Procedures Manual for Brighton and Hove Children's Services

Welcome

Anti-Racist Practice

Brighton & Hove City Council is committed to becoming an anti-racist organisation. In Children's Services, we have recognised the importance of improving the support offered by social workers to children and families who identify as Black, Asian or from an ethnic minority and engaging with the diverse communities in our city. We know, from our quality assurance work and engaging with local communities, that we need to improve how we support families regarding their race and experience of racism. Alongside this we recognise that staff who identify as Black, Asian or from an ethnic minority are underrepresented in our workforce, especially in senior roles, and we are working to ensure all of our staff experience Brighton & Hove as a safe and supportive place to work. In Children's Services we have developed an Anti-Racist Project to improve the support offered to families and the experience of staff by identifying, challenging and combating racism. Our model of relationship-based practice is built on recognising individuals' experiences and identity and tackling discrimination and oppression. All of these procedures should be read within this context.

Current Update

This is a further review of the revised Procedures Manual. The Procedures Manual will be a 'work in progress' as legislation and regulation continues to develop and change. Therefore, some chapters are under review whilst due consideration on their development is made. Should there be any queries, staff should also consult with their line managers.

Additionally, some chapters link to key aspects in the Pan Sussex Child Protection Manual in Part 4.3 and staff should familiarise themselves with the contents of this Part of this manual so that reference to relevant information can be quickly made when needed.

Please note:

• That the MASH is now referred to as the 'Front Door for Families'. Whilst references have been amended throughout the manual, it is possible that there will be some material e.g. appendices, that still refer to the 'MASH'. These will be updated in time, but these documents should still be used until otherwise advised;
• In Brighton and Hove, Looked After Reviews are called 'Me and My World Reviews'. Nevertheless, the manual will retain 'Looked After Reviews' when referencing statutory guidance, etc.

Comment and contributions on the Manual are welcomed.

For further details, please contact Caroline Reid (Caroline.Reid@brighton-hove.gov.uk).

Please see 'Using this Manual' for details about the way this manual works.

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