Sharing, discussion and learning to improve safeguarding practice Evaluation of an integrated communications suite to support improved safeguarding practice

SAIF for clinicians A supra-secure support, advice and information forum for clinicians to discuss challenging issues, share experience and expertise about front-line clinical practice. Supported by a clinical moderator. SAIF for health professionals A support, advice and information forum for named and designated professionals and approved colleagues. This forum enables members to share what works, spreading innovative practice and reducing the isolation of the role. Safeguarding website an information portal providing all health professionals with accurate, up-to-date information on the safeguarding agenda

Sharing, discussion and learning to improve safeguarding practice Membership by SHA region East Midlands8.60% East Of England6.45% London7.53% North East3.23% North West18.28% South Central10.75% South East Coast5.38% South West11.83% West Midlands12.90% Yorkshire and The Humber8.60% National – covering all regions2.15% Not known4.30%

Sharing, discussion and learning to improve safeguarding practice Evaluation findings Membership and visits ↑ Participation↑ Visitor loyalty↑ Good spread and depth of topics Marketing increases participation

Sharing, discussion and learning to improve safeguarding practice Benefits to users Learning from issues faced by others Asking for help with challenging issues Providing help to others Sharing what works Reducing the isolation of the role

Sharing, discussion and learning to improve safeguarding practice What practitioners say In a recent discussion, majority opinion was that all bruising in not independently mobile children should be referred to a paediatric opinion and that there should be no leeway at a primary presentation level to accept a “reasonable explanation”? … We used the evidence with GP colleagues to bring them on board and support the protocol. Named Doctor for Safeguarding Children

Sharing, discussion and learning to improve safeguarding practice What practitioners say Someone was looking for a training strategy within health recently so I shared our local training strategy. I subsequently received 6 requests from other practitioners looking to develop something similar in their localities. It's a great feeling to share practice with others, knowing that we are helping to reduce duplication and spread what works more quickly. Designated Nurse Child Protection

Sharing, discussion and learning to improve safeguarding practice What practitioners say Using SAIF for clinicians has provided some real practical benefit to me. I posed a question asking for others to share examples of audit tools that they use which I could use to help me to develop local audit tool in my Trust. I received a really good example that helped me to produce the local audit tool. Lead Nurse Safeguarding Children

Sharing, discussion and learning to improve safeguarding practice What practitioners say I use SAIF for clinicians to seek help from my peers with challenging issues that I face at work. The other members are such a valuable source of practice expertise. It’s a great support knowing that they are willing to share what has worked and not worked for them. Consultant Paediatrician

Sharing, discussion and learning to improve safeguarding practice What practitioners say I think the forum is useful as a sounding board to gauge other people's opinions about challenging issues. There has been debate recently regarding the use of the CAF referral form to social care in child protection cases. The opinions really helped me to take a stance to change practice locally in the face on initial resistance from the LSCB. Lead Nurse Safeguarding Children

Sharing, discussion and learning to improve safeguarding practice What practitioners say I am a Designated Doctor and I've used SAIF for clinicians recently to seek help from my peers whilst I was drafting a local multi-agency non-mobile baby policy. Designated Doctor Initially I found the security of SAIF for clinicians a bit of a barrier. Having got used to it I find that the security helps me to share sensitive issues with confidence. Lead Nurse Safeguarding Children

Sharing, discussion and learning to improve safeguarding practice What practitioners say... Being the only designated lead in a large organisation like a PCT can be pretty isolating. SAIF for health professionals really help to reduce the isolation of the role, knowing that I am not alone but part of a wider safeguarding community seeking to move services in the right direction for the benefit of vulnerable children. Designated Nurse Child Protection