News

Annual Report 2018-19

SSCB is pleased to publish their respective Annual Report for 2018-19.

The Board is required to publish an annual report on the effectiveness of safeguarding in the local area. The report provides a rigorous and transparent assessment of the impact and effectiveness of local services to safeguard children in Salford. It identifies key achievements and challenges.

This is the final year that we will publish an Annual Report as Salford Safeguarding Children Board (SSCB). The report for 2019-20 will be published by the new Partnership in accordance with Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018.

For more information visit:  https://safeguardingchildren.salford.gov.uk/about-the-partnership/annual-report/

Item added 18th December 2019

Professional Challenge and Escalation

Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP) have updated the professional challenge and escalation guidance in response to learning from Case Reviews.

Recent case reviews have evidenced that multi agency working is strong in Salford and partners are good at sharing their views regarding what is working well for children and families and what could be better. However, there are times when disagreements occur and require informal/formal escalation if concerns cannot be resolved.

Learning from case reviews has been that effective challenge and escalation has not always been achieved and on occasions this has meant that the multi-agency professionals have remained in disagreement without resolution, impacting on how effective agencies work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Constructive challenge among colleagues within agencies and between agencies provides a healthy approach to keep children safe. There needs to be a clear process in place to achieve and evidence this while keeping the focus on the child and their needs.

Please find attached the updated local guidance and professional challenge form. We will incorporate this into the SSCP multi-agency training programme and the guidance and supporting form is available on the policies and procedures page of the SSCP website:

Item added 22nd November 2019

Are you a Salford Parent or Carer?

We would like to hear your views on how we keep children and young people safe, well and able to thrive growing up in Salford.

If you send us your details using the form below, we will contact you to let you know more about how you can help us to help children and young people. From completing surveys to parent groups to telling us about your experience of services;  however you choose to be involved we would love to hear from you.

• Salford parent panel recruitment form (Microsoft Word format, 211kb)

Item added: 21st November 2019

Practice review policy and toolkit

The Practice Review Policy and Toolkit has been published. 

If you are aware of multi-agency working that has resulted in a seriously good outcome, or you are concerned about the way agencies have worked together with a particular case, you can make a referral to the practice review sub group.

Date added: 13/11/2019

Initial Child Protection conference- reflective session

In January 2019, the Safeguarding and Quality Assurance Unit (SQAU) introduced a pre-reflective discussion for professionals attending initial conferences as a pilot. This was in order to learn from and discuss cases where children have returned to an Initial Child Protection Conference (ICPC) within 12 months of the previous Child Protection Plan (CPP) ending. Furthermore for children who are being discussed for a third or subsequent time at an initial conference, irrespective of the time lapse, whether they are made subject to CPP or not.

The aim of the discussion is to reflect on the impact of practice, what worked well and what we have learnt. The reflective discussions are analysed to consider themes and reported to the Safeguarding Partnership to support practice developed with the aim of improving outcomes for children and families.

It is hoped that in the longer term it will reduce child protection re-plans and inform any gaps in service provision across the city.

The SQAU have reviewed the impact of the reflective sessions over a four month period, the outcome was that it is too early to truly understand the impact and feedback from the majority of practitioners is that these session have had a positive impact upon practice.

Therefore the pre-reflective sessions will continue for a further 12 months and the impact of them will remain under review. The guiding questions have been updated after feedback from practitioners and to reflect themes in practice. 

• Pre-conference reflective discussion-updated Nov 2019

We know that they have the biggest impact when all partners attend. Please can you disseminate this email to practitioners and support their attendance when needed. Practitioners will know if a reflective session is taking place as they will receive the details within the conference invite.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Emma Ford, Head of Safeguarding or Vickie Hollingworth, CPCO Service Manager  on 0161 603 4350 if you would like to discuss anything.

Date added: 6th November 2019

Route29 (formerly known as No Wrong Door)

This year, we are changing the way we help young people aged 12-17 in care and on the edge of care. Currently too many Salford young people in care are placed outside the city, meaning they have to change schools, move away from their friends and don’t always get the support they need.

We are introducing a new way of working, which has been very successful in North Yorkshire. Route29 (known as ‘No Wrong Door’ in North Yorkshire and other areas) is an integrated service for adolescents with complex needs that brings together a team of specialists working together through a shared practice framework. The model operates as an edge of care/outreach service, focused around a re-purposed children’s home that acts as a hub to bring together a multi-disciplinary team, including a clinical psychologist, police, speech and language therapist and ‘stickable’ key workers.

We are in the process of 360° co-designing with young people, carers, staff and partners. They have been central to our planning so that we get it right and meet their needs. We are aiming to go live with our hub by the end of this year.

For more information visit: www.salford.gov.uk/route29 

Date added: 6th November 2019

E-Bulletin October 2019

Please download the SSCP E-Bulletin and disseminate to Salford Practitioners.  

Date added: 22/10/2019

 SSCP Website Update

We will be updating our website to reflect the new changes up until then here’s the latest news. Further information and website details will be available soon. You will still find a number of updates by visiting the SSCP latest news.

Don’t forget we’ve launched a brand new Twitter account for Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership. Make sure you follow us @SalfordSCP

 

Date added: June 2019

Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership Arrangements went live on 1st April 2019.

The DfE Early Adopter Programme will end on 30^th June, but we know that a transitional period between our implementation date of 1^st April until our new processes and groups are embedded is likely. The programme has raised the profile of Salford nationally in relation to safeguarding children, and we have provided a number of learning examples as part of the project, including speaking at two DfE safeguarding children events. 

