Ask the Expert: Safeguarding issues

As a service manager in our social care department, I am growing increasingly concerned that too many corners are being cut in some safeguarding processes. Despite concerns being raised, nothing appears to be changing. How can I encourage more urgent action?

Safeguarding children is a complex risk-assessment and management process where the confidence of all staff in each other and the process is essential. If you have serious concerns, set them out clearly in writing along with any solutions.

Send the document to your director and line manager and ask to discuss the issues. The document should have clear evidence and offer ways forward. It is important that your action is seen as solution-focused, not just a complaint.

If this does not get a positive response, then you could send a similar letter to the independent chair of the local safeguarding children board, who is responsible for co-ordinated multi-agency safeguarding. It is important that issues are raised, debated and resolved and the focus on the safety of the child kept centre stage.

Answered by Paul Clark. Clark is director of the Potential Organisation. He was director of children’s services in Harrow for seven years