Resolving professional differences

In December 2019, Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), HMI Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services and HMI Probation carried out a joint inspection of the multi-agency response to children in Portsmouth. Alongside the many strengths identified, an outcome from this review was for challenge and implementation of escalation policies to be improved. The Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership (PSCP) consulted widely with partners to understand the issues and facilitate the required changes. The outcome was the launch of ‘Re-think’ (PSCP, 2021); an approach that enables  the workforce to reflect and problem solve in a way that draws on the city-wide commitment to relational and restorative practice (Children’s Trust Plan 2020-2023).

Re-think is designed to be a safe facilitated space between practice and the formal escalation processes enabling professionals to intentionally re-think, with other partners, their work with children and families – this could include the plan, progress (or lack of), decisions taken or delay/drift. The expectation is that a culture of professionals being willing to Re-think will ensure timely and improved outcomes for children.

Pivotal to effective multi-agency working is Professional challenge, which should be seen as part of ‘healthy’ professional working relationships. Practitioners should be encouraged to give or receive professional challenge in a constructive and positive way. Successful joint working is reliant upon resolving disagreements effectively, and a genuine belief in a partnership approach to safeguarding children.

Giving and receiving honest challenge about our work with families can be difficult and taking time to ‘slow down’ and consider how to go about hearing challenge is vital to ensure children and their families are kept at the centre of our work. Resolving concerns should be seen as an integral part of how we advocate for children and their families in Portsmouth.

In most circumstances, there is mutual agreement between professionals as to the application of thresholds when working together to safeguard children and young people. However, when there are professional concerns or disagreements over another professional’s decisions, including their actions or lack of actions, the repercussions can be extremely serious for the children and young people concerned. When communicating disagreement, professionals should remain respectful of each other at all times and this should be evidenced in both their direct and written communication, and throughout the escalation resolution process.

It is crucial that Professionals are aware of and use the HIPS Escalation Policy for the Resolution of Professional Disagreement. This is a joint working protocol to ensure that positive resolution of professional difference leads to better outcomes for children and the continuation of good partnership working.

Agencies should work to the principle of resolving disagreements and maintaining positive relationships at the lowest possible level, so that each agency is satisfied that their concerns have been listened to and the focus has been on achieving the most appropriate outcomes for children and families.

In addition to this policy, Portsmouth uses the concept of Re-think.

The purpose of Re-think is to reflect as a multi-agency network and develop solutions for practice. Re-think is slightly different to statutory and other meetings, it takes a restorative approach to reflect upon individual’s feelings and needs resulting in a deeper understanding of the challenges faced, often leading to different solutions being sought.

PSCP facilitates Re-think meetings whereby professionals come together for an in person reflective meeting to work collaboratively addressing professional disagreements and / or to find creative ways forward when there is limited progress for a family or a sense of ‘stuckness’.

This work is challenging and through this process we have the opportunity to find effective ways forward to improve partnership working. Re-think is an opportunity to better relationships, find creative ways to work effectively together and develop learning for future practice.

It is the hope that by bringing all professionals together for an in person Re-think that the following outcomes will be achieved:

• Through reflection information can be shared, a shared reality can be found and perspectives understood
• Time and space to re-think interventions and develop creative ways forward
• Examine successes, strengths and what is having an impact
• Explore what more can be done collectively as a network
• Understand what support professionals may need to move forward

In many circumstances concerns can be resolved by simply having the right conversation with the right person at the right time, leading to action which is recorded and undertaken in a timely way. If there is a need for further exploration, Re-think can be a helpful strategy to bring professionals together. However, in circumstances where professional disagreements cannot be resolved through Re-think strategies the HIPS Escalation Protocol should be initiated.

1. Introductions and considering strengths for the family
2. Sharing perspectives though identifying professional’s feelings and needs
3. Understanding as a collective what the impact is of what is currently happening and understood
4. Look for and create ways forward
5. Record the learning and actions which has been realised through the process

Any professional from across the network is entitled to request a neutrally facilitated Re-think. Prior to making a request, please consider the below points:

1. Have you raised your concerns with the professional network already?
2. Have you had a conversation with those involved regarding the ‘stuckness’ and / or professional disagreement?
3. Have you considered the HIPS Escalation Policy for the Resolution of Professional Disagreement as a means to resolve what is happening?

After considering the above please contact sam.nesbit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk to discuss arranging a Re-think. Please have available the email addresses for all those who you would like to be invited to the Re-think.