1.1 Introduction |
Contents
- Format
- Accessing and Updating Procedures
- Terminology
- Context
- Relationship of Policy, Procedures and Guidance
- Relevant Staff
1. Format
| 1.1 | Welcome to Solihull Local Safeguarding Children Board's electronic Procedures Manual. |
| 1.2 | The electronic format has been designed to make the procedures easy to access and allows you to skip readily between linked sections via the installed hyperlinks. |
| 1.3 | The Procedure Quick Guide explains how the Manual has been constructed and the key features which have been included to assist you in navigating the chapters. |
| 1.4 | The manual is designed to be viewed on line and not in hard copy. In the event that it is necessary to print a short section, for example to take to a meeting or a court hearing, the worker must ensure that the paper copy is shredded immediately after it has been used. |
2. Accessing and Updating Procedures
| 2.1 | The Manual is permanently available via the Solihull LSCB website to facilitate ready access and permit regular updating. |
| 2.2 | It will be updated regularly by the Solihull LSCB and the current version will be available via the website. |
| 2.3 | When amendments to procedures are made, they will be highlighted on the Contents page and listed in the Quick Guide to draw your attention to where they are. |
| 2.4 | When using the Manual, if you do come across any errors or omissions, please email lscb@solihull.gov.uk who will be collating the information for updates. |
3. Terminology
| 3.1 | A glossary of terms which have a technical significance or for which abbreviations may be used in the text, is provided in the Keywords Appendix. |
4. Context
| 4.1 | The development of the procedures is one of the core functions of the LSCB in its role to coordinate local work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in Solihull. |
| 4.2 | They are intended to promote close working between safeguarding agencies to facilitate early intervention to meet the needs of children and their families, and should be read in the context of the LINCS (Local Integrated Needs-led Coordinated Support) and the Common Assessment Framework Procedures. |
| 4.3 | The procedures reflect current legislation, accepted best practice and comply with the government guidance: Working Together to Safeguard Children 2010. |
| 4.4 | Further professional guidance is available from the guidance “What to do if you're worried that a child is being abused” (DfES, 2006), which can be found at the Every Child Matters Website, Safeguarding. |
5. Relationship of Policy, Procedures and Guidance
5.1 Policy Framework
The Policy Framework chapters within which all procedures should be read are set out in Part 1 of the Manual. All users should be familiar with these chapters before accessing other Parts of the Manual.
In particular, the values of the LSCB are set out in the chapter relating to the Solihull Local Safeguarding Children Board, Section 5, LSCB Functions.
If necessary, agencies may develop supplementary ‘internal’ policies which represent higher standards or which reflect an agency specific contribution to safeguarding children and promoting their welfare. However, if they do so, they must be consistent with those in this Manual.
5.2 Procedures
Procedures indicate what must or may be done in specified circumstances and define the limits of professional discretion.
The procedures have the status of instructions to individuals working with children in Solihull and provide a framework that must be followed when child welfare concerns have been identified
5.3 Guidance
Guidance provides contextual information or addresses the question of why specified actions may be required.
6. Relevant Staff
| 6.1 | The contents of this Manual are for application by those working, whether paid or unpaid, in LSCB member agencies and in private or voluntary sector organisations with responsibilities for children living, or present in Solihull.
Mark Rogers Corporate Director, Education and Children’s Services, Solihull MBC Chairperson, Solihull LSCB
Councillor Ken Meeson Elected Member: Children and Young People |
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