Ms Patricia Rickard-Clarke:

There are inconsistencies, because each safeguarding team responds to a different director. In other words, the national safeguarding office tells us that it does not have an operational role in the oversight or standards around the country. We need an overarching body to ensure consistency in standards, training, etc., so that the same high standards are in place around the country. I know that the nine teams are now working towards being six teams but there is still inconsistency there.