Summary
Page Layout
Display issue details:
The line numbers refer to lines in the original source. Any with a line number of '0' are implicit tags added by Total Validator:
1 <!DOCTYPE html>
2 <html lang="en">
3 <head>
6 <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=UA-120055720-38">
6 </script>
7 <script>
13 </script>
16 <meta charset="utf-8">
18 <title>
18 Recording Policy and Guidelines
18 </title>
20 <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0">
21 <link href="css/bootstrap.min.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css">
22 <link href="https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Lato:400,700" rel="stylesheet">
23 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/jquery-ui.css">
24 <link href="css/jquery.tocify.css" rel="stylesheet">
25 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/formatting-styles.css">
26 <link href="css/print.css" rel="stylesheet" media="print">
41 <link rel='shortcut icon'
href='https://www.proceduresonline.com/resources/logos/procedures/favicon.ico' type='image/x-icon'/>
42 <link rel="apple-touch-icon"
href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/resources/logos/procedures/apple-touch-icon-57x57-precomposed.png
" />
43 <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="72x72"
href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/resources/logos/procedures/apple-touch-icon-72x72-precomposed.png
" />
44 <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="114x114"
href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/resources/logos/procedures/apple-touch-icon-114x114-precomposed.png
" />
48 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/procedures.css">
49 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/classic-theme.css">
50 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/authority.css">
51 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="js/cookie-code/jquery.cookiebar.css">
52 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/hover-box.css">
53 <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/mobile.css">
56 <link rel="stylesheet" id="switcher-css" type="text/css" href="css/switcher.css" media="all" />
57 <link rel="alternate stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/dark.css" title="dark" media="all" />
58 <link rel="alternate stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/light.css" title="light" media="all" />
59 <link rel="alternate stylesheet" type="text/css" href="css/normal.css" title="normal" media="all" />
63 </head>
64 <body onload="highlight();">
65 <a class="skip-main" href="#main">
65 Skip to main content
65 </a>
67 <div id="eantics">
67 </div>
68 <div class="print">
73 <div class="navbar navbar-fixed-top" role="navigation">
74 <div class="row banner">
75 <div id="banner">
76 <div class="container banner">
77 <div class="col-sm-4">
78 <div class="outer_logo">
78 <a href="index.html">
78 <img class="banner_logo" src="images/logo/client_logo.png" width="261" height="86"
alt="Warrington logo">
78 </a>
78 </div>
79 </div>
80 <div class="col-sm-6">
81 <div class="outer">
82 <div class="inner">
83 <header>
83 Warrington Children's Services Procedures Manual
83 </header>
84 </div>
85 </div>
86 </div>
87 </div>
89 </div>
91 </div>
92 <div class="container">
93 <div class="navbar-header">
94 <button type="button" class="navbar-toggle" data-toggle="collapse"
data-target=".navbar-collapse">
94 <span class="sr-only">
94 Toggle navigation
94 </span>
94 <span class="icon-bar">
94 </span>
94 <span class="icon-bar">
94 </span>
94 <span class="icon-bar">
94 </span>
94 </button>
95 </div>
96 <div class="collapse navbar-collapse">
100 <ul class="nav navbar-nav">
101 <li>
101 <a href="index.html">
101 Home
101 </a>
101 </li>
102 <li>
102 <a href="contents.html">
102 Policies and Procedures
102 </a>
102 </li>
103 <li class="dropdown">
103 <a class="dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" href="#">
103 Resources
103 <span class="caret">
103 </span>
103 </a>
104 <ul class="dropdown-menu">
105 <li>
105 <a href="local_resources.html">
105 Additional Local Resources
105 </a>
105 </li>
106 <li>
106 <a href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_key/index.htm" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
106 Glossary
106 </a>
106 </li>
107 <li>
107 <a href="http://trixresources.proceduresonline.com/nat_cont/index.htm"target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
107 National Contacts
107 </a>
107 </li>
108 <li>
108 <a href="http://www.minimumstandards.org/regulations.html" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
108 Regulatory Framework
108 </a>
108 </li>
109 <li>
109 <a href="http://www.keepingchildrensafeineducation.co.uk/" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
109 KCSIE
109 </a>
109 </li>
110 </ul>
111 </li>
112 <li>
112 <a href="using_this_manual.html">
112 Using this Manual
112 </a>
112 </li>
113 <li>