Further information is available about the partnership including a 7 minute briefing on the new safeguarding arrangements in Salford.

Date added: June 2019

Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership Roadshows

There have been a number of roadshows delivered in April and May 2019 accessed by over 200 multi-agency professionals. Professionals were able to find out about the new multi-agency safeguarding arrangements and priorities including Neglect. We also got plenty of views on how well we are safeguarding children in Salford – what is working well, what we are worried about and what can we do differently to improve outcomes for children and families of Salford. There are some further sessions planned. This feedback will be used to inform our ongoing plans. The presentation from the Roadshow is attached

Date added: June 2019

Exam Stress Campaign

Throughout May and June young people in schools, colleges and universities throughout the country have been busy studying, prior to taking exams.

For many this can be an extremely stressful period, which can have an impact on someone’s physical and emotional health and well-being.

We’re supporting @SalfordCCG campaign, encouraging young people to reach out for support during the exam period. This time can be very stressful but help is available. Visit www.salfordccg.nhs.uk/start-well/exam-stress  for more info. #ExamStress

The exam pressure campaign compliments some of the messages from GM’s recently launched Suicide Prevention ‘shining a light on suicide’ campaign, which contains images projected onto Salford lads club and a personal story from a student.

This toolkit can be found at: http://www.shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk/toolkit

Date added: June 2019

Reducing Parental Conflict

The Reducing Parental Conflict Programme is a 12 month project that is being rolled out in all areas of the country.  The aim of the project is to work with partners to review how current strategy and practice supports identification and delivery of support to families where parental conflict is a factor.  Research shows the link between parental conflict and poor outcomes for children. The aim of the project is to help avoid the damage that parental conflict causes to children, by 2020/2021.  The vision is that, parental conflict support will be increasingly embedded in local support for vulnerable families in England.

The strategic lead for this project in Salford is Rachel Shearn and she will working alongside Michelle Warburton from Salford CVS.  They will be speaking with partners, community groups, leads and residents and holding a series of events to work towards developing a plan for the city.  They will also be identifying through partners which staff would be best placed to undertake training on parental conflict.  If you would like to get involved in this work or find out more please call Rachel Shearn on 0161 686 5257. 

If you would like to know about the research and the importance of this work then please visit https://reducingparentalconflict.eif.org.uk/  There is also an upcoming conference. Children, parental conflict and public services conference, Manchester 27 June 2019 in Manchester - https://www.eif.org.uk/events

Date added: June 2019

Knife crime - New anti-knife crime school lessons ahead of summer

The Home Office has been working with the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Association and teachers to create new and improved school curriculum materials on knife crime ahead of the summer holidays. The lesson plans will help teachers challenge the myths around knife crime and feature real life case studies.

Social media graphics and posters for partners are also available  to share and use in supporting the #knifefree campaign to reduce knife crime among young people

Date added: June 2019 

Child Trafficking

Every Child Protected Against Trafficking (ECPAT) has updated its FAQs on child trafficking publication. The updates reflect emerging trends in child trafficking and changes in legislation, policy and practice.

Training - Join the Independent Child Trafficking Advocacy Service (ICTA)

for an awareness raising session about child trafficking

Date:              Friday 21^st June 2019

Time:             9.30am – 12.30pm

Venue:           Broughton Hub (community room 2), 50 Rigby Street, Salford M7 4BQ

The session will cover:

• Child trafficking definitions
• Trafficking Indicators
• Safeguarding & safety planning advice
• National Referral Mechanism & the role of first responders
• The role of the Independent Child Trafficking Advocacy Service
• Current trends & referral within Greater Manchester

Further information about the role & duty of the ICTA service can be found within Home Office Guidance: Child Trafficking Advocates: Guidance For Early Adopter Sites And within S48 of the Modern Slavery Act

To book a place please ring 0161 603 4310 or email Debbie.hulme@salford.gov.uk

Places are offered on a first come, first served basis. Official confirmations will not be given, however a reminder email will be sent to delegates approximately 2 weeks before each seminar.  When booking places please provide details as listed below:

• Name of delegate
• Job title
• Agency
• Team based with
• Full address where based with contact telephone number
• Name of delegate’s manager

The Safeguarding Partnership is now charging agencies for staff who fail to attend if we are not informed of cancellation at least 5 working days before the training session.  This includes participants who arrive late and are not admitted by the trainers as they have missed a section of the training or participants who on the day inform the trainers they need to leave early. The charge would be £20.

Date added: June 2019

Child exploitation disruption toolkit

The Home Office has published a child exploitation disruption toolkit for professionals working with children in the UK. The toolkit sets out key legislation that can be used to disrupt the criminal and sexual exploitation of children and includes best practice guidance on information sharing and multi-agency working.

Date added: June 2019

Independent schools

The Department for Education (DfE) has published new standards guidance for independent schools in England. This includes information on safeguarding provision, including safer recruitment and use of restraint. A regulatory and enforcement action policy statement has also been published.

Date added: June 2019

Online safety

Childnet has launched a new PSHE toolkit to help secondary school teachers talk to 11-14-year-olds about pornography, healthy relationships and body image online. The toolkit includes lesson plan guidance, activities and films for each topic.

