On 12 March 2009 the Government appointed Sir Roger Singleton Chief Adviser on the Safety of Children. The role was created following Lord Laming’s report into the protection of children in England. His First annual report to Parliament was published on 17 March 2010.
The chief adviser advises the Government on strategic priorities and the effective implementation of policy‚ as well as reporting annually to Parliament on safeguarding progress.
Sir Roger took up this new three-year position‚ which is independent of Government‚ on 1 April 2009.The Chief Adviser has responsibilities to:
- advise the Government on strategic priorities and the effective implementation of policy (on safeguarding and specific concerns as they arise);
- comment on the Government’s progress towards delivery of the Laming recommendations‚ particularly those addressed to central government‚ by April 2010 and then on an annual basis;
- influence and monitor the co-ordination of central government policies and approaches to safeguarding;
- assess the extent to which advice and guidance issued by professional bodies contributes to effective multi-disciplinary working at the frontline;
- promote effective approaches‚ fresh ideas and new thinking;
- contribute to improved public and professional understanding of safeguarding vulnerable children;
- report to Parliament by April 2010 and then on an annual basis.
In working towards fulfilling these responsibilities Sir Roger has already offered advice on the Government Action Plan in response to Laming and the remit of the National Safeguarding Delivery Unit. As part of his work to monitor cross-Government strategy on safeguarding Sir Roger participates in regular meetings with ministers and leading policy officials from the Home Office‚ Ministry of Justice‚ Department of Health and the Department for Children‚ Schools and Families. He is a member of the cross-Government Laming Implementation Programme Board and attends a quarterly meeting with the four secretaries of state from the above departments.
Sir Roger is determined to canvass a range of views on safeguarding. In addition to his Expert Group‚ the Chief Adviser has spoken at a number of conferences attended by professionals from different sectors involved in safeguarding and is making every effort to understand the opinions of people working on the frontline. The contributions of all groups involved in safeguarding is invaluable and have helped Sir Roger to identify areas in need of attention and contributed towards the development of his annual report to Parliament.
