Practical tools

The Practice Safeguarding Self-Assessment Tool is intended to support organisational development in safeguarding children. It may be downloaded and amended to suit individual practice needs. The practice team will be able to use it during, or immediately after, a training session or in-house team meeting for a baseline assessment of organisational need, risks and gaps to allow for the development of an action plan which will result in achievement of required standards, once followed over a set period of time.

The tool helps practices to consolidate and improve practice and should be part of ongoing organisational development and risk assessment. It is anticipated that for most practices there will be further action to be taken on some sections. As well as summarising action already taken, include any action underway or planned along with anticipated completion dates in the progress notes column.

Practices may find it helpful to consider how these recommendations relate to the needs of their specific practice populations, what barriers might arise to implementing the suggested plan, and how these might be overcome. They will also need to consider their current systems in relation to GMC Child Protection Guidance and regulators, such as CQC requirements as well as contractual obligations as laid down by Primary Care Commissioners.

The Child Safeguarding Practice Policy [PDF] [DOC] may also be helpful to practices.