Further information: Myth vs. reality: a PSHE toolkit

Date added: June 2019

Hate Crime – National campaign

A nationwide hate crime campaign aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of what constitutes a hate crime has been launched by the government. A hate crime partner pack has also been developed for further information and guidance. 

Date added: June 2019

You may also be interested in the following information:

• Latest Greater Manchester policies and Tri-X briefings -This include briefings on Sexual Abuse of Children in Custodial Institutions and key changes to the Mental Capacity Act 2019
• Local supporting pathways and policies
• Practice Reviews and Lessons Learnt
• Learning Events: Complex Safeguarding Conference: Exploitation in Salford Resource Pack
• SSCP Training including courses and seminars 
• 7 minute briefings: SSCP New Arrangements and Safer Sleep
• Practitioner Forum: Vacancy for Co-Chair of the Practitioner Forum. Please contact us for more information.

Date added: June 2019

Other Training and Events in Salford, Greater Manchester and the North West

• Emotional Health Learning Programme: – Youth Mental Health First Aid, Bereavement Training, Learning from   the Manchester Arena Attack, Supporting those bereaved by suicide and more– booking information
• Suicide Prevention Support and training – further information

Early Help Assessment Training – June/July availability  booking information

Date added: June 2019

National CSE Awareness Day -18 March 2019 #CSEday19

Greater Manchester Police have produced a series of imagery as a reminder to the public of the vulnerability of young people and no matter how they act, look or are perceived they are still a child.

No matter what image a young person portrays to the outside world they are #Stillachild, they are still vulnerable to exploitation and we, with the public's help, are here to protect them.

For more information follow @notokaygm or visit the It's not okay website.

Item added 18/03/2019

#KnifeFree Campaign

As part of the government's ongoing commitment to tackling serious and violent crime, we are supporting the Home Office to run a communications campaign to reduce knife crime. The #knifefree campaign aims to change the attitudes and behaviours of young people aged between 10-21 years old, through telling stories of real young people who have made the decision to not carry a knife.

There are also some graphics and posters available to use. The Home Office have also worked with the PSHE Association to develop lesson plans for key stage 3 and 4 students. They can be found here: #knifefree lesson plans

Date added: 18/03/2019

Reporting a serious child safeguarding incident: guidance for local authorities

The government has published guidance on how local authorities in England should report a serious child safeguarding incident to the Child Safeguarding Practice Review panel. The guidance states that local authorities must use the child safeguarding incident notification system to notify the Panel if it's known or suspected that a child has been abused or neglected. The statutory guidance Working together to safeguard children has been updated to reflect this change.

Further information: Child safeguarding incident notification system

Item added: 27/02/2019

Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel: first national review

Edward Timpson, Chair of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, in a letter to the Secretary of State for Education has announced that the first national child safeguarding practice review will commence in March 2019. The review will focus on adolescents in need of state protection from criminal exploitation.

Further information: Announcement of the child safeguarding practice review panel's first national review (PDF)

Item added: 27/02/2019

Take Action Today North West Briefing note

'Take Action Today, Put Them Away' is a campaign that aims to raise awareness of how to prevent household poisoning among children under five years old. This programme is now being rolled out across the North West.

For more information please download the briefing note below.

•  Take Action Today, NW briefing note (Adobe PDF format, 402kb)

Item added 29/01/19

Safeguarding in Salford Learning Event

On the 14th December 2018 we held a joint event with Community Safety Partnership and the Safeguarding Adults Board to share important learning from case reviews and practice. It was great to see such a great turnout with over 140 professionals working with children, adults and communities, coming together to  explore how we can improve outcomes for citizens of Salford. For more information on the event, including presentations and useful links please visit https://www.partnersinsalford.org/sscb/learningevents.htm  

Items added 28/01/19 

Threshold of Need and Response 2019

The SSCB has refreshed the Threshold of Need and Response Framework following the implementation of Working Together 2018 and the refreshed Early Help Strategy.

This document is the criteria for taking action and providing help across this full continuum to ensure that services are commissioned effectively and that the right help is given to the child at the right time. It should be transparent, accessible and understood by all practitioners and applied consistently.

Key updates include:

• Reference to Working Together 2018
• Reference to the Early Help Strategy 2018-21
• Replaced Family Assessment with Early Help Assessment
• New supporting 7 Minute Briefing

Please promote this guidance in your agency and embed into relevant training and policies.

For more information visit www.partnersinsalford.org/sscb/Thresholds.htm

Is the local thresholds criteria clear, accessible and understood? If you have any feedback please email: sscb@salford.gov.uk

Item added 10/1/2019

Counter-extremism policy in schools

The House of Commons Library has published a briefing setting out duties on schools in England to safeguard children from extremism, promote British values, and related policy debates. The briefing includes an overview of: the role of schools in preventing extremism; how to raise concerns; the Prevent strategy; teaching British values in schools; out-of-school settings; home-schooled children; Ofsted inspections.

Young people in custody

The Home Office has updated information for young people under 18-years-old who have been detained in custody. The booklet and leaflet includes information on rights and entitlements such as what happens after being arrested, rights and the support people can give.

For further information visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notice-of-rights-and-entitlements-easy-read  

Lead Professional Handbook update

Updates have been added to the guidance to reflect;

• Changes to the Early Help Assessment team contact details EHAT@salford.gov.uk
• Broadened the definition of 'health needs' in relation to children with disabilities including complex health needs and children with mental health needs.

