Because – rather like its bedfellow “sanction” – it has the ability to mean two completely opposite things at the same time. It could be understood to mean “keeping watch over something”, yet, at the same time, it could just as easily convey “missing it altogether”. Hence the wry smiles whenever phrases like “political oversight group” get trotted out.
However, like most jokes, it contains a kernel of genuine anxiety because the concept of accountability drills down to our deepest fears – the acceptance of responsibility for one’s own actions. And with effective accountability must come independent scrutiny.
It is also what the Roman poet Juvenal was getting at with his famous question: “Who is watching the watchmen?” The reason that this phrase has endured through the centuries – from political speeches to graphic novels – is that it gets straight to the heart of who is holding who to account, and where is the “grit” in the system?
In Safeguarding Children’s Partnerships, accountability is paramount. Children are among the most vulnerable members of our society, reliant on adults to ensure their safety, wellbeing and healthy development. Accountability is the linchpin that holds this responsibility intact.
The consultation on the draft Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023guidance has now closed, and we await the publication of the new document by the end of the year. The draft guidance states that “strong, joined up leadership and clear accountability is critical to effective multi-agency safeguarding, bringing together the various organisations and agencies”. The consultation proposes strengthening the role of independent scrutiny in the new guidance.
Independent scrutiny in a Safeguarding Children’s Partnership can infuse “grit” into the system by introducing a robust and objective approach that ensures both effective support and challenge, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. It introduces the necessary friction to prevent complacency, stimulate growth and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. It injects “grit” by challenging the status quo and driving positive change for the benefit of the children and families being served.
Just as “oversight” can mean two opposite things, the presence or absence of accountability and independent scrutiny can mean the difference between a thriving, safe environment for children or one fraught with danger and neglect. It is a commitment to ensuring that our children’s welfare remains paramount and that those responsible for their care are held to the highest standards. As we navigate the complex landscape of children’s social care, let us always remember the question: Who is watching the watchmen?