113 <a href="https://www.proceduresonline.com/pancheshire/warrington/index.html"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
113 Safeguarding Partnership Procedures
113 </a>
113 </li>
114 </ul>
115 <ul class="nav navbar-nav navbar-right">
115 <li class="dropdown">
115 <a class="dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" href="#">
115 Accessibility
115 <span class="caret">
115 </span>
115 </a>
115 <ul class="dropdown-menu">
115 <li>
115 <a href="#Larger" rel="light" class="styleswitch">
115 <span id="Larger">
115 Larger Text
115 </span>
115 </a>
115 </li>
115 <li class="divider">
115 </li>
115 <li>
115 <a href="#High" rel="dark" class="styleswitch">
115 <span id="High">
115 High Visibility
115 </span>
115 </a>
115 </li>
115 <li class="divider">
115 </li>
115 <li>
115 <a href="#Default" rel="normal" class="styleswitch">
115 <span id="Default">
115 Default Text
115 </span>
115 </a>
115 </li>
115 </ul>
115 </li>
115 <li>
115 <a href="zoom/search.php" class="btn btn-1 btn-1a">
115 SEARCH
115 </a>
115 </li>
115 </ul>
117 </div>
119 </div>
120 </div>
125 <div class="container" id="main">
126 <div class="col-sm-4">
127 <div id="toc">
127 </div>
129 </div>
132 <div class="col-sm-8 main_content">
133 <div class="panel panel-default">
134 <div class="share">
134 <span>
134 <a href="#Email" class="st_email glyphicon glyphicon-envelope" style="margin-right:1px;">
134 <span id="Email" class="hidden_share">
134 Email
134 </span>
134 </a>
134 </span>
134 <span>
134 <a href="#Print" id="PrintBtn" class="glyphicon glyphicon-print">
134 <span id="Print" class="hidden_share">
134 Print
134 </span>
134 </a>
134 </span>
134 </div>
135 <div class="panel-body">
136 <h1>
136 Recording Policy and Guidelines
136 </h1>
141 <div class="well">
142 <p class="bold">
142 SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
142 </p>
143 <p>
143 'Good case recording is important to demonstrate the accountability of staff…it helps to
focus the work of staff and supports effective partnerships with service users and carers.
It ensures there is a documented account of the responsible authority's involvement with
individual service users, families and carers and assists with continuity when workers are
unavailable or change'.
143 </p>
144 <p>
144 (DfE, The Children Act 1989 Guidance and Regulations - Volume 2: Care Planning, Placement
and Case Review (2015))
144 </p>
145 <p class="bold">
145 RELEVANT CHAPTERS
145 </p>
146 <p>
146 <a href="p_case_rec.html">
146 Case Records and Retention Procedure
146 </a>
146 </p>
147 <p>
147 <a href="files/subject_access_rec.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
147 Subject to Access Records Procedure
147 </a>
147 </p>
148 <p>
148 <a href="p_confid_pol.html">
148 Confidentiality Policy
148 </a>
149 </p>
150 <p class="bold">
150 RELATED LOCAL GUIDANCE
150 </p>
151 <p>
151 <a href="https://intranet.wla.int/FamilyandWellbeing/SitePages/MOSAIC.aspx"
target="_blank" rel="noopener">
151 Warrington Intranet
151 </a>
151 </p>
152 <p class="bold">
152 AMENDMENT
152 </p>
153 This chapter was amended in February 2020 to reflect the Ofsted Blog of 24/7/19 by Yvette
Stanley, Ofsted's National Director for Social Care. The Blog highlights feedback from a
number of inspections and explores what good recording should look like (
153 <a
href="https://socialcareinspection.blog.gov.uk/2019/07/24/what-makes-an-effective-case-record/
" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
153 Ofsted: developments in children's social care – What makes an effective case record?
153 </a>
153 ).
153 </div>
160 <div class="section">
160 <h2 id="one">
160 1. Records Must be Kept on all Children
160 </h2>
161 <p>
161 The child's record is an important source of information for them as well as a tool for
planning actions and interventions. It provides information about the sequence of events
which brought about Children's Social Care's intervention into their life and provides an
explanation for the reasons why important decisions were made in the child's and/or
family's life. The case record can be key to helping a child understand themselves and their
past – especially where the child was unable to live with their parent/other long term
carer.
161 </p>
162 <p>
162 The child's case record will usually be developed from notes taken in the course of a visit
or interview and these may be used directly, or as a result of such information being in a
report or court statement. The Family Court, in the case of RE M and N (Children) (Local
authority gathering, preserving and disclosing evidence) advised that social
workers/practitioners must make contemporaneous notes which form a coherent, contemporaneous
record. The notes should be legible, signed and dated and record persons present during the
meeting/conversation in question. The notes should be detailed and accurately attribute
descriptions, actions and views etc. In some instances, sketches/diagrams may be helpful in
establishing the veracity of explanations given, e.g. with regard to how injuries were
sustained, etc.
