Multi-Agency
Safeguarding
Competency
Framework
November 2017
Introduction
This competency framework has been developed in consultation with safeguarding representatives and is approved by Wirral Safeguarding Children Board (WSCB). It relates to each organisation’s workforce development strategy and training plan, specifically addressing safeguarding children and young people.
Partner agencies from all sectors are represented on the Board. Further information on the Boards, including membership, can be found here:
https://www.wirralsafeguarding.co.uk/
A competence is a combination of skills, knowledge and experience held by individual staff. This framework aims to ensure that these qualities inform their practice in a way that is commensurate with the individual’s role and responsibilities.
This competency framework is aligned with nationally recognised competencies. It is based on the Bournemouth University National Competence Framework for Safeguarding Adults, published in May 2012, and the Children’s Competency Framework, published in June 2011. It is also linked to the statutory Health Service Competency Framework “Safeguarding Children and Young people: roles and competences for health care staff Intercollegiate document September 2010”. Levels will be cross referenced to assist Health staff identify the appropriate health competency level within this framework.
The framework provides a baseline for standards of competence that individuals can expect from those individuals and organisations across a range of sectors that have a responsibility to ensure that the children, young people and adults they work with are sufficiently safeguarded. It also assists in the development of training packages and provides a framework for performance management.
Who should use WSCBs Multi-agency Safeguarding Competency Framework?
All employees (paid staff and unpaid volunteers) with a responsibility for safeguarding, as identified in the framework, should be assessed against the competencies that are relevant to their occupational role.
Whatever their role, all employees should know when and how to report any concern about the abuse of a child or young person. As a minimum therefore all need to be competent in the first group of competencies as described in the framework.
Beyond this it will depend on their occupational role and level of responsibilities.
The framework seeks to support a proportionate response to suspected abuse from all those who work with children and young people.
How to use the WSCBs Multi-agency Safeguarding Competency Framework
Identifying Staff groups
A table has been produced which details the different staff groups covered in the competency framework and some examples of the job roles covered within each staff group. All staff should be assessed against these competencies relevant to their job role and responsibilities. Whatever their role, all staff should know when and how to report any concern about abuse of, or a child or young person at risk. Therefore all staff must be competent in the first five competencies as described in the framework.
Using the staff group tool, map all staff members and volunteers against the relevant staff groups (A, B, C, D) (levels 2-5 have been identified in line with the health competency framework). It should be noted that the examples given in this tool are not exhaustive and organisations should use their own knowledge of individual roles in relation to organisational policies and procedures to ensure that all employees receive training which is proportionate and appropriate to their role.
Mapping against competencies
The competency framework has been designed to support organisations to ensure that all members of staff are trained to the required level and competencies. It identifies the relevant staff groups and the competencies they require. These staff groups and volunteers within your organisation can then be mapped against the relevant competencies.
Assessing Competencies
The assessment of competence should combine a mix of direct observation and practice, as well as a process of exploration, discussion and questioning in supervision. Assessment should also reflect a knowledge and understanding of local multi-agency policy and procedures for safeguarding children, and young people.
Further Information and Contacts
For more information, support and guidance on safeguarding children and young people please visit the WCSB website:
www.wirralsafeguarding.co.uk
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Identifying Staff Groups / Including, but not limited to: / Expected competencies:Staff Group A
Those staff in infrequent contact with children, young people and/ or parents/ carers who may become aware of possible abuse or neglect / Receptionists, Dentists, Opticians, Librarians, Volunteers, Lunchtime Supervisors, Taxi Drivers, Housing maintenance Staff. / Ø Recognising the signs and symptoms of abuse
Ø Understanding Safeguarding
Ø Understanding dignity and respect
Ø Knowledge of referral pathways and processes of agency
Ø Work to agency/WSCB/Statutory guidance
Ø Know how to escalate concerns.
Staff Group B
Members of the workforce who work predominantly with children, young people and/or their parents/carers and who could potentially contribute to assessing, planning, intervening and reviewing the needs of a child and parenting capacity where there are safeguarding concerns
(relates to level 2 and level 3 (core): Health Competency Framework) / All health clinical and hospital staff, Housing Staff, YOS, Probation, Staff in Secure Settings, Police, Sports development staff, Community youth group staff, Play Scheme Volunteers, Teachers, Social Worker, Childrens Centre Staff, Foster Carers. / As above plus:
Ø Recognise and understand the impact of Toxic Trio, CSE, Neglect
Ø Detailed understanding of local and national procedures particularly reporting and referring processes.
Ø Detailed understanding of Early help, EHAT/TAF processes, Child in Need, Child protection and the thresholds.
Ø Assess risk
Ø Work collaboratively
Ø Contribute to Multi-Agency meetings
Ø Understand different agencies roles and responsibilities
Ø Contributing to assessments and plans to improve outcomes
Ø Knowledge of importance of confidentiality, record keeping, and information sharing
Ø Understanding professional boundaries
Ø Contributing to audits and reviews.
Staff Group C
Members of the workforce who have particular responsibilities in relation to undertaking Section 47 enquiries
(relates to level 3 (specialist): Health Competency Framework) / Designated Staff in Education, Designated Named Nurse for Safeguarding, Police responsible for investigation of Sexual Abuse, Childrens Social Care Staff who work with complex cases, Operational managers. / As above plus:
Ø Knowledge of safer recruitment and managing allegations procedures
Ø Understanding the role of the Lead Designated person for Safeguarding
Ø Ensuring policies and procedures are in place and are regularly reviewed.
Ø Ensuring workforce is confident, skilled, and competent and able to challenge poor practice.
Ø Reviewing effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements
Ø Leading audits and implementing learning from reviews and inspections.
Ø Chairing complex meetings.
Staff Group D
Those with responsibility for Strategic management and Leadership of Safeguarding Services
(relates to level 4&5 Health Competency Framework) / WSCB members, Childrens Trust members, Members of the Executive Board. / As above plus:
Ø Ensuring commissioning and contracting arrangements are effective and robust.
Ø Understand and report on the effectiveness of Safeguarding
Ø Make strategic decisions on behalf of its agency.
Ø Lead promotion and awareness of safeguarding
Ø Be able to account for organisations practice
Ø Ensure that practice and service plans are informed by the voice of children, young people, families and practitioners.
Ø Ensure multi-agency arrangements to Safeguard and promote the welfare of children is effective.
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Multi-Agency Safeguarding Training Courses
The WSCB delivers a full programme of multi-agency training and briefings each year. It is advised that training is refreshed every 2-3 years. Below is the recommended level of training for each group.
Group A
Ø Single agency ‘in-house’ training
Ø Virtual College e-learning
Group B and C
Ø Child Sexual Exploitation
Ø Domestic Abuse
Ø Engaging effectively with resistant families
Ø Family EHAT and Team Around the Family
Ø Harmful Practices
Ø Learning from Case Reviews
Ø Neglect and the Graded Care Profile
Ø Parental Mental Health
Ø Parental Substance Misuse
Ø Supporting families Enhancing Futures (SFEF)
Ø Working Together To Safeguard Children
Group C
Ø Lead Designated person
Ø Managing Allegations
Ø Safer Recruitment
Training Courses and Briefings are added throughout the year. Details of all courses and how to book can be found on the website:
https://www.wirralsafeguarding.co.uk/courses/