A review of corporate arrangements found that all councils had now established systems and processes for child safeguarding but some councils needed to strengthen them and align them more closely with internal audit and scrutiny work.
Among the report’s eight recommendations are the creation of clear lines of accountability for safeguarding an ensuring staff and elected members are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities.
Auditor general for Wales Huw Vaughan Thomas said: “Whilst all councils have established systems to safeguard children and young people, there are opportunities to embed this work more effectively to cover all aspects of a council’s work.
“I would encourage all councils to use my report and its good practice checklist to self-assess and identify how they can improve their internal management arrangements.”