Further information on policies, procedures and the Lead Professional Handbook is available on the following link: https://www.partnersinsalford.org/sscb/policiesprocedures.htm

SSCB Annual Report 2017-18

We published our 'Annual Report 2017-18' on 7th January 2019. The annual report provides a rigorous and transparent assessment of the impact and effectiveness of local services to safeguard children in Salford. It identifies key achievements, challenges and proposals for action. The report sets out key areas we will seek assurance on from other strategic partnerships and partners as well as themed priorities for 2018-19 to enhance multi-agency safeguarding practice in Salford:

Themed Priority Areas 2018-19

1. Neglect
2. Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
3. Missing from Home, Care and Education
4. Complex Safeguarding

Key Assurance Areas 2018-19

1. Early Help
2. Children Affected by Domestic Abuse
3. Emotional Health and Wellbeing

This is the final year that we will publish an Annual Report as Salford Safeguarding Children Board (SSCB). The report for 18-19 will be published by the new partnership in accordance with Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018.

For more information visit: www.partnersinsalford.org/sscb/annualreport.htm

Items added: 08/01/2019

Early Adopter Programme Update

Salford is one of 17 safeguarding early adopters and our plans to implement requirements in the new Working Together to safeguarding children 2018 are progressing well.  We will publish the new arrangements, which various subgroups have had input to, by the end of January 2019, meeting the 'aspirational' DfE date for publication.  The main changes will be to strengthen our review from practice and safeguarding assurance, improve understanding of impact, improvement, and remove the current co-ordination and delivery group which feedback indicated replicated the Board. The latter will save time for those partners who were on both groups.

An evaluation of case reviews is underway, which is due for completion by the end of January.   In addition, we have:

• Trialled a new method of case discussion on new referrals which those involved reported helped to focus on the lived experiences of the child and analysis of the case.
• Developed a safeguarding assurance model which we will be taking forward with relevant sub-groups on 31st January 2019.
• Used the Learning Event on 14th December to identify how people best learn and would like to receive new knowledge.

The new arrangements come into effect on 1st April, and we look forward to holding more learning events, development sessions and sharing with professionals in Salford to ensure all partners are committed to working together so that every child in Salford has a safe and happy childhood.

Item added 20/12/2018 

Procedures Manual - December 2018

The Greater Manchester Safeguarding procedures manual has been updated.

For more information visit: www.proceduresonline.com/greater_manchester/scb

Added 05/12/2018

Children's Services Inspection Outcome

Salford Children's Services was inspected in October 2018. Overall effectiveness was judged to be Good but there are a few areas that need to improve.

For more information download the full report published 12th November 2018.

Item added 12/11/2018

Early Help Assessment Goes Live

The Early Help Assessment was launched 1st November 2018. The Early Help Assessment and Team around the Family (TAF) are designed to promote integrated working and family participation across level 2 within Salford, using an asset based solution focused model.   If you are just about to start a new assessment or about to have a TAF meeting please start to use the new Early Help form.

For more information or to download the new assessment visit: www.salford.gov.uk/children-and-families/safeguarding-children/advice-for-professionals/early-help-assessment-and-taf/

Any support, queries, consultations around early help needed please contact the Early Help Assessment Coordinators (Early Help Assessment Team) T: 0161 6034239.

Item added 2/11/2018

FGM Campaign 2018

Home Office launched the FGM campaign on 5th October as part of their commitment to tackling this crime and protecting vulnerable women and girls.

The campaign aims to educate communities about the long-term health consequences of FGM, raising awareness that it is illegal and signposting to the NSPCC FGM helpline for support, advice or to report.

To support the campaign please download the posters and use the partner pack to promote the campaign through your channels.

For more information please Email: Biatra.Christou1@homeoffice.gov.uk

• FGM Posters (Adobe PDF format, 2MB)
• FGM Campaign Pack 2018 (Adobe PDF format 760KB)

Safeguarding Early Adopter Programme Briefing - October 2018

SSCB is an Early Adopter. The DfE Early Adopters Programme aims to support local areas develop and test innovative approaches to implementing the new safeguarding reforms.

Carole Brooks Associates will provide independent support to the Early Adopter Transformation Project in conjunction with a small group of SSCB members.

Please download and disseminate our October 2018 briefing. It sets out what we want to achieve, how we will do it, a timetable and what you can do to support the changes.

For more information email: SSCB@salford.gov.uk or tel: 0161 603 4336

• Safeguarding Early Adopter Programme Briefing - Oct 2018 (Adobe PDF version, 279KB)

Item added 24/10/2018

Homelessness Public Duty to Refer

From 1 October 2018, under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017, public services have a duty to refer those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness to housing services, with the applicants consent.

For further information visit: https://www.salford.gov.uk/dutytorefer.

You can also complete the Housing allocations policy consultation which ends on 12th October 2018.

Added 16/10/2018

Emotional Health Service Directory for Children and Young People

If you work or volunteer with children and young people you are best placed to recognise problems.

The Emotional Health Service Directory is designed for you. You can use it to refer children and young people to appropriate services, and get support. The latest version is now available to downloadable. This includes Junction 17 referral pathways.

For more information contact EHWB@salford.gov.uk

Added 16/10/2018

Early help strategy

The refreshed Early Help Strategy (2018-2021)for Salford outlines our plan to deliver the help and support families need at the earliest opportunity to enable them to thrive.

For more information on early help visit www.partnersinsalford.org/earlyhelp

Item added 04/10/2018

Early help assessment to replace Family assessment

We have listened to feedback and we are pleased to announce that the Family Assessment is to change to an Early Help Assessment from 1st November 2018.

