North Lanarkshire’s multi-agency GIRFEC Delivery Group has developed a new GIRFEC 7-minute briefing for staff.
The briefing provides an overview of the refreshed national GIRFEC guidance and National Practice Model, clarifies the roles of the Named Person and Lead Professional, and outlines key updates on information sharing.
It also signposts to helpful resources and training modules available through the GIRFEC in North Lanarkshire website, TURAS, and LearnPro platforms.
Please take a few minutes to read through the briefing to stay informed and support best practice in Getting it Right for Every Child across Lanarkshire.
Key changes and updates: 7-minute briefing
1. Background
- Scottish Government launched refreshed GIRFEC guidance in September 2022.
- GIRFEC values and principles have been strengthened and are underpinned by the UNCRC ensuring policy and practice protects, respects and fulfils the rights of all children and young people.
- The revised National Child Protection Practice Guidance 2021 is reflected in the new GIRFEC policy and practice guidance.
- Clarity is provided regarding Named Person and Lead Professional with these roles defined in policy rather than legislation.
- Incorporation of The Promise Scotland Plan 2021–24
2. National Practice Model
- Remains the national framework for assessment – promoting rights, respecting strengths based practice.
- And inclusion of children, young people and families at every stage.
- Simpler language.
- Deeper understanding of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s).
- Further details on Resilience Matrix.
3. Role of the named person
- Clarity that the Named Person continues to be delivered on a policy rather than a legislative basis.
- Understanding that the role and function of the Named Person may be known by other names across the country.
- Clarity of role within single agency
- Clarity on the interface between Named Person and Lead Professional
Role of lead professional
- The guidance is non legislative and wholly policy based.
- Clarity is provided on function and flexibility of role.
- Further clarity regarding who can be a Lead Professional for the child, young person and family.
- There is an increased focus on the voice of the child or young person, including enabling full participation within decision-making.
4. Information sharing
- If a practitioner has significant concerns about a child or young person, they may share necessary information with the appropriate agencies and/or practitioners in response to their concerns, in compliance with Data Protection legislation.
- In some circumstances, it will be appropriate for information to be shared with the Named Person. No more information than necessary should be shared (appropriate and proportionate).
- An emphasis on building trusting relationships and being transparent with children, young people and families.
The guidance provides more clarity on information sharing for third sector organisations.
5. Resources and guidance
www.GIRFECinNL.com
North Lanarkshire website for information and advice about Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC). Includes recently published Scottish Government guidance
www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/service/girfec
NHS Lanarkshire site offering advice and information on Getting it Right for Every Child and UNCRC
https://www.nhslanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk/services/directory/
NHS Lanarkshire services website providing information on a range of local health services that support children and young people.
6. GIRFEC Delivery Group
Partnership and leadership group with member representatives from NHSL, NLC, Police Scotland and the community and voluntary sector
7. Workforce Development
- North Lanarkshire NHS GIRFEC LearnPro Module (20–30mins)
- Turas e-Learning Module 1 Informed Level (40–60mins)
- Turas e-Learning Module 2 Skilled Level (120–180mins)
