Agenda item

The Executive Board Member considered a report which provided information with regard to a Safeguarding Training video which would serve as an informative and more cost effective method of training for Licensed Taxi drivers and Passenger Assistants.

The report explained that the Licensing Section had been providing Safeguarding training sessions for Licensed Taxi Drivers in Carmarthenshire since July 2017. The training sessions were a joint initiative between Carmarthenshire County Council and Dyfed Powys Police which was tailored specifically for taxi drivers about safeguarding including Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and how taxi drivers could also play an important role.  The training aimed to help taxi drivers recognise potential issues, and provide them the confidence and contact details in order to make a referral.

It was reported that there were currently 144 Licensed Taxi Drivers and 250 Passenger Assistants in Carmarthenshire who had not attended the safeguarding training sessions, and that this figure would increase as new applications were received.  Furthermore, it was reported that UK Government and Welsh Government are discussing introducing mandatory safeguarding training for all taxi drivers; it is highly likely that this training will become compulsory for taxi drivers and could cost the driver between £30 and £50.

The Executive Board Member noted that in agreement with the joint initiative a Safeguarding Training Video had been produced as a training method to be delivered to all Taxi Drivers and Passenger assistants.  The video would be shown in the Dyfed Powys Police Force Area, namely Carmarthenshire County Council, Ceredigion County Council, Pembrokeshire County Council and Powys County Council.

It was emphasised that the cost of producing the video was covered by the funds raised under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) by Carmarthenshire.  The video was deemed to be a better method of delivering safeguarding training as it would withdraw the requirement for Taxi Drivers and Passenger Assistants to attend training session in person. 

The Executive Board Member noted that the new method of training would provide a cost effective method of delivery as applicants would receive a link to the video via e-mail.  Applicants who were unable to access a computer/internet would be able to view it in the Licensing section of their respective Local Authority.

Furthermore, the Councils aim was to ensure that every taxi driver licensed by Carmarthenshire County Council would have completed the Safeguarding Training. 

The Executive Board Member was afforded the opportunity to view the 20 minute safeguarding video. 

It was highlighted that the introduction of the video would be personalised to reflect the individual Local Authority and would contain a member of that Authorities licensing team. The Video is currently available in both Welsh and English.

In response to a query, the Senior Licensing Officer explained that applicants who apply to renew their taxi licence who had not previously attended the Safeguarding Training would after viewing the training video, be required to undertake a short test containing questions about the content of the video, only upon the success of the test would a license be provided.  Furthermore, new applicants would be provided with a link to the safeguarding training within an information pack and that they would sit a knowledge test that would contain questions about the video.

The Executive Board Member stated that whilst the video served as excellent means of providing safeguarding training, he recognised that the important message on safeguarding and Child Sexual Exploitation could be beneficial for a wider audience informing them on how they could also play an important role.  In addition to a press release launching the safeguarding video, it was proposed that the Executive Board Member seek permission for the safeguarding video be presented to a future full Council meeting.

RESOLVED that:

2.1       the Safeguarding Training Video prepared for taxi drivers be             approved;

2.2       the Executive Board Member seek permission from the Council Chair             for the safeguarding video to be presented to a future full Council             meeting.