NHS Somerset Safeguarding Bulletin
Welcome to the September Safeguarding Bulletin!
With the arrival of September and the transition into autumn, we are pleased to share this latest edition of the Safeguarding Bulletin, bringing together key updates, guidance and resources to support colleagues across Somerset.
For many, September marks a period of renewed focus, as services settle into more consistent routines and engagement increases across health, education and partner organisations. This can provide valuable opportunities to recognise changes in circumstances, identify emerging needs, and strengthen multi-agency working to ensure individuals receive the right support at the right time.
We trust this bulletin provides useful information and support for the coming weeks. Thank you, as always, for your ongoing dedication and for the essential role you play in supporting individuals across our communities.
If you have any questions, or would prefer not to receive this bulletin, please contact somicb.safeguardingandcla@nhs.net.
Please feel free to share this bulletin with colleagues and let us know if they would like to be added to our mailing list.
This month the bulletin includes:
Information
· Devolved decision-making: Proposed changes to NRM for children
· Centre for young lives – state of the nation 2026
· Somerset Strategic Drug and Alcohol Partnership (SSDAP)
Training / Learning / Webinars
· DBS Update Service
· SSCP Learning Bulletin
· Placing Families at the Heart of Safeguarding
· Domestic Abuse Prevention Multi-Agency Learning Event: Law and Domestic Abuse
Devolved decision-making: Proposed changes to NRM for children
The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is the UK framework for identifying and supporting potential victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. Since 2021, the Home Office has been piloting a devolved decision-making model which transfers responsibility for making NRM decisions for children from the Home Office to local safeguarding partners.
Within devolved decision-making, NRM decisions for children are made through multi-agency decision-making panels consisting of at least the statutory safeguarding partners: the local authority, police, and health. Panels are also attended by Independent Child Trafficking Guardians where possible as well as any further non-voting panel members as agreed by the panel chair
The Immigration and Asylum Bill will allow responsibility for decision-making (for children only) to be transferred to public authorities, which will allow for greater autonomy in decision-making. The policy team in the Home Office are continuing to develop the future delivery model including defining how the relationship between the Home Office and public authorities is managed post-rollout so that responsibilities are managed appropriately
The bill provides an enabling power only. Upon Royal Assent the bill will place no immediate duties or responsibilities on public authorities. Further policy development and implementation planning, including affordability considerations and funding arrangements are required before any decision on commencement and rollout is taken. The policy intention is to create the legal basis for a full national rollout but the full scope of this will be considered during the course of policy development. It is currently anticipated rollout will follow a phased approach.
In many pilot areas, NRM decision-making has been incorporated into established multi-agency safeguarding processes. Ahead of implementation, the Home Office will work with stakeholders to fully understand the resources required to deliver this measure and agree how any additional burden can be managed to ensure this is delivered effectively for the children affected.
Centre for young lives – state of the nation 2026
The Centre for young lives _state-of-the-nation-2026 provides a powerful and evidence-based overview of the challenges facing vulnerable children and young people across England. Drawing together national data on poverty, housing insecurity, education, mental health, safeguarding, SEND, and youth justice, the report highlights growing levels of need and the increasing pressures on services supporting children and families. It paints a compelling picture of how disadvantage and vulnerability can affect children's wellbeing, development, and future opportunities.
The report also calls for a renewed focus on prevention and early intervention, emphasising the importance of agencies working together to identify and support children before difficulties escalate into crisis. Its findings are highly relevant to professionals working in safeguarding, health, education, and social care, and provide valuable insight into the wider national context affecting the children and families we support every day.
Somerset Strategic Drug and Alcohol Partnership (SSDAP)
We are pleased to share that recruitment is now open for our Drug and Alcohol Partnership Manager position. We would be grateful if you could help spread the word across your networks, as securing an excellent candidate for this role will greatly benefit both the partnership and the important work we deliver together.
This is our third recruitment campaign, so we are keen to reach as wide an audience as possible. The post is now a permanent position, which is fantastic news and we hope will attract an even stronger pool of applicants. This is an exciting opportunity to join a fantastic team and play a key role in supporting and strengthening our partnership work.
