Learning together: the systems approach to Serious Case Reviews

1
Learning together the systems approach to
Serious Case Reviews

• Mark Fitzgerald
• LSCB Manager

2
This session

• Why Leicester became involved
• The systems approach what it is
• Munro
• The pilot arrangements
• Differences in the methodology
• Local findings so far

3
Why Leicester became involved

• SCR sub group took a view that there was tacit
  endorsement
• Wanted to get a head start
• Get on Board whilst it is being joint funded
• Opportunity to learn
• To influence the system
• Timing was an issue

4
The systems approach to SCRs

• Roots in engineering
• Established in the health sector as root cause
  analysis
• The approach holds the promise of more effective
  organisational learning
• Promotes and supports the development of an open,
  learning culture more broadly within the
  multi-agency child welfare field.

5
The systems approach
6
Munro Recommendation 9

• Govt should require LSCBs to use systems
  methodology
• Provide accredited, skilled and independent
  reviewers
• Promote the development of a variety of
  systems-based methodologies
• Initiate the development of a typology of the
  problems that contribute to adverse outcomes
• Disseminate learning nationally

7
The pilot arrangements

• Previous pilots
• Partnership between SCIE/Barnardos/Government and
  the local authority
• Simultaneous pilots
• Costs
• Timescales
• Role of Lead Reviewers

8
The case chosen for review

• Challenges in the choice
• Current live case
• Domestic Violence towards pregnant woman
• 2 children made subject to plans
• Good practice identified

9
Differences in the methodology

• Key players
• Role of the Review Team member
• Who carries the workload
• Terms of reference
• Chronologies
• Involvement of staff
• Blame and accountability

10
Local findings so far

• Early days
• No quicker
• Marginally cheaper
• Issues of representation
• Engages practitioners more effectively
• Aspects used and adapted
• Quality of learning yet to be seen
• Report delivered in January