

The Northern Ireland Association of Social Workers (NIASW) welcomes the publication of Professor Alexis Jay’s report on the review of the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI).

The report supports NIASW’s belief that there is a need to refocus the activities of the SBNI to prioritise child protection.

Commenting on the publication of Professor Jay’s report, NIASW Chair Marcella Leonard, said “NIASW believes ensuring the safety of children at risk of neglect or abuse should be the fundamental and overarching priority of the SBNI.”

Ms Leonard continued by saying “As an Association we want to see structures in place that support front line social work staff to protect children at risk of harm. Professor Jay’s report has shone a light on areas where the Safeguarding Board must be restructured and revisioned to improve protection for children in Northern Ireland”.

On 10 July NIASW met with the Minister of Health and highlighted the need for development of an action plan to implement the report’s recommendations.

Ms Leonard said, “NIASW is committed to working in partnership to improve protection for vulnerable children and we plan to work closely with the Safeguarding Board and the NI Executive to support delivery of Professor Jay’s recommendations”.