162 </p>
163 <p>
163 <span class="bold">
163 Note
163 </span>
163 : These original notes might need to be disclosed in a court.
163 </p>
164 <p>
164 Each child must have their own electronic case record from the point of referral to case
closure; audio, video and digital recordings may also be kept.
164 </p>
165 <p>
165 Where paper files are also kept, information held in electronic records must accurately
reflect the corresponding information recorded within paper files.
165 </p>
166 <p>
166 Records held on paper may extend to more than one volume. Where more than one volume exists,
the dates covered by each volume must be clearly recorded on the front cover.
166 </p>
167 <p>
167 All records, irrespective of whether they are physical or electronic, should be securely
kept and electronic messaging (e.g. e-mails) should also be sent in a secure and safe way so
as to preserve their confidential and professional nature (see
167 <a href="#fourteen">
167 Section 13, Records Should be Kept Securely
167 </a>
167 ).
167 </p>
168 </div>
169 <div class="section1">
169 </div>
175 <div class="section">
175 <h2 id="two">
175 2. The Design of Records and Forms Must be Approved
175 </h2>
176 <p>
176 Records and forms must be designed to fit their purpose and used consistently across the
organisation. The design should be flexible and promote ready distinction between historical
and current information and not rigidly seek to reflect a presumed social work
'workflow'.
176 </p>
177 <p>
177 A manager must approve the design of all records and forms before coming into use.
177 </p>
178 </div>
179 <div class="section1">
179 </div>
185 <div class="section">
185 <h2 id="three">
185 3. Children and their Families Must be Informed about their Records
185 </h2>
186 <p>
186 Children and their families should be told what types of information/data is contained in
their case records.
186 </p>
187 <p>
187 In particular, they should be helped to understand what data is collected on them, how it is
used, who it might be shared with and how long it will be kept for. The most common way to
provide information to Data Subjects on what data is collected and how it is used is through
a Privacy Notice. Privacy Notices must be easily accessible to children, young people and
their families, and should be part of the induction pack given to any new staff members.
187 </p>
188 <p>
188 See
188 <a href="p_confid_pol.html">
188 Confidentiality Policy
188 </a>
188 and
188 <a href="files/subject_access_rec.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
188 Subject to Access Records Procedure
188 </a>
188 .
188 </p>
189 <p>
189 Where children have been adopted, see also:
189 <a href="p_acc_adop_recs.html">
189 Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records Procedure
189 </a>
189 .
189 </p>
190 <p>
190 Information must be provided in a form that children and their families will understand - in
their preferred language or method of communication. An interpreter will be provided if
needed.
190 </p>
191 </div>
192 <div class="section1">
192 </div>
198 <div class="section">
198 <h2 id="four">
198 4. The Practitioner Primarily Involved Should Complete the Record
198 </h2>
199 <p>
199 The practitioner primarily involved, that is the person who directly observes or witnesses
the event that is being recorded or who has participated in the meeting/conversation, must
complete records.
199 </p>
200 <p>
200 Where this is not possible and records are completed or updated by other people, it must be
clear from the record which person provided the information being recorded. Preferably the
originator should read the record to ensure its accuracy.
200 </p>
201 <p>
201 Records of decisions must show who made any decision as well as the basis on which it was
made.
201 </p>
202 <p>
202 See also:
202 <a href="#eleven">
202 Section 10, Records Must be Written Clearly using Plain Language and Avoid Prejudice
202 </a>
202 and
202 <a href="#twelve">
202 Section 11, Records Must be Accurate and Adequate
202 </a>
202 .
202 </p>
203 </div>
204 <div class="section1">
204 </div>
210 <div class="section">
210 <h2 id="five">
210 5. All Relevant Information about Children and their Families must be Recorded
210 </h2>
211 <p>
211 Every child's case record must hold details of the child's full name, date of birth and any
identification number. Care should be undertaken to ensure the spelling of names is accurate
and where possible, evidenced e.g. birth certificate. In some instances, key information may
change and it is important the record should identify the current circumstance of the child
/ family.
211 </p>
212 <p>
212 Other professionals and partner agencies providing information/reports should be made aware
that information provided by them may well be included on the child's file and that this
could be accessed by them.
212 </p>
213 <h3>
213 5.1 The Basic Record
214 </h3>
215 <ul>
216 <li>
216 Names and details of everyone who lives in the family home with the child, identifying the
person who has parental responsibility;
216 </li>
217 <li>
217 Where the child does not live at their home, the details of the Placement / arrangements
and the legal status of the child;
217 </li>
218 <li>
218 Names and details of anyone particularly close to the child with whom they have a lot of
contact;
218 </li>
219 <li>
219 Information about the child and /or family's communication needs;
219 </li>
220 <li>
220 A record of managers' decisions and reasons for making them;
220 </li>
221 <li>
221 Details of arrangements for contact;
221 </li>
222 <li>
222 Details and, where appropriate, copies of any Orders made on the child;
222 </li>
223 <li>
223 Copies of reports provided during court proceedings, including specialist assessments, the
Children's Guardian, etc.