A number of briefings will be delivered across the city.

To book on to a session e-mail HRandODsupport@salford.gov.uk.

For any other queries please contact 0161 603 4239.

Item added 27/09/2018

Sexually Harmful Behaviour (SHB) Pathway

We have recently published a revised local SHB pathway and supporting resources.  

For more information visit: www.partnersinsalford.org/sscb/pathwayguidance.htm

If you have any comments please email: pauline.copeland@salford.gov.uk

Item added 04/09/2018

Early Adopter Funding

The DfE has recently confirmed that SSCB has been successful with a bid for the Early Adopter Programme.

The Early Adopters programme aims to support local areas develop and test innovative approaches to implementing the new safeguarding reforms. Seed-funding is available to local areas who can demonstrate that they have a viable plan to implement the multi-agency reforms.

Our bid focused on planning for local child safeguarding practice reviews. The intended outcomes of the project include:

• Effective planning for local child safeguarding practice reviews.
• Implement an effective Quality Assurance and Learning and Improvement framework
• Work with other local partnership boards to share and embed learning
• Work with the new national Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel to share and embed learning.
• Improve the new partnership communications
• Inform the work of the Greater Manchester's Safeguarding Standards Board

We are looking to commission independent project support to lead the early adopter - transformation project plan starting in October 2018

For more information email: SSCB@salford.gov.uk tel: 0161 603 4336

Item added 04/09/2018

Child T

We have published a 7MB regarding Child T. Please reflect on the findings, discuss the implications for your service and outline the steps your team will take to improve practice in line with the findings and recommendations.

For more information please download the Child T-Executive Summary (Adobe PDF format, 324 kb)

If you have any feedback please email: sscb@salford.gov.uk

Item added 04/09/2018

Trapped Weeks of Action- 2 - 8 July 2018 #FindAWayOut

Child Trafficking Week of Action focused on Criminal Exploitation. To support the week of action please download and distribute the social media toolkit to promote the campaign.

• Trapped Social Media Messages (Microsoft Word format, 23kb)

To report a crime call Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively call the Modern Slavery Helpline 08000 121 700. To pass on information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For more information visit: www.itsnotokay.co.uk/trapped/

For more information on the campaign please contact Jayne Horan, GM Complex Safeguarding Lead email: Jayne.Horan@gmp.police.uk

Item added 04/9/2018 (item circulated 03/07/2018)

'Keep Switched On' CSE Weeks of Action 18 - 24 June 2018 #ItsNotOkay

Parents and carers are the focus of this year's week of action and the 'Keep Switched On' campaign aims to encourage them to be vigilant about their child's safety whether they are online, or off out.

To support the week of action please download and distribute the social media toolkit to promote the campaign:

Keep Switched on Social Media Pack (Microsoft Word format, 29kb)

For more information contact Danielle Young, Senior Public Relations Officer, Greater Manchester Police email: Danielle.Young@gmp.police.uk

Item added 04/9/2018 (item circulated 18/06/2018)

Information Sharing Guidance 2018

This guidance has been updated to reflect the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018, and it supersedes the HM Government Information sharing: guidance for practitioners and managers published in March 2015.

This advice is for practitioners and senior managers. It helps them decide when and how to share personal information legally and professionally. It might also be helpful for practitioners working with adults who are responsible for children who may be in need.

Information sharing is essential for effective safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. It is a key factor identified in many serious case reviews (SCRs), where poor information sharing has resulted in missed opportunities to take action that keeps children and young people safe. 

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2018

Statutory guidance for schools and colleges in England on Keeping children safe in education becomes effective from 3 September 2018. It sets out the legal duties to follow to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people under the age of 18 in schools and colleges. Annex H of the guidance provides a table of all changes.

Items added 3/09/2018

Sitting Right With You Campaign 2018

1 in 3 women are victims of abusive relationships. Is this #SittingRightWithYou?

1 in 6 men are victims of domestic abuse. Is this #SittingRightWithYou?

Domestic abuse isn't just physical, it could be controlling and intimidating behaviour. It's time to start talking about it. Is it #SittingRightWithYou?

Controlling what someone wears, their money, who they talk to is just as damaging and is abuse. Is this #SittingRightWithYou?

If you're worried about your partner's behaviour towards you, or maybe your behaviour towards your partner, it's time to talk about it. Is It #SittingRightWithYou?

Is domestic abuse #SittingRightWithYou? It's time to start talking about it.

Enjoying the warm weather? For every 1 degree it gets warmer there are four more incidents of domestic abuse. Is this #SittingRightWithYou?

Visit http://www.sittingrightwithyou.co.uk/youngpeople/ #sittingrightwithyou for advice and support for young people. For more information on the campaign please contact Claire Smith, Senior Communications Officer, GMCA email: Claire.smith@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk

Item added 16/08/2018

Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018

The Government has today published Working Together 2018 and the accompanying transitional arrangements. The reforms underpin a stronger but more flexible statutory framework - one that will support local partners to work together more effectively in protecting and safeguarding children.

The 2018 version replaces the 2015 version and the transitional guidance helps explain how to move to a new system of practice reviews.

A version of the guidance for young people is available for practitioners to share.

For more information please visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children

Item added 04/07/2018

Working Towards Revised Safeguarding Children Arrangements

The requirement for councils to have LSCBs will soon be replaced with a requirement on three partners - local authorities, the police and the health service - to make arrangements for working together on child protection in a local area.

