Working together to improve children’s lives in Aberdeen

28 September 2015

Staff working across all sectors of children's services in Aberdeen attended the third Integrated Children's Services Conference held in the city today (Tue 29 Sep).

Organised by the Integrated Children's Services Board the theme of this year's conference was Working together to improve children's lives in Aberdeen.

Now in its third year this was the first conference to be held since the extremely positive Joint Inspection of Services for Children and Young People report, which was published in March (2015) by the Care Inspectorate. The report recognised the significant improvement in services and partnership working which has taken place in Aberdeen over the past few years. It also acknowledged the hard work and dedication of individual staff members and teams and the positive impact they have on the children, young people and families the city's children's services support.The hard work and dedication of individual staff members and teams were recognised recognised throughout the report.

The conference was held over two sessions to give as many of those working in children's services the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops and to hear from keynote speaker Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, Police Scotland and Gayle Gorman, Director of Education and Children's Services, Aberdeen City Council and Chair of Integrated Children's Services Board.

Aberdeen City Council's Convener of Education and Children's Services Committee Councillor Angela Taylor said: "This annual conference continues to build on the excellent partnership working which was highlighted in the excellent Joint Inspection of Services for Children and Young People report by the Care Inspectorate's report earlier this year.By giving those working in children's services the opportunity to come together in a learning environment they can take part in workshops and exchange work experiences which will help to continue to build on existing positive relationships and forge new partnerships which will ultimately benefit the lives of children and young people in Aberdeen."

Assistant Chief Constable Malcolm Graham, Police Scotland said: "Protecting people, especially those who are vulnerable, is a priority for Police Scotland and we are dedicated to making Scotland a safe place for everyone. The wellbeing and safety of all children is at the centre of this approach, as they are often vulnerable through their age alone. I am delighted to be invited to give the keynote address at the Integrated Children's Services Conference in Aberdeen tomorrow on the topic of 'Changing Demand and Policing Vulnerability'. I very much support a partnership approach and I welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss these issues with key partners who share our aim of keeping people safe."

Aberdeen City Council's Director of Education and Children's Services Gayle Gorman said:"It is wonderful to be able to host this conference for the third year, which brings together a wide range of professionals and volunteers, all of whom are dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people. Their hard work and dedication can be seen and is shared across the best practice workshops throughout the conference."