223 </li>
224 <li>
224 Additional information about educational progress and, for Children in Care, the Personal
Education Plan (PEP);
224 </li>
225 <li>
225 Where a child has Special Educational Needs or Learning Disability, copies of any relevant
information, including the education, health and care plan;
225 </li>
226 <li>
226 Appropriate information about the child's health, and for Children in Care, a copy of the
Health Plan and Assessment;
226 </li>
227 <li>
227 Details of any arrangements for the responsible authority's functions to be undertaken by
a private provider, e.g. an independent fostering agency or provider of social work
services;
227 </li>
228 <li>
228 Copies of all documents used to seek information, provide information or record views
given to the authority in the course of planning and reviewing the child's case and review
reports;
228 </li>
229 <li>
229 Record of visits and contacts by all practitioners as well as the allocated practitioner.
229 </li>
230 </ul>
231 <h3>
231 5.2 Recording Visits
231 </h3>
232 <p>
232 Each visit should be recorded to include:
232 </p>
233 <ul>
234 <li>
234 The venue of the visit;
234 </li>
235 <li>
235 Who was present;
235 </li>
236 <li>
236 The purpose of the visit;
236 </li>
237 <li>
237 Identify whether an interpreter was used;
237 </li>
238 <li>
238 Whether the child was seen (and if not why this was the case);
238 </li>
239 <li>
239 Information exchanged;
239 </li>
240 <li>
240 A succinct narrative of the nature of the discussion;
240 </li>
241 <li>
241 Any views the child expressed;
241 </li>
242 <li>
242 Any views of the Parent/Carer expressed, noting for children who have communication
difficulties, what support was available and/or how these views were gleaned;
242 </li>
243 <li>
243 Identify whether there has been any significant change of circumstances for the child/or
family, particularly membership of the household;
243 </li>
244 <li>
244 The quality of the relationship between the social worker and the child;
244 </li>
245 <li>
245 An analysis and evaluation of the outcome of the visit, commenting within the context of
the Plan and the Review Recommendations;
245 </li>
246 <li>
246 Failed appointments and visits where there was no response should also be included,
together with any actions required under the Children's Social Care Services procedure
guidance.
246 </li>
247 </ul>
248 <h3>
248 5.3 Other Key Records
248 </h3>
249 <p>
249 The Record must also include a risk assessment, transfer/closing summary (where appropriate)
and a properly maintained chronology.
249 </p>
250 <p>
250 All other relevant contacts with children, their families, colleagues, professionals or
other significant people must be recorded in the same way, i.e. who was present or seen, the
relevant discussions, actions or decisions taken and by whom, and the reasons for decisions.
This includes conversations, phone calls, visits, letters, emails, decisions made by Agency
Decision Makers/Panels, assessments and reports. The options that have been considered and
the child and the family's preferred choices and the reasons why an option has been chosen
if agreement could not be reached. (
250 <span class="bold">
250 Note
250 </span>
250 : care should be undertaken to ensure a breach of the Data Protection Act 2018 does not
occur through the inclusion of information about others via reports and emails, etc.).
250 </p>
251 <p>
251 The child's record should also include relevant and appropriate copies of material from
other, separate records/files that are kept, whilst ensuring that such records remain
separate and that neither confidentiality nor the Data Protection Act are breached. It is
recognised that a certain amount of cross-referencing with siblings is inevitable and
desirable, but again, care should be taken in respect of sibling information that becomes
available on the record.
251 </p>
252 <h3>
252 5.4 Important Characteristics of the Record
252 </h3>
253 <p>
253 The record should be structured and maintained in a way that ensures:
253 </p>
254 <ul>
255 <li>
255 The decision-making process is clear;
255 </li>
256 <li>
256 That the views of the child, carers and/or those with Parental Responsibility can be found
and related to the decision-making that has been made together with the responsible
authority's actions;
256 </li>
257 <li>
257 That any material temporarily placed in the record that belongs to the child should be
noted as such so that it can be returned to the child when required / appropriate;
257 </li>
258 <li>
258 Recording should be made of the Review meeting's recommendations / outcomes that are
trying to be achieved with a child and their family, key tasks, by whom and timescales;
258 </li>
259 <li>
259 The recording of interventions and actions should seek to identify which
'Recommendation' or Outcome they relate to;
259 </li>
260 <li>
260 The recording should seek a proportionate balance to reflect positive and negative aspect
of a child or family's life;
260 </li>
261 <li>
261 The structure of the recording should readily distinguish between current and historical
events.
