Escalation
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Learning from a recent Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) has highlighted the need to remind all practitioners about escalation within safeguarding procedures. This means communicating problems or difficulties with the right person at the right time.
Possible grounds for escalation
There might be many different reasons why someone needs to escalate an issue within safeguarding procedures. Some common examples are:
Escalation is important and it is everyone’s role
Professionals in Newcastle (working or volunteering in any agency) are encouraged to respectfully challenge whenever they have a concern about the action or inaction of another. We need everyone to play their part in ensuring that safeguarding procedures operate effectively.
There are escalation procedures within the NSAB Policy and Procedures and the North and South of Tyne Safeguarding Children Partnership Procedures Manual
“Professional challenge, escalation, supervision and support all enhance reflective practice and can lead to positive outcomes”
“Leigh” Safeguarding Adults Review, North Tyneside Safeguarding Adults Board, April 2021.
Key principles
How to escalate within safeguarding procedures
The starting point is to try and discuss and resolve the issue informally between the front-line practitioners involved. There might be a need to involve respective line managers.
If the case is open to safeguarding procedures or on a Child Protection Plan, involve the Safeguarding Adults Manager or Social Work Team Manager to make them aware and to seek any assistance.
If the issue remains unresolved, there are the following options:
The next steps are to escalate to the relevant Service Manager within the local authority:
If the issue remains unresolved, the issue will be escalated to the relevant NSAB or NSCP member(s) and/or for discussion at the Board or Partnership itself.