and her involvement in the Cover-up of Weaknesses in Safeguarding Practices at Merthyr Council

This lady is the Director of Social Services at Merthyr Council.

In February 2016, she was the Chief Officer (Social Services) at Merthyr Council.

At that time, she was responsible for all matters relating to Safeguarding at Merthyr Council.

In that capacity, she was the Line Manager of Alex Beckham (AB) – Safeguarding Manager.

AB, as Safeguarding Manager, was responsible for convening the Safeguarding Strategy Meetings at Ynysowen Primary School on 24th and 25th February 2016.

AB was also responsible for the recording of all decisions made at these meetings.

AB was also responsible for ensuring that the School’s Chair of Governors, Rosa Lazell (RL), was made aware of the procedures to be followed when dealing with any allegations made against a staff member

This lady was the author of a report submitted to the Full Council on 13th September 2023.

The purpose of the report was to provide an update on Whistleblowing arrangements related to Safeguarding.

The report is shown in the screenshots below.

You will note that the heading of the report is:

FULL COUNCIL – INFORMATION REPORT

I have been advised by the Democratic Services Department that the author of the report decides whether or not it is an Information Report.

What is the status of an Information Report?

An Information Report presented to the Full Council can only be received.

An Information Report is not for consideration or discussion.

Why would the author decide that a report providing an update on Whistleblowing arrangements related to Safeguarding?

Earlier in the meeting Councillor Julia Jenkins replied to a Question from a member of the public.

As part of her reply, Councillor Jenkins advised the Full Council that a report giving an update on the Whistleblowing arrangements related to Safeguarding was also included on the agenda.

However, as it was deemed to be an Information Report there was no consideration or discussion involved.

I find it strange that such an important report that related to another earlier item on the Agenda was not allowed to be considered or discussed.

I would also add that the report did not provide an answer to the question.

The following post gives lots more details on this subject.

Update on Whistleblowing Arrangements Related to Safeguarding. Report to Full Council from Lisa Curtis -Jones – Director of Social Services