RSCP Job Shadowing Scheme

Introduction

The RSCP partners have agreed to support a job shadowing scheme to assist professionals in understanding other roles within agencies working with children, young people and families across all sectors and to support information sharing in order to support safeguarding.  This Scheme is very much within the ethos of Working Together to Safeguard Children, 2018 and the Redbridge LSCB Learning and Improvement Framework, 2015, which promotes “system-wide learning” and an understanding of the different roles and responsibilities of agencies and professionals.  This Scheme does not replace any ‘in house’ shadowing programmes that agencies may have but aims to provide a multi-agency opportunity with the key aim of improving arrangements for safeguarding children and young people.

What is job shadowing?

Job shadowing is where an individual from one work area or agency has the opportunity to work alongside and gain first-hand experience of the role, function and procedures of another work area or agency. It can take many forms including observations, co-working, attendance at meetings and other forums and cover varying lengths of time, although is typically of a one-day duration.

What are the benefits?

There are many benefits for both individuals and organisations in using shadowing as a developmental opportunity. For the RSCP, this is a key way of contributing to the development of our multi-agency partnership and safeguarding children and young people through joined up working.  For the ‘guest’, shadowing provides an opportunity to see what other professionals and agencies do and how they work, leading to a greater appreciation of different roles and responsibilities, learn from an experienced professional, consider alternative career pathways and finally to forge a relationship which will help support delivery their own role and services generally to children, young people and families.  For the ‘host’, shadowing can also be a positive experience as it provides an opportunity to showcase your role, agency, review and reflect on your work through ‘fresh eyes’ and to learn from your ‘guest’.  A host may also want to take advantage of a reciprocal arrangement and visit their ‘guests’ place of work.

What needs to be considered?

Key to a successful shadowing arrangement is a clear understanding between the ‘guest’ and the ‘host’ of what are the aims and expectations. Issues such as confidentiality, data security, health and safety accessibility, and respect for the values and priorities of the ‘host’ agency also need to be considered.  These issues will be worked through as part of the matching arrangement prior to agreeing a ‘shadowing’ opportunity.   Most shadowing placements will require DBS clearance.  There may be occasions that a partner agency is unable to accept a shadowing request due to current business demands.  In this instance, the applicant will be advised and offered an alternative if appropriate.

How can I get involved?

If you are interested in requesting a shadowing opportunity, please discuss with your Line Manager and then complete the attached is an application form and return to redbridgescp@redbridge.gov.uk . Once a potential match has been identified, the RSCP Business Manager will contact you.

If you would like to offer a shadowing opportunity as a host, and would like this opportunity promoted across RSCP partners,  please discuss with your Line Manager. You can then make the RSCP Business Manager aware of your offer via redbridgescp@redbridge.gov.uk or 020 8708 5282.

What happens after?

After you have completed your shadowing, you will be asked to complete a brief Evaluation Form based on your experiences. This is important for the RSCP in order to understand the impact of the Scheme and for you as an individual in order to reflect and make plans for any action as a result of your experiences.  A copy of the Evaluation Form  will also be sent to you on completion of your shadowing by the RSCP Team.

It is also important for your own learning and development that you take time to discuss your shadowing experience with your Line Manager during supervision or one-to-ones. You may, as a result of your own positive experience, wish to invite your ‘host’ back to your own organisation.