Disagreements over the handling of concerns can impact negatively on positive working relationships and consequently on the ability to safeguard and promote the welfare of children

Pan Bedfordshire Interagency Child Protection procedure

The Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) has developed a procedure to be used when resolving professional disagreements relating to safeguarding needs of children and young people. 

You can access the procedures at the the Pan Bedfordshire Interagency Child Protection Procedure Chapter.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is a responsibility shared by all agencies. Whilst the local authority is allocated a ‘lead’ role in coordinating responses to risk, or causes, of significant harm to children, effective intervention is dependent upon inter agency planning and multi-agency service responses.

It is the view of the BBSCB that constructive challenge amongst colleagues within agencies and between agencies provides a healthy approach to planning to keep children safe. However, sometimes an issue cannot be resolved and protocol/procedures are needed to escalate concerns, while keeping the focus of concern on the child and their needs.

These documents are not designed to replace the statutory complaints processes established within individual partner agencies.

All agencies are responsible for ensuring that their staff are supported and know how to appropriately escalate and resolve inter-agency concerns and disagreements about a child or young person’s well-being and the response to safeguarding needs.

Ofsted whistleblowing policy

Ofsted has updated its whistleblowing policy. Previously it only covered safeguarding in local authority children's services. The new policy covers all matters relating to the inspection and regulation of children's social care: establishments, agencies and providers.

Whistleblowing to Ofsted about children's social care services