How the groups work

Aims of the Group

• Meet quarterly to hear a presentation & share best practice.
• Pool resources & share protocols.
• Discuss complex cases in a supportive, confidential setting.
• Improve resilience through peer support.
• Gain Level 3 Safeguarding accreditation.
• Group lead available for support between meetings.

The Practice Safeguarding Lead is a vital member of the team

• Disseminate information back to their PHCT.
• Chair safeguarding meetings.
• Offer advice & support to their team on Safeguarding issues.
• Liaise with Admin team about safeguarding coding, summarising & other issues.
• Facilitate in-house Safeguarding training.
• Work closely with the practice Caldicott Guardian.

More information about the group meetings

GP safeguarding leads & other interested clinicians met quarterly and formed a peer group of experts. Meetings included a safeguarding presentation which is then shared by each lead with their own practice. There is the opportunity to share protocols & best practice and the most valued time is the discussion of complex safeguarding cases in a supportive, challenging & confidential environment. A broad range of cases covering coercive control, historic sexual abuse, capacity issues in the elderly, female genital mutilation, neglect, chaperones & many more have been covered.
By sharing ideas & strengthening relationships we are encouraged to work together in other ways, facilitating cluster development.

The Group’s Lead is available for informal advice and support about safeguarding issues between meetings. Over the past three years’ advice has been regularly requested, demonstrating a clear need for this service. The meetings are multidisciplinary, with attendance from a range of professionals including Safeguarding Specialist Nurses, Social Services, Domestic Violence experts (IRIS), Health Visitors & solicitors.

The group initially met face to face, but have switched to a virtual platform since Covid. This is more challenging for easy peer to peer conversation, but has facilitated greater attendance. The Safeguarding Lead for each group is funded for two sessions per month. This funding has come directly from their Cluster or from The Bevan Commission after a successful bid for their Adopt and Spread programme in 2020.