Using this Manual

This manual contains the policies, procedures and guidance for Lincolnshire Children's Services.

In this version of the manual the principle Children's Services Policies, Values and Principles chapter is supplemented with other policy chapters all of which are contained in Part 1.1 of the manual.

Procedures and Guidance: In an attempt to keep procedures succinct, procedures and more detailed guidance are separated - with links provided as appropriate. 'Procedures' summarise how Managers and Staff must act in given circumstances. 'Guidance' provides direction or advice to a decision or course of action.

This edition of the manual has an integrated Lincolnshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Procedures. This means that users can click from one manual to the other without having to enter and leave different websites. Links from the Children's Services Manual to the SCP manual can be made without leaving the manual.

This edition is compliant with and contains an interactive copy of Working Together to Safeguard Children.

This manual will be updated on a regular basis and a summary of the changes can be accessed via the 'Amendments' button on the Home page.

Next planned update: June 2025.

If you would like to suggest a change to the procedures manual discuss your suggestion with your line manager in the first instance.

This manual contains a local resource section which can be accessed via the navigation bar. If there is a resource that you think should be added talk in the first instance to your manager. The nominated administrator for this area will be able to access online training in the use of the area from tri.x.

This library is populated and maintained locally and not by tri.x.

tri.x will not be responsible for content which is added into this area, and any concerns should be directed to the contact person with responsibility for the procedures.

Procedures and guidance are located in individual 'Chapters' which are available from a 'traditional' Contents List

Using the Contents List

Chapters are categorised or grouped together as follows:

PARTS: The manual contains procedures categorised under a number of Service Sectors, like 'Services to Children in Care'.

SECTIONS: Within each Service Sector you will find a Section (group of procedures) like 'Children with Disabilities'.

CHAPTERS: Under each Section, you'll find individual Chapters/Procedures e.g. 'Direct Payments'.

You can Search for a Chapter

If you aren't sure which part to look in, try 'Search' which will help you identify specific chapters and sub headings within chapters.

The manual is accessed by readers who may find terms that they are not familiar with. Therefore, a glossary of definitions is available under the resource tab.

There is also a National Contacts resource populated with details of key national agencies and organisations likely to be relevant to procedures user.

Every effort has been taken to ensure regulatory compliance. If you discover any errors or mistakes, please alert Janet Hope (janet.hope@lincolnshire.gov.uk).

Contact Us

If you have any comments or suggestions to make about this manual please contact us by using the button on the top navigation, from anywhere within the manual.

Janet Hope (janet.hope@lincolnshire.gov.uk)

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The Manual is intended to be viewed on line to ensure only the most up-to-date version of procedures are being used. It will be updated regularly so, in the unlikely event there is a requirement for hard copies they should be destroyed after 72 hours.

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