Escalation

For the resolution of professional disagreements in work relating to the safety of children.

Occasionally situations arise when workers within one agency feel that the decision made by a worker whether from another agency or their own is not adequate or correct. The safety of individual children is the paramount consideration in any professional disagreement and any unresolved issues should be addressed with due consideration to the risks that might exist for the child. All workers should feel able to challenge decision-making and to see this as their right and responsibility.

Procedure

Stage One

Initial attempts should be taken to resolve the problem at the lowest possible level. This would normally be between the people who disagree. It should be recognised that differences in status and/or experience may affect the confidence of some workers to pursue this unsupported. Any worker who feels that a decision is not safe or is inappropriate should initially consult a manager to clarify their thinking in order to identify the problem to be specific as to what the disagreement is about and what they aim to achieve. They should also be able to evidence the nature and source of their concerns. If resolution cannot be achieved professionals must escalate to their safeguarding lead and/or team manager.

  • Take Action Within 24 Hours of Concern if there is rick of harm to a child or adult.

  • Record the concerns and the escalation.

  • Notify the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

Stage Two

The Line Manager/Safeguarding Lead should discuss the concerns/response with their opposite manager in the other agency. If resolution cannot be achieved professionals must notify their managers. Local Safeguarding Children Board should be notified if resolved.

Stage Three

The Senior Manager will escalate to the Local Safeguarding Children Board Partner Representative who will arrange a meeting to seek resolution. If agreement cannot be achieved, the matter should be brought to the attention of the Local Safeguarding Children Board who will refer the matter to the their Safeguarding Partners’

Stage Four

The Local Safeguarding Children Board’s Partners will seek written representation, and may request a meeting with those involved. The Local Safeguarding Children Board’s Partners will make a recommendation on the most appropriate way to proceed and communicate this within 5 days of notification.

Record Keeping

Agencies should record their use of the Escalation Procedure (stages 1-3) and be able to report outcomes of escalations to the Local Safeguarding Children Board. The child’s record should be updated. The Local Safeguarding Children Board will keep a record of all escalations and outcomes at Stage 4, and may request information about the outcomes of escalations at Stage 2 and 3.

Timescales
Some matters may be resolved very quickly, and this will be determined locally by the complexity of the issues. In all cases, the matter will be resolved as speedily as possible, and the primary focus will be on ensuring that the safety and welfare of the child concerned is assured whilst discussions take place.

Please also see Bedford SCB Escalation procedure and the Pan Bedfordshire Multi Agency Disagreement and Escalation Procedure.


Other considerations: At all stages of the process, actions and decisions must be recorded in writing and shared with relevant personnel, to include the worker who raised the initial concern. In particular this must include written confirmation between the parties about an agreed outcome of the disagreement and how any outstanding issues will be pursued. It may be useful for individuals to debrief following some disputes in order to promote continuing good working relationships.

Central Bedfordshire Safeguarding Children Board – 0300 300 6455 - cbscb@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

Feb 24