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In this edition of the Newsletter you will find:
A warm welcome to this Summer edition of the RSCP newsletter. I hope you like the new refreshed format and feel. I’m now half way through my chairing year, which feels like it is going really fast, and it has been a privilege to oversee the dedicated work of the Partnership. |
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The RSCP last met on 09 July where we received our first update on the priorities adopted for 2025 – 2026. In connection with this, I wanted to highlight that in recognition of the role of the RSCP in providing professional challenge across the system, we have put in place a new Audit and Scrutiny Subgroup, chaired by our Independent Scrutineer, which will commence in September. One of the Subgroup’s first tasks will be to look at the national CSPR Panel Report ‘It’s Silent: Race, Racism and Safeguarding, March 2025, and benchmark our local performance and practice against some of the issues raised and recommendations. We were already concerned around disproportionality reflected in data, so this comes at a pertinent time.
Do check feedback on our discussions at the meeting provided by our Independent Scrutineer below, particularly on her comments regarding the plans to bring the governance of the new ways of working being rolled out at part of the DfE Families First for Children into the RSCP. The implementation of the Pathfinder has been an excellent example of multi-agency working and has created a lot of interest across the country. I am proud that Redbridge is leading the way.
Finally, I am aware of the volume and complexity of the safeguarding work we are dealing with, and cognisant of the potential impact of this on practitioners following a special report to the RSCP on Vicarious Trauma (do check out the new 7 Minute Briefing on this topic developed by the North East London Health & Care Partnership). I would encourage all professionals and volunteers to support one another in providing vital safeguarding work.
Best wishes
Diane Jones
Our quarterly Partnership meeting on 09 July was as busy as ever. We heard the conclusion of a Local Learning Review and findings from school safeguarding adults. Key for me though was the agreement in principle of move the governance of the Families First for Children new ways of working to under the auspices of the RSCP from April 2026 which brings it central to our multi-agency safeguarding system. On a less positive note, it was difficult to hear some of the findings from the recent Ofsted Redbridge Local Area SEND Inspection. However, it was reassuring to hear the response from the partnership and plans for transformation that are going to be taken forward over the next 18 months. We will hear in more detail about progress at the January RSCP meeting. |
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NSPCC's "Listen up, Speak up" is a campaign and a 10-minute digital training program designed to empower adults in the UK to recognise signs of child abuse and neglect, know how to approach difficult conversations, and understand who to contact if they have concerns about a child or family's well-being. |
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As well as the online module, there is an offer from the NSPCC of free, interactive workshops for community groups etc. These workshops cover how common abuse and neglect are, discuss barriers to sharing concerns and explore scenarios and how to have tricky conversations. There is also the DOTS Mnemonic that guides action: Don't ignore it, Observe the situation; Think: if not you then who?, and Speak Up. Participants receive further information and resources to continue learning about child protection and how to access support when needed. The overall aim is to equip at least a million people with the knowledge and confidence to protect children by responding to concerns and seeking professional advice or offering support.
Our Multi-Agency Training Programme 2024 - 2025 came to an end earlier this month and we are now well on with the planning for the new edition for 2025 - 2026, due to be published on our website in September. If you would like to be one of the first to hear about it, and haven't already provided your consent to receive emails, please completed the short online Contact Form.
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