NEW NSCB Procedures Manual Launched

1st August 2016

The NEW NSCB Procedures Manual has been launched this morning and is now live for all agencies and practitioners to use.

The manual features a brand new layout which is easier to navigate and enables you to clearly find the policy or procedure you are looking for as well as a host of new features detailed below.

All agencies involved in child safeguarding in Northamptonshire should review the updated Procedures Manual. All agencies must then ensure that their own internal processes and procedures are up-to-date.

Access the NSCB Procedures Manual here

Key Features:

Availability - The manual is hosted securely online and can be accessed 24/7 anywhere via the NSCB Website.
Concise - The chapters are written in a straightforward style to
reflect current legislation and statutory guidance and are regularly updated.
Accessible - The manual is easy to navigate and has numerous 'hyperlinks' so you can find relevant documents / websites and definitions of key words.
Efficient - Everyone working in Northamptonshire will have access to the current and latest version, to ensure that all users are referring to the same copy of the manual.
Local Resources - This brand new feature consists of a 'document library' which is managed locally by the NSCB Business Office. It contains useful documents and is divided into headings based on the manual contents. If you would like any documents or leaflets adding to this section contact the Business Office who will be happy to upload anything to assist practitioners.
Local Information - Each chapter of the manual now features a Local Information section where applicable. Here you will find direct links to assessment tools and information for use in Northamptonshire. For example in the Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) chapter you will find a direct link to the NSCB CSE Toolkit, Assessment Tool and RISE Team information.
Briefing and Practice Guidance - This section gives access to monthly briefings and guides produced by tri-x aimed at keeping colleagues informed about government policy, changes in legislation and to enhance good practice.

For more information download the NSCB guide to your new Procedures Manual.

10 Top Tips for using the Manual:

1. Save to your favourites or add an ICON on your desktop.
2. Read the 'Using the Manual' document.
3. Register to receive updates to the manual.
4. Familiarise yourself with the manual to make future navigation easier.
5. Use the Manual as a one stop shop when considering to make a referral and ensure you are following the correct process and used the required assessment tools.
6. Check the manual for guidance before discussing cases with your manager.
7. Look at the extra features including Working Together 2015, National Minimum Standards and National Contacts.
8. The search facility will find words in heading and sub headings in the Manual. Consider part words in some cases where alternatives may be available e.g. Whistleblowing / Whistle blowing.
9. Remember the '72 hour rule' - print pages for reference only.
10. Tell the rest of your colleagues about the manual to ensure you all follow the same procedures.