1.1 Preface and Introduction

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1.1 Preface and Introduction

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	Format
	Printing
	Terminology
	Context
	Relationship of Policy, Procedures and Guidance
	Relevant Staff

Format

Welcome to the electronic Procedures Manual for the Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool and Lancashire Children's Safeguarding Assurance Partnership (CSAP).
The electronic format has been designed to make the procedures easy to access and allows you to skip readily between linked sections via hyperlinks.
The Quick Guide explains how the Manual has been constructed and the key features which have been included to assist you in navigating the chapters.

Each chapter includes a print option so users will be able to print a chapter by clicking on the print icon. However any chapters or sections which are printed are only valid until the next update of the manual is published; the responsibility is on the professional to make sure that any printed copies are destroyed when the next update is issued.
The content of this website can be accessed, printed and downloaded in an unaltered form, on a temporary basis, for personal study or reference purposes. However any content printed or downloaded may not be sold, licensed, transferred, copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner or in or on any media to any person without the prior written consent of Tri.x and the Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool and Lancashire Children's Safeguarding Assurance Partnership (CSAP).
It will be updated regularly by the CSAP and the amendments will be available from the websites. When amendments to procedures are made, they will be highlighted on the Contents page to draw your attention to where they are. The changes for each version will be listed at the top of the Quick Guide.
If you do come across any errors or omissions when using the Manual, or if you become aware of a necessary revision to the Manual, please contact the relevant Safeguarding Partnership Manager who will be collating the information for updates.

A glossary of terms which have either a technical significance or for which abbreviations may be used in the text, is provided in 'Keywords' - use the button at the left hand side of each chapter to access this resource.

The development of the procedures is one of the core functions of the CSAP in its role to coordinate local work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
They encourage close working between agencies to facilitate early intervention in a supportive way to meet the needs of children and their families.
The procedures reflect current legislation, accepted best practice and comply with the government guidance: Working Together to Safeguard Children.
Further professional guidance is available from What to do if you're worried a child is being abused - GOV.UK.

The Policy Framework chapters within which all procedures should be read are set out in Part 1 of the Manual. All users should be familiar with these chapters before accessing other Parts of the Manual.
If necessary, agencies may develop supplementary 'internal' policies which represent higher standards or which reflect an agency specific contribution to safeguarding children and child protection. However, if they do so, they must be consistent with those in this Manual.

Procedures indicate what must or may be done in specified circumstances and define the limits of professional discretion.
The procedures have the status of instructions to professionals in CSAP member organisations and any inability or failure to comply with them should be accompanied by a brief explanation in case notes.
Any supplementary internal procedures developed by organisations should also refer to, and comply with these procedures.

Guidance provides contextual information or addresses the question of why specified actions may be required.

The contents of this Manual are for application by those working, whether paid or unpaid, in CSAP member agencies and in private or voluntary sector organisations with responsibilities for children living or present in the CSAP area.

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