Safeguarding Supervision Policy: Adults, Children, and Maternity

Introduction

his policy recognises that NHS Services are required to fulfil their legal duties under Section 11 of the Children Act (2004) and Care Act (2014) and statutory responsibilities as set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023). Therefore, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, unborn children and adults at risk must be an integral part of the care offered by all health care professionals. This includes appropriate supervision and support for staff as an essential component of clinical governance. For the purposes of this document supervision refers to trauma informed safeguarding children, maternity and adult supervision as opposed to clinical supervision.

Effective and accessible trauma informed safeguarding supervision is essential to assist staff in developing the critical thinking to understand cases in a holistic manner and complete analytical assessment. Not only should it develop staff members’ ability to explore and understand complex and or concerning situations, but it is also an essential component in supporting practitioners to cope with the emotional demands of the work.

Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) acknowledges that: Effective professional supervision can play a critical role in ensuring a clear focus on a child’s welfare. Supervision should support professionals to reflect critically on the impact of their decisions on the child and their family.

In accordance with clinical governance framework and principles, safeguarding supervision is mandatory for all health care staff who work directly with children, young people and adults at risk (including pregnant person). Staff members who do not work directly with children, young people and adults at risk (including pregnant person) will be expected to seek appropriate supervision as necessary.

Safeguarding supervision also has the additional benefit of improving practice, helping prevent serious incidents which can potentially lead to long, expensive and stressful safeguarding practice reviews.

Policy Details