Abstract

This paper presents findings from an exploratory study co-conducted by practitioners, researchers and educators engaging in a Facilitated Practice-based Research (FPR) programme (Deacon 2022, 2023) to explore how partner-professionals perceive and experience safeguarding of children and adults at risk, in North-east England. Reviews of safeguarding practice often highlight challenges in multi-agency working in communication, information sharing and working together; and different professions have different cultural perspectives regarding risk (Peckover and Golding, 2017, Ratcliffe et al. 2020).

Qualitative online surveys were distributed across the NESWA networks and responses were received (n=63) from partner-professionals including those from health, education, the police, housing and other charitable organisations. Data was analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006; and Clarke and Braun, 2013) six-stage thematic analysis framework in three-phases, which acted as both a teaching and quality control measure to enable each member of the project team to engage in thematic analysis.

Findings suggest partner-professionals, regardless of whether they worked with adults’ or children’s social workers, highlight the importance of transactional communication, understanding of profession-specific risk, and professional respect. It is posited that if more emphasis was given to the importance of social workers engaging in dialogue with partner professionals, this could potentially reduce unnecessary referrals and increase understanding between different professionals and agencies.

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