The cross-Government National Safeguarding Delivery Unit was established in direct response to Lord Laming’s report, The Protection of Children in England – A Progress Report, and became operational on 1 July 2009.
Lord Laming’s report concluded that robust legislative, structural and policy foundations were both in place and widely supported. But he also called for a ‘step change in the arrangements to protect children from harm,’ and challenged central government, local government, national and local partners, and the public to do more
The Government’s response, The Protection of Children in England: action plan – The Government’s response to Lord Laming, published in May 2009, accepted Lord Laming’s 58 recommendations in full and made a firm commitment to do everything possible to drive up the quality of safeguarding practice across the country.
The NSDU’s focus
The NSDU will drive improvements in frontline practice, monitor progress on the implementation of the Government’s action plan in response to Lord Laming’s report and increase public and professional confidence in child protection arrangements.
Its main focus is:
- driving improvement in safeguarding standards with better, more consistent practice across the country
- ensuring a strong, coordinated cross-Government lead on safeguarding, maintaining the profile of safeguarding within Government and ensuring that this is reflected in clear and consistent strategic priorities and performance systems through local authorities, health and police
- monitoring and reporting on progress on safeguarding children, including progress on the implementation of the Government’s action plan in response to Lord Laming’s report
- increasing public and professional confidence in arrangements for safeguarding children.
Working with the new Chief Adviser on the Safety of Children, Sir Roger Singleton, the Unit will provide focus, energy and drive in implementing Lord Laming’s recommendations.
