As the Independent Chair of the LSCB I am clear about my personal and professional duty to safeguard children.

Since the increase of public awareness following a number of tragic cases of child abuse in the UK, there has never been a better climate to focus our work on supporting, preventing harm to and protecting all of Lambeth’s children. We each have a personal and professional responsibility to ensure children are kept safe from harm and abuse. Children rely on us to make sure they are happy and cared for and to help them grow up to make the most of their lives.

The work of the LSCB is essential in this task, and has lead responsibility for coordinating and scrutinising the effectiveness of what is done. Although much progress has been already made to improve the way that children are safeguarded in Lambeth, much is still needed to ensure that every child in Lambeth is kept safe and reaches his or her own full potential.

The LSCB depends on everyone, whether professionals or volunteers, parents or members of the public having an understanding of their own personal or professional responsibility to safeguard children and being vigilant and proactive in carrying it out.

Thank you for your support,

David Sanders

Independent Chair of the Lambeth Safeguarding Children Board