The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all partner agencies working within the Wigan Borough have a quick and straightforward means of resolving professional differences in view of specific cases, in order to safeguard the welfare of children and young people.

Effective multi agency working depends on resolving disagreements to the satisfaction of workers and agencies, and a belief in a genuine partnership and joint working to safeguard children. Problem resolution is therefore an integral part of professional cooperation and joint working to safeguard children. Professional disagreement is only dysfunctional if not resolved in a constructive fashion and in accordance with the level of risk of significant harm considered to be presented

At no time must professional disagreement detract from ensuring a child is safeguarded. The child’s welfare and safety must remain paramount throughout. Attempts at problem resolution may leave one worker/agency believing that a child/children may be at risk of significant harm. This person/agency has responsibility for communicating such concerns through agreed child protection procedures on the same working day. Disagreements could arise in a number of areas, but are most likely to arise around determining levels of need, roles and responsibilities, and the need for action and communication.

This policy outlines the role of the agency Safeguarding Lead in managing professional differences/ conflicts in relation to safeguarding practice. It also provides a framework that facilitates the formal involvement of the Wigan Safeguarding Children’s Board (WSCB) agency representatives and the WSCB Independent Chair.

This policy has been developed in line with the guidance set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children, 2010 and is intended to resolve conflict in cases of a serious nature.

**Wigan Safeguarding Children Board Escalation Policy (click here)** - PDF Document (62.5KB)