LSCP Resolution and Escalation
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and front-line staff need confidence in talking with each other about decisions that have been made, discussing any concerns regarding those decisions and where there isn’t agreement and escalating those concerns as appropriate to seek resolution.
Equally important is the culture of how we work; and it is vital that front-line staff are encouraged to remain professionally curious and to raise issues where they feel that their concerns for children and young people aren’t being addressed.
Effective working together depends on an open approach and honest relationships between agencies. Problem resolution is an integral part of professional co-operation and joint working to safeguard children.
Escalation is…. an effective mechanism for resolving professional disagreement.’
Escalation is not…. a negative action or criticism
Disagreements can arise in a number of areas, but are most likely to arise around:
- levels of need
- roles and responsibilities
- the need for action
- progressing plans and communication.
Where professionals consider that the practice of other professionals is placing children at risk of harm, they must be assertive, act swiftly and ensure that they challenge the relevant professionals in line with the guidance set out in the LSCP Resolution and Escalation Procedure.
Always remember:
- The safety of individual children is the paramount consideration in any professional activity.
- Resolution should be sought within the shortest timescale possible to ensure the child is protected.
- Disagreements should be resolved at the lowest possible stage
The safety and wellbeing of individual children and young people is the paramount consideration in any effective challenge and escalation.
LSCP Resolution and Escalation Procedure