261 </li>
262 </ul>
263 <h3>
263 5.5 Case Summaries
263 </h3>
264 <p>
264 Every 3 months the case file recording should provide a succinct summary of the work
undertaken, specifically linking progress to the Recommendation/Outcomes of the Plan. It
therefore promotes accountability, an understanding of progress and continued planning.
264 </p>
265 <p>
265 It should also highlight fresh issues that have emerged, both strengths as well as concerns,
and reflect how these have been dealt with as well as acknowledging the impact (or
otherwise) of any new issues on the overall nature of the case.
265 </p>
266 <p>
266 The summary helps to bring together the outcomes of all the information and actions with the
child/family and reflect/analyse/evaluate upon the progress of then intervention, including
the child and family's level of engagement with the intervention.
266 </p>
267 <p>
267 The summary, in 'putting the child at the centre' should reflect and have regard to 'what is
life like for this child'.
267 </p>
268 <p>
268 It should also include outcomes of supervision on the case and consider appropriately the
local authority's, and partner agencies, decision-making and the impact this may have had.
268 </p>
269 <p>
269 The Case Summary can reflect on Case Reviews and should comment on the focus of work for the
forthcoming 3 months.
269 </p>
270 </div>
271 <div class="section1">
271 </div>
277 <div class="section">
277 <h2 id="six">
277 6. Children and their Families should be Involved in the Recording Process
277 </h2>
278 <p>
278 Children and their families must be routinely involved in the process of gathering and
recording information about them. They should feel they are part of the recording process.
278 </p>
279 <p>
279 They should be asked to provide information, express their own views and wishes, and
contribute to assessments, reports and to the formulation of plans. The child should have
the opportunity to have support to be able to do this if needed, through an advocate and /or
through specialist help, e.g. a signer.
279 </p>
280 <p>
280 It is recommended that any contribution the child may wish to make, any written material,
certificates etc. should be included on the record as copies, so that the child retains the
original items so that they have their own record of their wishes, progress etc.
280 </p>
281 <p>
281 Children and their parents must be asked to give their agreement to the sharing of
information about them with others. Information should be shared with the consent of the
child and family if appropriate and where possible the wishes of those who do not wish
confidential information to be shared should be respected. Information can still be shared
without consent if it is in the public interest to do so. Information sharing decisions
should be based on consideration or the safety and well-being of the person and others who
may be affected by the sharing.
281 </p>
282 <p>
282 In such circumstances ensure that the information shared is necessary for the purpose for
which it is being shared and shared only with those who need to have it.
282 </p>
283 <p>
283 Also see:
283 <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safeguarding-practitioners-information-shar
ing-advice" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
283 DfE, Information sharing advice for safeguarding practitioners
283 </a>
283 .
283 </p>
284 </div>
285 <div class="section1">
285 </div>
291 <div class="section">
291 <h2 id="seven">
291 7. Information about Children and their Families Should Normally be Shared with them
291 </h2>
292 <p>
292 Information contained in the case record should usually be shared with the Data Subject
unless:
292 </p>
293 <ul>
294 <li>
294 Sharing the information would be likely to result in serious harm to the child or another
person; or
294 </li>
295 <li>
295 The information was given in the expectation that it would not be disclosed; or
295 </li>
296 <li>
296 The information relates to a third party who expressly indicated the information should
not be disclosed.
296 </li>
297 </ul>
298 <p>
298 Where information is obtained and recorded which should not be shared with the child
concerned for one of the above reasons, it should be placed in the 'Restricted from
user' section of the child's record and the reasons should be recorded after taking advice
from a manager.
298 </p>
299 <p>
299 See also:
299 <a href="files/subject_access_rec.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
299 Subject to Access Records Procedure
299 </a>
299 .
299 </p>
300 <p>
300 Where children have been adopted, see also:
300 <a href="p_acc_adop_recs.html">
300 Access to Birth Records and Adoption Case Records Procedure
300 </a>
300 .
300 </p>
301 <p>
301 When sharing a record it is important to record who it was shared with and when. The sharing
of all decision-making documents such as assessments, care plans, reviews, reports and
agreements make it easier for everyone to know what is expected and to work together better.
301 </p>
302 </div>
303 <div class="section1">
303 </div>
309 <div class="section">
309 <h2 id="eight">
309 8. Managers Must Ensure that Confidential Information is Identified
309 </h2>
310 <p>
310 Managers must monitor confidential information held on the 'Restricted from user'
section of case records, ensuring that the reason for it being considered confidential is
valid; if not, it should be available to be shared with the child.
