Multi-agency Safeguarding Arrangements Independent Scrutiny Advisory Group

Group providing expert insight, challenge, and guidance to central government on the role and impact of independent scrutiny within safeguarding partnerships.

The Multi-agency Safeguarding Arrangements Independent Scrutiny Advisory Group aims to:

  • shape national policy and guidance, ensuring scrutiny is proportionate, effective, and inclusive of children, young people, and families
  • provide quality assurance for research outputs and promote tools and resources that support consistent, effective practice
  • create a collaborative forum for sharing experiences, challenges, and examples of good practice
  • champion lived experience, ensuring the voices of children, young people, and families inform both local and national safeguarding developments

Terms of reference

The group’s terms of reference (PDF, 226 KB, 4 pages) set out the role they play in scrutinising multi-agency safeguarding arrangements.

Group members

Membership is made up of:

  • Adrian Loades (Chair), National Safeguarding Partner Multi-Agency Facilitator
  • Melanie John-Ross (Deputy Chair), North West Regional Improvement Pilot Programme (NWRIPP) Independent Scrutineer, Independent Consultant
  • Amanda Perraton, Executive Director for Children and Families Health and Wellbeing Directorate Cheshire West and Chester Council
  • Chris Miller, Independent Scrutineer, The Association of Safeguarding Partners (TASP) Trustee and Co-founder, Independent Chair of a large National Health Service Child Death Overview Panel
  • Deborah McMillan, Independent Scrutineer Plymouth Safeguarding Partnership, Department for Education appointed Improvement Advisor & Commissioner Herefordshire
  • Eileen Mills, Independent Chair Redbridge Safeguarding Adults Board, Independent Scrutineer Redbridge Safeguarding Children Partnership
  • Jenny Coles, Vice Chair Coram Board of Trustees, Member of Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel
  • Medina Patel, Senior Business Manager Lancashire Safeguarding Business Unit
  • Mike Greene, Chief Executive Stockton-on-Tees Council
  • Rachel Egan, Independent Scrutineer West Sussex County Council, Independent Scrutineer MSCP and Oasis Restore Medway Council , Chair of Population Health and Renumeration Committees, Vice Chair Finance and Non Executive member of ICB for Greater Manchester
  • Stephanie Parker, Assistant Chief Constable Protecting Vulnerable People Greater Manchester Police
  • Susan Kirkley, Independent Scrutineer Northumberland Safeguarding Partnership

Meeting minutes

Meeting minutes are available for:

Contact details

Safeguarding.REFORM@education.gov.uk