Abstract

This oral paper presentation shares findings from an exploratory qualitative survey co-created and co-conducted by a group of practitioners, academics and educators engaging in a Facilitated Practice-based Research (FPR) programme (Deacon 2023) within the North-east Social Work Alliance (NESWA). The focus for the study emerged from practitioners’ own experiences and observations of recent practice issues leading to the research question: How do partner professionals perceive and experience safeguarding of children and adults.

Whilst research studies have been conducted by different professions regarding safeguarding, this study is conduct from the perspective of social workers asking partner professions what their expectations of social workers are, in the safeguarding process.

Qualitative online surveys were distributed across the NESWA networks and responses were received from 63 partner professionals including those from health, education, the police, housing and other charitable organisations.

Findings suggest partner professionals would appreciate more opportunities to talk with social workers to: i, explain their safeguarding concerns and why they believe thresholds have been met; ii, to engage in dialogue with social workers to discuss if there is disagreement regarding thresholds; and iii, to have social workers explain why thresholds have not been met and what they should do in future.

This oral paper is framed within the context of the increased use of technology in practice but how, despite its benefits, this should not replace conversations between social workers and partners professionals as a way to help in understanding of each other. It is recommended that more conversations should take place between social workers and partner professionals, as this could help reduce unnecessary referrals and generate potentially better understanding between safeguarding partners.

NB. NESWA is a charitable body that oversees the social work teaching partnership in the North-east of England.