Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 62
62
Accepted
Establish clear processes for reviewing and escalating multi-agency child safeguarding disagreements.
Conclusion
Multi-agency working is crucial in child safeguarding processes. Where there is disagreement between children’s social care and other agencies such as health, police and education on a safeguarding matter, there must be clear processes in place to review and escalate concerns providing a clear line of accountability and decision-making. (Recommendation, Paragraph 155)
Government Response Summary
The government affirms that clear escalation processes are essential, citing existing frameworks like 'Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023'. They also highlight new Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams being introduced via the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and funding for National Safeguarding Partner Facilitators to strengthen collaboration and accountability.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Clear escalation and accountability processes are essential in multi-agency safeguarding. Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 sets out that independent scrutineers play a key role in resolving disagreements between agencies, ensuring effective collaboration, and providing assurance that statutory duties are being met. Scrutineers also facilitate escalation procedures and promote strategic leadership across safeguarding partners. To further strengthen multi-agency working, the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill introduces Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams (MACPTs), which will support decision-making and cooperation where there are concerns of significant harm. Additionally, the Department funds National Safeguarding Partner Facilitators to support local partnerships in improving collaboration and resolving tensions. These measures reinforce accountability and enhance the effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements.