Hempsted Playgroup and Toddler

      Escalation Policy

 

Occasionally situations arise when workers within one agency feel that the decision made by a worker from another agency on a child protection or child in need case is not a safe decision. Disagreements could arise in a number of areas, but are most likely to arise around:

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• Levels of Need Roles and responsibilities 

• The need for action Communication 

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The safety of individual children is the paramount consideration in any professional disagreement and any unresolved issues should be addressed with due consideration to the risks that might exist for the child.

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All workers should feel able to challenge decision-making and to see this as their right and responsibility in order to promote the best multi-agency safeguarding practice.

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This policy provides workers with the means to raise concerns they have about decisions made by other professionals or agencies by:

a) avoiding professional disputes that put children at risk or obscure the focus on the child 

b) resolving the difficulties within and between agencies quickly and openly 

c) identifying problem areas in working together where there is a lack of clarity and to promote the resolution via amendment to protocols and procedures

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Effective working together depends on an open approach and honest relationships between agencies. Problem resolution is an integral part of healthy challenge, professional co-operation and joint working to safeguard children. 

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Timescales Resolution should be sought within the shortest timescale possible to ensure the child is protected.

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Some disagreements regarding safeguarding decisions will require speedy resolution.

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In all cases where a professional thinks a child is at imminent risk of harm and another agency disagrees they should refer direct to the Gloucester LSCB nominated persons named below after consulting quickly with their line manager or named child protection representative.

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For all other cases, efforts should be made by all involved to resolve the dispute in a timely way.

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The primary focus must always be on ensuring that the safety and welfare of the child concerned is assured whilst discussions take place. 

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Stages of the policy

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Pre-escalation:

Any worker who feels that a decision is not safe or is inappropriate should initially consult their child protection lead or line manager to clarify their thinking in order to identify the problem; to be specific as to what the disagreement is about; and what they aim to achieve. They should also be able to evidence the nature and source of their concerns and should keep a record of all discussions.

Stage 1 - Professional:

 Initial attempts should be taken to resolve the problem at the lowest possible level. This would normally be between the people who disagree. It should be recognised that differences in status and/or experience may affect the confidence of some workers to pursue this unsupported

Stage 2 - Manager:

If the problem is not resolved between the professionals the concerned worker should contact their manager within their own agency who should raise the concerns with the equivalent manager in the other agency to seek resolution.

Stage 3 - Senior Manager:

If the problem is not resolved at stage 2. the managers are to report to their respective operations/service manager or named/designated safeguarding representative. The two senior managers must attempt to resolve the professional differences through discussion.

Stage 4 –

If the problem is not resolved at stage 3. the supervisor/manager reports to their respective operations manager or named/designated safeguarding representative. These two managers must attempt to resolve the professional differences through discussion. Safeguarding Children’s Business Manager should be advised of any outcome.

Stage 5 –

If it has not been possible to resolve the professional differences within the agencies concerned the matter should be referred to the Chair of the Local Safeguarding Children Board, who may either seek to resolve the issue direct, or to convene a Resolution Panel.

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The panel must consist of LSCB representatives from three agencies (including the agencies concerned in the professional differences, where possible).

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The panel will receive representations from those concerned in the professional differences and make a decision as to the next course of action, resolving the professional differences concerned.

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Documenting discussions and decisions

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At all stages of the process actions and decisions must be recorded in writing and shared with relevant personnel, to include the worker who raised the initial concern. In particular this must include written confirmation between the parties about an agreed outcome of the disagreement and how any outstanding issues will be pursued.

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At stage 4. when the matter has been resolved between parties, the LSCB Business Manager must be informed by email by the manager who had the concern. 

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GSCE Contact Details Email: gsce@gloucestershire.gov.uk 

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Reviewed August  2022

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