As local areas develop Contextual Safeguarding approaches, the research team has sought to provide them with strategic and coordinated support. Part of this offer has involved bringing together areas who are actively implementing the approach and using resources produced by the research programme in the process. This implementation group (the LAIG) meet throughout the year to:
- Advance Contextual Safeguarding approaches and systemic change by providing a forum in which opportunities, development, challenges and risks can be shared.
- Provide a structure through which the Contextual Safeguarding team can track and explore thematic developments in practice, or requirements from policy, to inform steps taken by other areas and decision-makers nationally
In addition a wider interest network of local areas (the LAIN) who are at the start of their implementation are connected to members of the LAIG in regional groups in England, Wales and Scotland, to initiate peer support amongst strategic leads in local areas. Members of the LAIN are committed to:
- Accurately referencing Contextual Safeguarding principles and supporting its development
- Draw upon learning from the CS programme and network to develop contextual approaches
- Engagement in the CS programme via the practice network, attendance at learning events and engagement in wider projects within the research programme
Strategic leads interested in their area joining the Local Area Interest Network can make contact with Carlene Firmin to complete a brief application form
Project lead: Carlene Firmin
Contact: carlene.e.firmin@durham.ac.uk
Find out more about the aims, objectives, membership and activities of the interest and implementation groups.