310 </p>
311 <p>
311 However, before sharing any such information, the manager must take all reasonable steps to
consult the originator and take account of their views and wishes. See also:
311 <a href="files/subject_access_rec.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
311 Subject to Access Records Procedure
311 </a>
311 .
311 </p>
312 </div>
313 <div class="section1">
313 </div>
319 <div class="section">
319 <h2 id="ten">
319 9. Records Must be Kept up to Date
319 </h2>
320 <p>
320 Records should be updated from detailed notes made contemporaneously following a visit or
interview; as various information becomes available, or as decisions or actions are taken as
soon as practicable. (See also
320 <a href="#one">
320 Section 1, Records Must be Kept on all Children
320 </a>
320 ).
320 </p>
321 <p>
321 Observations will be recorded within 3 working days of the contact (except in the case of
Child Protection where the recording should be entered within 1 working day).
321 </p>
322 <p>
322 All contacts must be recorded - even if no access to the individual is gained.
322 </p>
323 <p>
323 Details of a contact recorded may include:
323 </p>
324 <ul>
325 <li>
325 Who was present or seen (including whether the child was seen alone);
325 </li>
326 <li>
326 Facts observed;
326 </li>
327 <li>
327 Information obtained or provided;
327 </li>
328 <li>
328 Analysis of current or ongoing risk;
328 </li>
329 <li>
329 Agreements reached with the child/young person and family;
329 </li>
330 <li>
330 Actions or decisions taken - by whom and why;
330 </li>
331 <li>
331 Any issues that were not agreed;
331 </li>
332 <li>
332 Any views expressed by those involved in the contact.
332 </li>
333 </ul>
334 <p>
334 Only one copy of a paper document should be retained within Civica.
334 </p>
335 <p>
335 A case summary should be completed at the point of transfer to another worker or authority.
335 </p>
336 <p>
336 Where records are made or updated late or after the event, the fact must be stated as a
'Late Entry' in the record, and the date and time of the entry should be included.
336 </p>
337 </div>
338 <div class="section1">
338 </div>
344 <div class="section">
344 <h2 id="eleven">
344 10. Records Must be Written Clearly using Plain Language and Avoid Prejudice
344 </h2>
345 <p>
345 Records must be written clearly and concisely, using plain language, and in a way that
recognises the right of the child or their parent/carer will access the record (whether
whilst the case is active or at some point in the future).
345 </p>
346 <p>
346 E-mail communication to colleagues and other professionals (that will be included in the
record) should always be completed with the same care and attention. Records must not
contain any expressions that might give offence to any individual or group of people on the
basis of race, culture, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation.
346 </p>
347 <p>
347 Use of technical or professional terms, acronyms and abbreviations must be kept to a
minimum; and explained.
347 </p>
348 <p>
348 See
348 <a href="files/subject_access_rec.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
348 Subject to Access Records Procedure
348 </a>
348 and
348 <a href="p_case_rec.html">
348 Case Records and Retention Procedure
348 </a>
348 .
348 </p>
349 </div>
350 <div class="section1">
350 </div>
356 <div class="section">
356 <h2 id="twelve">
356 11. Records Must be Accurate and Adequate
356 </h2>
357 <p>
357 Care must be taken to ensure that information contained in records is relevant and accurate
and is sufficient to meet legislative responsibilities and the requirements of these
procedures.
357 </p>
358 <p>
358 Every effort must be made to ensure records are factually correct. If a child / young person
feels that information in their record is not accurate, they have a right to request that it
is rectified. Local authorities have 1 month to respond to any such requests and, if any
such request is received, the authority should take reasonable steps to establish if the
data is accurate and rectify the record if necessary.
358 </p>
359 <p>
359 Records must distinguish clearly between assessments, judgements and decisions. Records must
also distinguish between first-hand information and information obtained from third parties.
Records must reflect the distinction between fact and opinion. Although it is admissible to
record opinion, it must be recorded as such and not presented as factual.
359 </p>
360 <p>
360 <span class="bold">
360 Note
360 </span>
360 : whilst 'cutting and pasting' techniques are generally not recommended, on those occasions
where it is used, great care should be given to ensure that other parties' details are not
included and that the context of the recording is appropriate and proportionate, (e.g.
events that occurred some time ago do not reflect a current tense or disproportionate sense
of relevance).
360 </p>
361 <p>
361 See
361 <a href="p_confid_pol.html">
361 Confidentiality Policy
361 </a>
361 .
361 </p>
362 </div>
363 <div class="section1">
363 </div>
369 <div class="section">
369 <h2 id="thirteen">
369 12. Managers Must Oversee, Monitor and Review all Records
369 </h2>
370 <p>
370 The overall responsibility for ensuring all records are maintained appropriately rests with
line managers, although the responsibility can be delegated to other staff as appropriate.
