The purpose of the Network was to support the implementation of safer workforce related policies by:
- ensuring that local Safeguarding Children Boards have in place and operate clear policies and procedures for the timely and effective management of allegations across the children's workforce
- identifying and helping to remove barriers at a strategic level to enable allegations cases to be dealt with effectively and without unnecessary delay
- assisting in the development of effective arrangements for monitoring and evaluating these procedures, and in the collection, monitoring and analysis of relevant data in order to drive improvement and as necessary for DCSF reporting purposes
- ensuring well documented and timely referrals are made to the Children’s Safeguarding Operations Unit in appropriate cases
- establishing the need for improved safe recruitment policies, practice and training
- assisting LSCBs to ensure the adoption of procedures for dealing with allegations that comply with national guidance by all partner agencies and other relevant organisations
The work of the AMAs involved:
- establishing effective working relationships with LSCBs, Local Authorities, police forces and other relevant organisations
- providing differentiated support and advice to LAs, Police and other relevant organisations, and assist with the development of appropriate guidance and training materials
- liaising with other AMAs, stakeholders and the DCSF to identify and share good practice and appropriate training materials
- acting as a conduit between LSCBs and DCSF and provide relevant information and reports
The National AMA field force has produced a number of documents as a means to support the work of the LSCB. These include Standards documents, Self Assessment tools, Guidance documents and leaflets and Minimum Data Set.
Further documents have been produced on a regional basis. These include model policies for agencies not necessarily represented on LSCBs but who hold a responsibility for safeguarding children and two AMA Activity Bulletins. All documents are listed below and can be accessed via the links shown.