Following publication of local arrangements, safeguarding partners will have up to three months to implement the changes. Once the arrangements have been published and implemented, the SSCB for Salford will cease to exist.

We are already preparing our local plans to enable us to reform at the earliest opportunity. Proposed key changes include:

• Establishing a Transitional Safeguarding Executive
• The Board will be redefined as the Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership
• Independent scrutiny arrangements
• Introduce a Safeguarding Effectiveness and Audit Group and Safeguarding Practice Review Panel
• Child Death Overview Panel governance
• Stakeholder engagement

"We welcome more flexible and proportionate local safeguarding arrangements. It is an opportunity to be innovative and build on our already "Good" Board inspection rating." Simon Westwood, SSCB Independent Chair.

The final proposals will be developed for the Safeguarding Executive to agree once the Government publish the new statutory guidance expected by the end of June. For more information please download the proposal paper.

• Salford proposals - working towards revised arrangements March 2018

Any comments or queries please email: sscb@salford.gov.uk

Item added 17/05/2018

Domestic Abuse Consultation

In March this year the government launched a public consultation on transforming the response to domestic abuse.

Salford is committed to doing everything we can to end domestic abuse. To achieve this we need to build a society that has zero tolerance and actively empowers victims, communities and professionals to confront and challenge it and the consultation responses will shape the response to domestic abuse at every stage, from prevention through to rehabilitation.

How can you help?

• Download the partner toolkit (Adobe pdf format, 296kb) and disseminate within your agency
• Participate in the consultation by 31 May 2018
• Share the content, videos and facts on social media #thisisabuse

For more information regarding the consultation visit: https://goo.gl/aiZgXX

Item added: 14/05/2018

New SSCB Case Review 7 Minute Briefings

The SSCB  have introduced 'seven minute briefings'  (7MBs) to allow managers to deliver a short briefing to staff regarding the lessons learnt from multi-agency case reviews.

We have recently published our first 7MB regarding Child MT. Please reflect on the findings, discuss the implications for your service and outline the steps your team will take to improve practice in line with the findings and recommendations.

For more information visit www.partnersinsalford.org/sscb/7minutebriefings.htm

If you have any feedback please email: sscb@salford.gov.uk  

Item added 11/05/2018

Threshold of Need and Response 2018

The SSCB has refreshed the Threshold of Need and Response Framework. This is an interim update since the last version published November 2016. The document will need a full review following the implementation of Working Together 2018 and the refreshed Early Help Strategy.

This document is the criteria for taking action and providing help across this full continuum to ensure that services are commissioned effectively and that the right help is given to the child at the right time. It should be transparent, accessible and understood by all practitioners and applied consistently.

Key updates include:

• Reference to Family Assessment
• Links to the MARAM Tools
• 7 Minute Briefings
• Alternative  Young Peoples Plan
• Lead Professional Handbook

Please promote this guidance in your agency and embed into relevant training and policies.

For more information visit www.partnersinsalford.org/sscb/Thresholds.htm

Item added 27/4/2018

It's Not Okay Week of Action- 18th June 2018

The theme is CSE in Sport and is largely aimed at parents and carers - educating and empowering them to take a proactive role in the safety of their children. This will include holiday club provisions, extra-curricular activities, associations and social activities. More information to follow shortly.

Visit www.itsnotokay.co.uk for more information.

Item added 25/04/2018

Family Assessment Newsletter Spring 2018

This newsletter is intended to provide an update on the Family Assessment process regarding any significant developments as well as information about supporting tools.

Child Employment National Awareness Campaign - April 2018

Many young people benefit from part time working and although there are restrictions on the hours and type of work, young people and employers most often find it a rewarding arrangement. However it is important that there is awareness about child employment laws so that young people are not vulnerable to exploitation and injury and employers can be sure they have safe arrangements in place. Child employment laws exist to safeguard school age employees (13 to 16 years old).

If you become aware of any young people you work with who have a weekend or evening job, or even if you find they are working during the school day please contact the Child Employment and Entertainment Licensing Officer who will then check to see if they are licensed and if necessary will make enquiries to ensure they are. It is important for young people to have the opportunity to work but we also have to make sure they are not being exploited whilst in work.

For further information about the types of work young people can undertake, the hours they can work and the times of the day they can be employed please visit Child Employment. To make a referral  contact Karina Daniels (Child Employment and Entertainment Licensing Officer) on 0161 778 0394/0161 603 4350, email childemployment@salford.gov.uk or visit  Twitter and Facebook

Complex Safeguarding Conference: Exploitation in Salford - 22nd March 2018 

Presentations and relevant information from this event is included on the Complex Safeguarding page

Disrespect NoBody campaign

The Home Office Disrespect NoBody campaign aims to prevent young people aged 12 to 18 years old from becoming perpetrators and victims of abusive relationships. The Disrespect NoBody website includes information for young people about sexting, relationship abuse, consent, rape and porn, as well as information about organisations young people can approach for help. Promotional material for partner organisations is also available for the campaign which runs to the beginning of May 2018.

Anti-knife crime campaign

The Home Office has launched an anti-knife crime advertising campaign including graphics and posters to reduce knife crime among young people and challenge perceptions that carrying a knife is normal. The #knifefree website provides advice, signposts support services and highlights activities to empower young people to change their behaviour.

