“Nothing is more important than children’s welfare. Children who need help and protection deserve high quality and effective support as soon as a need is identified.
We want a system that responds to the needs and interests of children and families and not the other way around. In such a system, practitioners will be clear about what is required of them individually, and how they need to work together in partnership with others.”

Working Together to Safeguard Children
A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children
July 2018

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is subject to Section 11 of the Children’s Act duties as set out in Working Together (2018). We ensure that our functions, and any services that we contract out to others are discharged having regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children (including the unborn baby). Everyone who works with children has a responsibility for keeping them safe. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
We have in place the following arrangements that reflect the importance of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

• Clear lines of accountability for the commissioning and/or provision of services designed to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
• A senior board level lead who is sufficiently qualified and experienced to take leadership responsibility for the organisations safeguarding arrangements.
• A culture of listening to children and taking account of their wishes and feelings both in individual decisions and the development of services.
• A clear whistle blowing procedure with Freedom to speak up champions.
• Clear policies which are referenced to safeguarding children legislation, national policy, guidance and local multi-agency procedures.
• Clear processes for sharing information with safeguarding partners.
• Designated professionals (Doctor, Nurse and Midwife) in place to take forward safeguarding children.
• Safe recruitment processes in line with NHS Employers Recruitment Standards and ongoing safe working practices.
• Appropriate training, supervision and support for staff.