Recognising Difference to Strengthen Practice – A System-Wide Call to Centre the Child

NIROMP welcomes the recent guidance from Cafcass and ADCS, which marks a welcome response to how professional differences are understood and managed in care proceedings.

Key Themes:

  • Transparency & Relational Accountability
    The protocol introduces a professionally chaired meeting to ensure all key professionals contribute their independent, child-focused perspectives.
  • Learning from Safeguarding Reviews
    The 2021 review highlighted the need for structured dialogue and clear documentation when professionals hold differing views.
  • Valuing Professional Difference
    “This guidance signals a cultural shift… toward a system that values professional difference as a strength.” — Sharon Martin, NIROMP Chair
  • Restorative Opportunities for IROs
    IROs and managers are encouraged to engage in multiagency dialogue, use restorative supervision, and champion shared learning.
  • Embedding Anti-Oppressive Practice
    This call aligns with anti-oppressive principles, urging us to centre difference in our systems and relationships.

📎 Resources:

📄 Cafcass & ADCS Guidance PDF

📄NIROMP Briefing – New Guidance on Managing Professional Difference. IROs and their managers are encouraged to read and share this briefing within their teams and partnerships


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