Items added 25/04/2018

Standing Together-Police and Crime Plan

The Mayor of Greater Manchester published the new Police and Crime plan 20 March 2018 to build a safer and stronger Greater Manchester. It is a plan for police, community safety, criminal justice services and citizens in greater Manchester.

The three-year strategy focuses on three main priorities:

• To keep people safe - for those who live, work, socialise and travel in Greater Manchester, as well as protecting those who are vulnerable.
• To reduce harm and offending - preventing anti-social and criminal behaviour by intervening earlier and rehabilitating offenders.
• To strengthen communities and places - by helping to build resilient communities and strengthening the delivery of public assets.

Read more about the launch or download the Police and Crime Plan- 'Standing Together'

For more information Email: enquiries@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk or Tel: 0161 778 7000

Item added 19/04/2018

DfE - Together, we can tackle child abuse: CSE Campaign Materials

New materials to help agencies support CSE awareness day on 18 March 2018 have been added. Please visit the campaign site to access, use and share the new materials.

To support the awareness day please download and distribute the social media pack to promote the campaign.

• CSE Awareness Day social media posts (Microsoft Word format, 1.73 MB)

For more information visit www.dfechildprotection-munroforster.com

Item added 12/03/2018

General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

On the 25 May 2018 the Data Protection Act 1988 will be replaced by a new piece of legislation called EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Are your current processes and policies compliant with the upcoming regulation?

Virtual College have developed free online training and resources

For more information visit www.virtual-college.co.uk/resources/compliance/gdpr

Item added 08/03/2018

Working Together to Safeguard Children: revisions to statutory guidance

The DfE have published a summary of responses they received, along with the government's response outlining the next steps.

For more information visit: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/working-together-to-safeguard-children-revisions-to-statutory-guidance

Item added 27/02/2018

Salford Homelessness Reduction Act Briefing

In April 2018 the new Homelessness Reduction Act comes into force, bringing with it a whole scale change in the way that we will deal with homeless (and those threatened with homelessness) households. Please download and disseminate the summary briefing of the key elements of the Act.

Please note the 'Public Duty to Refer' - the definition of Public Service is yet to be provided by Central Government. However, it seems likely that your services/organisations will be included in this duty. It is essential therefore, that all Public Services understand their responsibilities to help to identify and refer those who are threatened with homelessness at an early stage, so that services can engage with those households to try to prevent homelessness.

For more information please contact Jane Anderson (Housing Options Service Manager) email jane.anderson@salford.gov.uk

• Homelessness Reduction Act Briefing Note (PDF format 428kb)

Item added 27/02/2018

Independent Child Trafficking Advocacy (ICTA)- Free Awareness Raising Workshop 26th March 2018

Challenger have funded Barnardo's to run a series of awareness raising sessions for GM staff to promote ICTA to boost awareness and referral levels. Please download and distribute flyer below.

Independent Child Trafficking Advocates (ICTAs) are professionals who support children who have potentially been trafficked. The ICTAs provision was trialled by Barnardo's in 2014 -2015 and we have now set up the ICTAs Service in three early adopter sites across England and Wales.

The role of and ICTA is outlined in s.48 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015; under the Modern Slavery Act all children within Greater Manchester who are aged under 18 and identified as potentially trafficked; must be referred into Barnardo's ICTAs Service; this would include:

• Young people who have been trafficked to the UK from abroad
• Young people trafficked for the purposes of exploitation through CSE
• Young people trafficked for the purposes of exploitation through criminal activity
• Young people who are identified as potentially trafficked and are currently missing

For more information visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-trafficking-advocates-early-adopter-sites

Email: emma.hawley@barnardos.org.uk Tel: 0161 707 0222

• ICTA Awareness Raising Flyer (Adobe PDF format, 73kb)

Item added: 22/02/2018

DfE Phase 3- 'Together, we can tackle child abuse': campaign toolkit launched

Children have designed a range of new and emotionally engaging creative content. Free to use for all, the content has been tried and tested with parent groups and experts in the sector.

This new range of digital content includes animations, animated gifs and infographics, which will:

• Inform people about the different types of child abuse and neglect
• Educate people on how to spot the signs
• Reassure people about the reporting process, and support them through it

You will also find core campaign content on the partner site including; logo, campaign key messages, campaign overview copy, and suggested social media posts.

Access the materials, and guidance on how to use them, now at: www.dfechildprotection-munroforster.com.

Your support is very important. We would like to encourage every local agency to have a look at the toolkit content and consider how you can support the campaign to ensure maximise reach of the campaign during this period. Keep an eye out over the coming weeks as more assets and content will be added to the campaign site.

For further information email: dfechildprotectioncampaign@munroforster.com or tel: 0207 089 6100.

Item added: 22/02/2018

International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM- 6th February 2018

In support of the 2018 International Day of Zero Tolerance our local FGM Task and Finish Group has developed a FGM 7 Minute Briefing for practitioners. The aim of the briefing is to raise awareness of the on going need to protect girls and women from this harmful and illegal practice. Please disseminate to all relevant practitioners.

The Greater Manchester FGM Forum leads regional efforts to combat FGM. Greater Manchester faith and community leaders pledged zero tolerance of FGM. For more information www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/news

Item added: 12/02/2018

Safer Internet Day 6th February 2018- Social Media Toolkit

The National Police Chief's Council are partnering with NCA-CEOP command and the UK Safer Internet Centre to share advice and information via local police services across the UK about staying safe online.

