SSCB training

The importance of inter-agency co-operation and communication has been highlighted in all reports concerning child deaths or serious injuries, not least by the Victoria Climbiè inquiry. Multi-agency training is one way to improve communication and awareness of the roles and responsibilities of agencies in child protection work.

This is Salford Safeguarding Children Board (SSCB) training programme for 2011 to 2012. It has been organised by members of the SSCB training pool who meet regularly to assess training needs, to prepare courses and to evaluate them. Members of the pool are responsible for presenting the courses with the aid of guest speakers from many agencies.

The principles and purpose of multi-agency training are:

Principles

Multi-agency training in Salford shall adhere to the principles adapted from “Training Together to Safeguard Children” (NSPCC, 2000)
A child-centred approach which promotes children’s rights
The development of professional judgement and critical thinking
The promotion of inter-agency collaboration and working with families
The promotion of equality of opportunity, reflecting the diversity that exists in society
The development of an evidence based approach
The belief that child protection is everyone's responsibility

Purposes

The purpose of multi-agency training is to help develop and foster the following in order to achieve better outcomes for children
A shared understanding of the tasks, processes, principles, roles and responsibilities and local arrangements for safeguarding children and promoting their welfare
Co-ordinated services at both strategic and individual case level
Improved communications between professionals including a common understanding of key terms, definitions and thresholds for action
Effective working relationships, based on respect and an understanding of the role and contribution of different disciplines and
Sound decision-making based on information sharing, thorough assessment, critical analysis and professional judgement

For most workers, it is essential that the two day foundation course is attended before other courses are considered. This is to ensure that all participants have a basic knowledge of the child protection system in order to benefit from the more specialist courses. Please look at the course prerequisites for each course.

If a course is over subscribed, when the closing date for nominations arrives places are offered both to ensure a multi-agency mix and by priority as listed below. Highest priority first.

Permanent employees from local authority and partner agencies including volunteers and private nurseries within the local authority
Agency workers from local authority and partner agencies
Students employed as students, ie permanent staff
Any other student, ie on placement/attachment but not employed by the local authority or partner agencies

Courses members are expected to attend for the whole of the course. Multi-agency training is not only about what the worker can learn, but how he/she can contribute his/her knowledge, skills and expertise to the courses. It is therefore a loss to everyone if people are not available for the full course. Please read the training charter before making a course booking.

Line Managers and Service Managers will be informed if participants:

Fail to attend
Do not complete a course, or
Cancel

What happens on the courses?

Courses are interactive and may include, presentations, group work, case studies, directed role play, group sculpts, drama, quizzes and games.

Each course is evaluated by participants on the day. Some are evaluated for longer term results by the use of action plans which the participants write and then assess three months later.

Course members are expected to attend for the whole of the course and managers will be informed if participants fail to attend or do not complete courses.

Applying to do a course

Please use the booking form below. Alternatively you can telephone Debbie Hulme on 0161 603 4310 with your details. If a course is oversubscribed, we make a decision about places about four weeks before it runs. Prospective participants will therefore be informed three weeks before the course if they have a place.

Feedback

We welcome comments about the training programme or individual courses. Please contact Jo Edwards or Debbie Hulme on 0161 603 4310 if you have any comments.