370 </p>
371 <p>
371 The line manager should routinely check samples of records to ensure they are up to date and
maintained as required and, if not, that deficiencies are rectified as soon as practicable.
371 </p>
372 </div>
373 <div class="section1">
373 </div>
379 <div class="section">
379 <h2 id="fourteen">
379 13. Records Should be Kept Securely
379 </h2>
380 <p>
380 All records held on children must be kept securely.
380 </p>
381 <p>
381 Children's paper files should normally be stored in a locked cabinet, or a similar manner,
usually in an office which only staff have access to.
381 </p>
383 <p>
383 These records should not be left unattended when not in their normal location.
383 </p>
384 <p>
384 All electronic records must be kept securely and comply with the requirements of the Data
Protection Act 2018. This will include arrangements such as:
384 </p>
385 <ul>
386 <li>
386 Password protection;
386 </li>
387 <li>
387 Automatic log out of screens;
387 </li>
388 <li>
388 Logging off computers;
388 </li>
389 <li>
389 Changing passwords on a regular basis.
389 </li>
390 </ul>
391 <p>
391 Where staff are working in an 'agile' / 'mobile' / 'hot-desking' context, care must be
exercised to ensure that records or computers are not left on or overlooked by others.
391 </p>
392 <p>
392 Children's archived paper files are stored securely offsite with the Council's commercial
document storage provider – Iron Mountain. Paper records are requested via the MOSAIC
Support Team, who organise secure retrieval of offsite records to a secure onsite room for
distribution to the requesting social worker.
392 </p>
393 </div>
394 <div class="section1">
394 </div>
400 <div class="section">
400 <h2 id="fifteen">
400 14. Removal of Records
400 </h2>
401 <h3>
401 14.1 Exceptional Occurrence
402 </h3>
403 <p>
403 Records should not normally be taken from the location where they are usually kept.
403 </p>
404 <p>
404 If it is necessary to remove a record from its normal location, a manager should approve
this and should stipulate or agree how long it is necessary to remove the record. The
manager must also be satisfied that adequate measures are in place to ensure the security of
the record(s) whilst they are removed. For example, records must never be left in unattended
vehicles.
404 </p>
405 <p>
405 The authorisation for a record to be removed must be recorded and those who may have need to
see the records should be informed of their removal. The manager must then ensure the record
is returned as required/agreed.
405 </p>
406 <p>
406 Should the situation ever occur where a file / documents are lost or mislaid, the local
authority officer must report this immediately to their manager and every reasonable effort
should be made to obtain their recovery. The service user should be advised of such an
event.
406 </p>
407 <p>
407 See Warrington Borough Council Corporate Records Management -
407 
E042 Invalid URI found in attribute 'href':
A URI was found in the link that is invalid according to RFC 3986. A common mistake is to include spaces. An invalid <base> tag, will also cause this error. 
E622 The 'href' attribute does not have a valid value: It is an invalid URI, most likely containing
invalid characters such as spaces (see rfc3986):
The HTML specification being tested against defines certain valid values for each attribute. Usually a list of valid values will be displayed when you see this message. Note that many values must be in lower case in XHTML, including the 'x' in numeric hex entity references. Also note that what values are allowed varies from standard to standard. <a href="https://intranet.wla.int/RASC/BIS/Records Management And Data Retention/Procedures and
guidelines/Keeping paper documents safe offsite - user guidance v1.1 FINAL.pdf" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
407 Keeping paper documents safe offsite: User Guidance
407 </a>
407 .
407 </p>
408 <h3>
408 14.2 Records Moved to a New Location Must be Monitored
408 </h3>
409 <p>
409 Where records are necessarily moved to a new location, the date of transfer should be
clearly recorded.
409 </p>
410 <p>
410 See Warrington Borough Council Corporate Records Management -
410 
E042 Invalid URI found in attribute 'href':
A URI was found in the link that is invalid according to RFC 3986. A common mistake is to include spaces. An invalid <base> tag, will also cause this error. 
E622 The 'href' attribute does not have a valid value: It is an invalid URI, most likely containing
invalid characters such as spaces (see rfc3986):
The HTML specification being tested against defines certain valid values for each attribute. Usually a list of valid values will be displayed when you see this message. Note that many values must be in lower case in XHTML, including the 'x' in numeric hex entity references. Also note that what values are allowed varies from standard to standard. <a href="https://intranet.wla.int/RASC/BIS/Records Management And Data Retention/Procedures and
guidelines/Keeping paper documents safe offsite - user guidance v1.1 FINAL.pdf" target="_blank"
rel="noopener">
410 Keeping paper documents safe offsite: User Guidance
410 </a>
410 .
