1.1 Introduction
1. Format
Welcome to the electronic Procedures Manual for Norfolk Safeguarding Children Partnership (NSCP).
The electronic format is designed to make the procedures easy to access and allows you to skip readily between linked sections via hyperlinks.
2. Accessing and Updating Procedures
Please do not make copies of the Manual or parts thereof as these are likely to become out of date.
It will be updated regularly by the NSCP Business Manager and partners.
If you do come across any errors or omissions when using the Manual, or if you become aware of a necessary revision to the Manual, please let us know by using the following email address:nscb@norfolk.gov.uk
3. Context
The development of the procedures is one of the core functions of the NSCP in its role to coordinate local work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
The NSCP promotes close working between agencies to facilitate early intervention in a supportive way to meet the needs of children and their families.
The procedures have been written so as to be part of the wider goal of improving the overall wellbeing of children. They focus on the ‘Staying Safe’ outcome, however, and provide a framework for an integrated approach to safeguarding children from harm.
The procedures reflect current legislation, accepted best practice and comply with the government guidance: Working Together to Safeguard Children published in December 2023.
4. Relationship of Policy, Procedures and Guidance
4.1 Policy Framework
The Policy Framework chapters within which all procedures should be read are set out in Part 1 of the Manual. All users should be familiar with these chapters before accessing other Parts of the Manual.
If necessary, agencies may develop supplementary ‘internal’ policies which represent higher standards or which reflect an agency specific contribution to safeguarding children and child protection. However, if they do so, they must be consistent with those in this Manual.
4.2 Procedures
Procedures indicate what must or may be done in specified circumstances and define the limits of professional discretion.
The procedures have the status of instructions to practitioners in NSCP member organisations and any inability or failure to comply with them should be accompanied by a brief explanation.
Any supplementary internal procedures developed by organisations should also refer to, and comply with these procedures.
4.3 Guidance
Guidance provides contextual information or addresses the question of why specified actions may be required.
5. Relevant Staff
The contents of this Manual are for application by those working, whether paid or unpaid, in NSCP member agencies and in private or voluntary sector organisations with responsibilities for children living or present in Norfolk.