Audit causes concern for Cardiff Council

Cardiff County Council Building. Credit goes to Wales Online

A number of members of staff were suspended from Cardiff Council’s Child Health and Disability Team following a regular internal performance audit.

These inspections are performed to make sure that all is being done to safeguard the wellbeing of young people in Cardiff.

A spokesman for the council said, “The Council [acted] decisively as any matter of child protection is of utmost priority. Therefore immediate action has been taken to suspend a number of members of staff, as a neutral act, to enable a thorough, independent investigation.”

Contrary to other news reports, a council representative said that no members of council staff have been arrested by South Wales Police in relation to these suspensions.

In the meantime, an independent investigation is to be carried out.

What the Council Had to Say

“The Council regularly conducts internal audits of performance in Children Services as part of our commitment to make sure everything is being done to the highest standards to safeguard children and young people in Cardiff.

“These audits are very thorough, as the well-being and safeguarding of children in care is of paramount importance.

“As a result of one of these recent internal audits it was discovered a small number of cases in the Child Health and Disability Team needed further investigation.

“Although it is only a small number of cases audited that have caused concern it is important the Council act decisively as any matter of child protection is of utmost priority. Therefore immediate action has been taken to suspend a number of members of staff, as a neutral act, to enable a thorough, independent investigation.

“During this time interim management arrangements are in place. We will be making sure that everything possible is being done to quickly resolve this matter ensuring the appropriate investigation is carried out swiftly and thoroughly.”

Child Health and Disability Team Website

child health and disability team, child services, council, South Wales.