410 </p>
411 <p>
411 The sender should check that the records have arrived at their intended destination.
411 </p>
412 <p>
412 If records are moving because of a case transfer an audit should be carried out by a manager
prior to transfer to ensure all relevant information and documents are available on the
child's record.
412 </p>
413 </div>
414 <div class="section1">
414 </div>
420 <div class="section">
420 <h2 id="eighteen">
420 15. Use of Computers at Home
420 </h2>
421 <p>
421 Staff using computers at home for work purposes must ensure that they are working within the
rules of the 'data protection principles' in accordance with the Data Protection Act (2018).
Staff are required to familiarise themselves with the local information security policy.
421 </p>
422 <p>
422 This applies to staff using laptop computers and mobile devices in the course of their
duties.
422 </p>
423 <p>
423 Should the situation ever occur where a laptop is lost or mislaid, the local authority
officer must report this immediately to their manager and every reasonable effort should be
made to obtain their recovery.
423 </p>
424 <p>
424 Consideration should be given as to whether service users should be advised of such an
event.
424 </p>
425 </div>
426 <div class="section1">
426 </div>
429 </div>
432 <div id="footer">
433 <div class="copyright">
434 <p>
434 <a href="http://www.trixonline.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">
434 <img src="images/logo/trix-logo.png" width="75" height="75" alt="trix logo">
434 </a>
434 Copyright© signisgroup
434 </p>
435 </div>
436 </div>
437 </div>
438 </div>
440 </div>
442 </div>
443 <div class="container">
445 <div class="modal modal-wide fade" id="myModal" tabindex="-1" role="dialog" aria-labelledby="myModal"
aria-hidden="true">
447 <div class="modal-dialog modal-lg">
447 <div class="modal-content">
447 <div class="modal-header">
447 <strong>
447 Local Resources
447 </strong>
447 </div>
447 <div class="modal-body">
449 
E960 [WCAG21 4.1.2 (A)] Do not use role=presentation|none or aria-hidden=true on a focusable element:
Using either of these on a sequentially focusable element will result in some users focusing on 'nothing'. A sequentially focusable element is an interactive element, or one with a positive 'tabindex'. See Fourth Rule of ARIA Use. <iframe src="https://proceduresonline.com/trixcms1/warringtoncs/doc-library/" title="Document library
popup">
449 </iframe>
451 <script>
451 </script>
451 </div>
451 <div class="modal-footer">
451 
E960 [WCAG21 4.1.2 (A)] Do not use role=presentation|none or aria-hidden=true on a focusable element:
Using either of these on a sequentially focusable element will result in some users focusing on 'nothing'. A sequentially focusable element is an interactive element, or one with a positive 'tabindex'. See Fourth Rule of ARIA Use. <a href="#closepopup1" id="closepopup1" class="close" data-dismiss="modal" aria-hidden="true">
451 Close
451 </a>
451 </div>
451 </div>
451 </div>
451 </div>
451 </div>
453 <script src="js/val/test/jquery-1.11.3.min.js" defer>
453 </script>
454 <script type="text/javascript" src="js/highlight.js" defer>
454 </script>
455 <script src="js/iframe/iframeResizer.js">
455 </script>
457 <script src="https://maxcdn.bootstrapcdn.com/bootstrap/3.3.7/js/bootstrap.min.js" defer>
457 </script>
458 <script src="js/jqueryui/jquery-ui-1.9.1.custom.min.js" defer>
458 </script>
459 <script src="js/jquery.tocify.js" defer>
459 </script>
460 <script src="js/dropdowns-enhancement.js" defer>
460 </script>
461 <script src="js/scroll.js" defer>
461 </script>
462 <script src="js/custom.js" defer>
462 </script>
463 <script src="js/dmss.js" defer>
463 </script>
464 <script type="text/javascript"
src="https://cabbiepete.github.io/jQuery-Share-Email/js/jquery.tmpl.min.js" defer>
464 </script>
466 <script type="text/javascript" src="js/jQuery.print.js" defer>
466 </script>
467 <script src="js/jquery.shareemail.js" type="text/javascript" defer>
467 </script>
468 <script src="js/cookie-code/jquery.cookiebar.js" defer>
468 </script>
471 <a id="scrollup">
471 <i class="up">
471 </i>
471 </a>
472 <div id="background">
473 <p id="bg_text">
473 Trix procedures
473 </p>
474 <p id="bg_text_msg">
474 Only valid for 48hrs
474 </p>
475 </div>
480 <script type="text/javascript">
488 </script>
491 </body>
492 </html>
Page report