To support the safe and responsible use of technology please download and distribute the social media pack to promote the campaign.

More information about Safer Internet Day 2018 can be found on UK Safer Internet Centre website

#SID2018 #ItsNotOkay

• Social Media Toolkit- SID 2018

Item added: 06/02/2018

Multi-agency Criminal Investigation Briefing

In response to Child R Serious Case review, Recommendation 13 SSCB with support from the Police has developed a multi-agency criminal investigation briefing for staff on their engagement with parents during criminal investigations.  

Practitioners who are informed by parents that they are under criminal investigation should:  

Do offer support.

Don't initiate conversation regarding the incident for which they have been arrested.

Do document and contact the Lead Professional and or the Investigating Officer for further advice.

Should the parent initiate a conversation. Do document as soon as is practicable what was said, where, at what time and when.

Do be aware that the above will be relevant to any subsequent proceedings under the Disclosure Act.

For more information regarding Child R SCR visit: www.partnersinsalford.org/sscb/sscbcasereviews.htm 

Item added: 01/02/2018

Exploitation in Salford Event- 22nd March 2018

This event will focus on complex safeguarding issues and how we protect and prevent the exploitation of children, young people and adults in Salford.   Please download and circulate the flyer to practitioners, managers and safeguarding leads within your agencies to save the date in diaries to attend.   Further information and booking details will follow soon.

• Complex Safeguarding Conference Flyer (Adobe PDF format, 400kb)

Item added: 31/01/2018

Criminal Exploitation Toolkit

The Children's Society as part of the National CSE/A Prevention Programme for England and Wales has developed a toolkit which focuses on working with children and young people trafficked for the purpose of criminal exploitation in relation to 'county lines'.

Item added: 31/01/2018

It's Not Okay Week of Action- 2 July 2018

The GM Phoenix Steering Group has postponed the campaign until 2nd July 2018. The week of action will focus on giving parents guidance on simple steps they can take to protect their children regarding against CSE e.g. online safety and checking safeguarding procedures at extra-curricular activities. A communication toolkit will be circulated to partners in advance.

There are still plans to provide a simple It's Not Okay communication toolkit for Safer Internet Day on 6 February and national CSE Awareness Day on 18 March. Visit www.itsnotokay.co.uk for more information.

#ItsNotOkay

Item added: 31/01/2018

Hate Crime Awareness Week 5-12 February 2018 

Greater Manchester Hate Crime Awareness Week takes place from 5 February - 12 February 2018.  

There is a general Greater Manchester theme of "No Bystanders" which also promotes the #westandtogether campaign. This encourages people to challenge hate incidents witnessed and support victims. Don't be a bystander to hatred and prejudice - that's the call to Greater Manchester people ahead of Hate Crime Awareness Week. Every person across the city-region is urged to sign up to the Greater Manchester Promise to never stand by if they see someone being abused or attacked because of who they are. 

Sign the promise and help end hate crime by visiting to stand up against hate crime and show that #WeStandTogether 

Throughout the week there will be activities and events across Salford and Greater Manchester to encourage people to learn more about hate crime and how to tackle it.  Hate crimes are acts of hostility, such as violence or verbal abuse, directed at someone because of who they are. It's things like someone being spat at because they are black, or being called names because they are a Muslim and wear a headscarf, or being beaten up for being gay.

Reporting hate crime is easy - you can do it online at True Vision, call the police on 101 or, if you don't want to speak to police, report it at one of dozens of independent reporting centres across Greater Manchester.

Item added: 29/01/2018

As of 1st April 2017 the Family Assessment replaced the CAF as the early help assessment tool used across Salford. In addition, Team around the Children (TAC) meetings are now referred to as Team around the Family (TAF) meetings. The CAF team have created a leaflet and a poster to explain the Family Assessment and TAF processes to practitioners and families.

The poster can be printed out and displayed in your setting. The leaflet is designed for both practitioners and parents and includes links to the most commonly used forms and websites. The printable leaflet can also be printed or e-mailed to parents/carers for them to access at home.

There are also a range of supporting tools available to support you with the family assessment

If you or your colleagues would like to access Family Assessment training please book on via www.salford.gov.uk/familyassessmentandtaftraining

Item added: 29/01/2018

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) launched 'Our People, Our Place' the new Greater Manchester Strategy on Friday 27th October 2017. The Strategy sets out 10 clear priorities for delivering this goal, including:

• Children starting school ready to learn
• Young people equipped for life
• Safer and stronger communities Safe, decent and affordable housing

Find out more at www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/ourpeopleourplace

The Department for Education invites your views on changes to the statutory guidance 'Working Together to Safeguard Children' and new regulations. These revisions are being made largely to reflect the legislative changes introduced through the Children and Social Work Act 2017. We are encouraging all SSCB Board Members to respond as well as on behalf of your organisations. To contribute your views please complete the online survey wherever possible. Visit https://consult.education.gov.uk/ to submit your response. The consultation on the proposals closes on Sunday 31st December 2017.

We are also coordinating a response on behalf of the Salford Safeguarding Children Board. A word version of the questions is available to download below - please submit any comments to SSCB@salford.gov.uk by 17th November 2017 to enable us to coordinate a response ahead of the consultation deadline. Please note you only need to comment on any questions you wish too.

If you have any queries on the consultation please do not hesitate to contact Tiffany Slack, SSCB Business Manager.

• Working Together 2018: Consultation Questions (Microsoft Word version, 20kb)