Safeguarding of children and adults in the island is good, with evidence of improvement.

The finding comes from the annual report of the independent chairman of the island’s Safeguarding Board, Glenys Johnston OBE.

From April 1 last year to March 31 this year, there were 251 reported adult safeguarding concerns and the number of children on child protection plans increased from 90 to 124.

Numbers are comparable with figures recorded in England.

The number of children in care has remained static and below target for the third year. At the end of the year there were 84 children in care, within the target of 90-106.

Arrangements to identify and address allegations of safeguarding concerns about vulnerable adults are ’good’, notes the report, and figures are comparable with those in England and other small islands, such as a Jersey.

The report for 2018-19, which was tabled at this month’s sitting of Tynwald, is the first to be published since the Safeguarding Board became a legal entity in its own right in March this year.

Mrs Johnston said: ’This annual report highlights good performance and improvement across all the areas of the public service which are responsible for the safeguarding of vulnerable adults and children.

’The focus in the year ahead is to continue to strengthen and improve safeguarding arrangements in the Isle of Man. This includes ensuring policies, protocols and practices are in place, up to date, effective, and understood.

’We want to ensure the voices of service users, professionals and service providers are heard and influence the planning, delivery and evaluation of how safeguarding is carried out.’