Escalation policy: Resolution of professional disagreements

Occasionally situations arise when workers within one agency feel that the actions, inaction or decisions of another agency do not adequately safeguard a child. The purpose of this protocol is to ensure that in such situations issues between agencies are resolved in a timely manner.

Professional disagreements will sometimes arise over another professional’s decisions, actions or lack of actions in relation to a referral, an assessment or an enquiry which are considered to be unsafe. Disagreements can be healthy and foster creative ways of working with children and families. However, disagreements always require resolution.

The child’s safety and wellbeing must be the paramount consideration at all times and professional differences must not detract from timely and clear decision making. All professionals working with children and families have a duty to act assertively and proactively to ensure the child’s welfare is seen as a priority at all levels of professional activity.

It is also incumbent on the professionals involved to ensure that problems are resolved within the shortest timescale possible to protect the child. Individuals should therefore exercise their judgement as to whether the timelines outlined in this protocol need to be achieved more quickly.

Download: Resolution and Escalation Protocol V03