This flowchart outlines the process for resolving professional differences in practice in children’s safeguarding and child welfare contexts. Rotherham Safeguarding Children’s Partnership promotes restorative and open dialogue for any disputes in practice and will support child-focused outcomes on the rare occasions that agreements cannot be reached.
Prior to entering a formal resolution process, it will always be beneficial for practitioners to try to reach agreement on an informal basis, taking management advice as necessary and clearly documenting these conversations. Remember, challenge the practice not the person. If this feels unsafe for any reason discuss with your manager.
There should be a meeting within 5 working days (or earlier if risk dictates) at each stage – acknowledging that sometimes that meeting may need to adjourn for more information.
Where there is a need for more urgent resolution due to a child’s safety, there can be an escalation to a further stage without delay.
There is also an option to seek to consult with the multi-agency members of Practice Standards Group for an independent opinion at Stage Two onwards. This will not be binding on the agencies but may assist in finding common ground and/or a route forward.
Stage One:
Level: Team Manager, Detective Sargeant, DSL, Ward Manager/Team Leader
The use of the RPD protocol may be signaled through use of ‘Stage 1 Resolving Professional Difference’ in written communication, although any resolution to professional difference should typically be through dialogue.
It is expected that an agreed record of the meeting will be made and recorded by all involved. This does not need to use the RSCP template.
Stage Two:
Level: Service Manager, Detective Inspector, Deputy Headteacher, Named Nurse for Safeguarding Children
The use of the RPD protocol may be signalled through use of ‘Stage 2 Resolving Professional Difference’ in written communication, although any resolution to professional difference should typically be through dialogue.
It is expected that an agreed record of the meeting will be made and recorded by all involved. This does not need to use the RSCP template.
Stage Three:
Level: Head of Service, Detective Chief Inspector, Headteacher, Head of Safeguarding, Deputy Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children
This meeting may be facilitated and recorded via the Business Manager, RSCP Business Unit upon request to
rscp@rotherham.gov.uk. Any record of the Stage 2 meeting should be included.
If RSCP do not facilitate and record the meeting, agencies are expected to complete the Stage 3 RPD Record and submit to
rscp@rotherham.gov.uk.
The log of Stage 3 and Stage 4 meetings and outcomes will be reviewed for themes in each PPL Delivery Group.
Stage Four:
Level: Service Director, Superintendent, Executive Head, Designated Nurse for Safeguarding Children, Chief Nurse
This meeting may be facilitated and recorded via the Head of Safeguarding, RSCP Business Unit upon request to
rscp@rotherham.gov.uk.
If RSCP do not facilitate and record the meeting, agencies are expected to complete the Stage 4 RPD Record and submit to
rscp@rotherham.gov.uk.
The log of Stage 3 and Stage 4 meetings and outcomes will be reviewed for themes in each PPL Delivery Group.
Stage Five: RSCP Executive
Level: Director of Children’s Services, Director of Nursing, Chief Superintendent
This meeting may be facilitated and recorded via the Head of Safeguarding, RSCP Business Unit upon request to
rscp@rotherham.gov.uk.
An outline of the outcomes at prior stages will need to be drafted to be circulated for review prior to meeting.
The Executive will make directions as necessary. Themes will be considered with the Executive bimonthly meetings. The Independent Chair and Scrutineer may be invited to assist where there is an unresolved professional difference between Executive members.
