Healthwatch and Safeguarding

This is the rescheduled reflective workshop following Safeguarding week on what Healthwatch do regarding Safeguarding, what their role is, what involvement there is, and future considerations.

Safeguarding is everyone’s business, and a lot of the work of Local Healthwatch often covers safeguarding whether the employees or volunteers are actively aware of it or not.

Type of event

This is a mixed workshop event, so please come prepared to share your experiences and listen to others.

1. 10:30 Welcome, introductions and overview of the session

2. 10:40 What is the role of local Healthwatch in Safeguarding?

• General role and involvement – Andre Benham, HWE

• Safeguarding week and reflection – Stephen Bitti and Helena Wright, HW Kingston

3. 10:55 Safeguarding information

Small breakout rooms discussing:

• What links do you currently have, and what support do you receive?

• What support do you wish you had locally?

o Support networks, forums, LA, escalations, referrals, and what are the positives/what could be improved?

• What focus/action relating to safeguarding do you wish to focus on for the upcoming year?

4. 11:30 Safeguarding information – top two/three elements from each group

5. 11:50 Reflection upon the session and ideas for the next steps

• Review and reflect

• Any actions to be taken forward

Please consider the questions for the ‘Safeguarding Information’ section above prior to the session.

Who is the event for?

Healthwatch staff who are interested in discussing safeguarding.

Open to external organisations and individuals to listen in to what Healthwatch’s remit is regarding safeguarding, how they might collaborate and input into the breakout rooms.

What will you learn?

You'll be able to discuss your views and experiences of safeguarding and gather others’ insight into the topic.

Who is running this event?

Andre Benham, Volunteering and Regional Network (London) Manager, Healthwatch England

Stephen Bitti, Chief Executive Officer, Healthwatch Kingston upon Thames

Hen Wright, Projects and Outreach Officer, Healthwatch Kingston upon Thames