Drug & Alcohol Partnership Manager Job Details | Somerset Council, closes 21 September with interviews taking place on 2 October.
DBS Update Service
Are you making the most of the DBS Update Service? Our new guide explains how organisations can use status checks alongside wider safeguarding measures to support informed recruitment and workforce decisions.
Download our rapid read guide and discover:
How the Update Service fits into safer recruitment and employment practices
How frequently searches on the update service are carried out
When and how to conduct a status check
What to do when there has been a status change
How to find further support
We've also updated the full DBS Update Service guidance on GOV.UK, providing clearer information on status checking, service limitations, and safer recruitment considerations.
To support the new guidance, we are also holding 2 FREE information sessions which can be booked via the below Eventbrite links:
If you are unable to attend the sessions, we will be holding information sessions as part of the DBS Annual Conference on 6th and 7th October 2026. Information about how to book your FREE place will be sent out in early September.
SSCP Learning Bulletin
SSCP Learning Bulletin - August 2026
SSCP Conference: Placing Families at the Heart of Safeguarding
We invite you to join multi-agency partners from across Somerset at the SSCP Conference featuring keynote speakers, lived experience perspectives and interactive workshops from leading experts in the field, as we explore the question: How do we place families at the heart of safeguarding?
We would please encourage you to book as early as possible to secure your space! Book today at: Event : SSCP-2026-Conference---Placing-Families-at-the-Heart-of-Safeguarding - 37294
Domestic Abuse Prevention Multi-Agency Learning Event: Law and Domestic Abuse
Join colleagues and partner agencies for this informative learning event exploring the role of family and criminal law in preventing and responding to domestic abuse. The session will provide valuable insights into the legal options available to support victims and strengthen multi-agency approaches to prevention and intervention.
Date: 22 September 2026
Time: 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Venue: Microsoft Teams
The event will feature expert speakers covering family law and criminal law in relation to domestic abuse, followed by an opportunity for questions and multi-agency discussion. All staff and partner agencies are welcome to attend. Please see the attached article for full details and joining information.
Somerset ICB Strategic Safeguarding Team
NHS Somerset | Working together to Improve health and wellbeing
Safeguarding team email: somicb.safeguardingandcla@nhs.net
Safeguarding team phone: 01935 381999 (a message can be left on this number)
Wynford House, Lufton Way, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8HR
Website: www.nhssomerset.nhs.uk
Health related awareness campaigns in September:
Urology Awareness Month
Raises awareness of urology conditions and encourages earlier help‑seeking for bladder, kidney and prostate health.
Urology Awareness Month - The Urology Foundation
Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month
Raises awareness of pulmonary fibrosis, promoting earlier diagnosis and the need for research and support.
September
7–13 September 2026: Know Your Numbers Week
Encourages adults to check and understand their blood pressure to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
https://www.bloodpressureuk.org
10 September 2026: World Suicide Prevention Day
Promotes global action to prevent suicide and reduce stigma around mental health.
International Association for Suicide Prevention - IASP
13 September 2026: World Sepsis Day
Raises awareness of sepsis, its symptoms, and the importance of early recognition and treatment.
World Sepsis Day - September 13
17 September 2026: National Suicide Memorial Day for Health and Care Workers
A day to remember health and care workers who have died by suicide, and to raise awareness of mental health support for the workforce.
National Memorial Day - Doctors in Distress
17 September 2026: World Patient Safety Day
Promotes public awareness and action to improve patient safety across health and care systems worldwide.
World Patient Safety Day campaign
21–27 September 2026: Occupational Health Week
Highlights the value of occupational health in supporting staff wellbeing, safety and healthy workplaces.
Occupational Health Awareness Week | The Society of Occupational Medicine
22–28 September 2026: Organ Donation Week
Encourages people to join the NHS Organ Donor Register and share their donation decisions.
Turn the skies pink for Organ Donation Week - NHS Blood and Transplant
