
The Newcastle Safeguarding Children Partnership (NSCP) has unveiled updates to its Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements (MASA), reaffirming the city’s commitment to protecting children and young people.
Led by Newcastle City Council, Northumbria Police, and the Northeast and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), the NSCP prioritises effective communication and collaboration to identify risks, address vulnerabilities, and provide timely support for children and their families.
Newcastle’s safeguarding initiatives are rooted in longstanding partnerships among statutory bodies, community organisations, and wider stakeholders. From early years settings, schools, and health services to police, housing, and youth justice teams, the city embraces a collective responsibility to ensure the well-being of its young residents.
Councillor Lesley Storey, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Newcastle City Council, said:
“Our updated Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements demonstrate our unwavering commitment to ensuring everyone involved in safeguarding understands their vital role in improving the lives of children and young people. These updates reflect our dedication to addressing emerging challenges and adapting practices for the best outcomes for our children.”
Area Commander for Newcastle Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce, of Northumbria Police, said: “The Newcastle Safeguarding Children Partnership is strong and there is a collective commitment to protecting and supporting our children and young people.
“The new arrangements ensure we are working closely together to effectively manage risk and work with young people and families to enable them to thrive.”
Samantha Allen, chief executive of North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: "These new arrangements will help safeguarding organisations hold each other to account, agree action together when things do not go as well as they should, and celebrate best practice together. We see this as a real opportunity to make improvements together and address the things children and young people need to keep them safe and well."
Central to the refreshed framework is the emphasis on placing children and young people at the heart of safeguarding strategies. The partnership actively engages with young people, using creative approaches to capture their voices, experiences, and feedback.
Through existing forums, services, and innovative initiatives, the partnership encourages children to express their views, challenge decisions, and influence policies and practices. These efforts are designed to ensure decision-makers are informed by the real-world experiences of those they serve.
The MASA was first introduced in 2019, replacing the Local Safeguarding Children Boards in response to legislative changes under the Children and Social Work Act 2017. Developed in line with the Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) statutory guidance, the updated arrangements address evolving legislative requirements and new challenges in child safeguarding.
These updates enhance the city’s proactive approach to safeguarding, ensuring the city continues to lead with best practices and a forward-thinking strategy.
The updated Newcastle Multi-Agency Safeguarding Arrangements document is now available on the NSCP website.