Investigation and Referral Support Coordinators (IRSCs)
In 2001 the DfES established and funded a strategic network of 25 IRSCs in regional clusters throughout England. This network was brought to a close in March 2006, but the excellent advice and guidance they produced along with the audit of allegations information they collected can still be accessed from this page.
A new smaller more focussed network of Allegations Management Advisers have been appointed to work across the wider children's workforce.
What were IRSCs?
Regional Coordinators who worked with the DfES in partnership with Local Education Authorities and Area Child Protection Committees (ACPCs), placing them close to their client and partner groups within the local structure.
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Coordinators were appointed from a number of agencies including education, social services, police, personnel and the voluntary sector.
Together and individually the coordinators offered a wide range of knowledge and expertise in child protection issues.
Role — the network's purpose
The network was established to:
- Ensure that allegations against teachers and other education staff are dealt with fairly and quickly, and that where staff need to be suspended it is for the minimum period necessary.
- Support and strengthen the school role in identifying children at risk, ensuring where necessary appropriate intervention by social services and police.
- To work strategically with education providers to promote, lead, and contribute to the development and implementation of safeguarding initiatives and processes including the support, guidance and training available to all head teachers, governors and LEAs.
- To contribute to the development and implementation of effective multi agency safeguarding standards, priorities and processes for the education service by working with the national IRSC network, local clusters, Departmental teams and other agencies and regional bodies.
- To promote section 175 of the Education Act 2002, associated guidance and developments arising from the Green Paper on Children at Risk and establish the practice standards that need to be in place in LEAs and Governing Bodies to satisfy the duties they have in relation to section 175 of the Education Act 2002.
- To act as a conduit between LEAs and the Department.
Role — the network in practice
Established networks to promote and develop consistency and good practice;
- Provided guidance on the development of performance indicators and monitoring systems;
- Audited, reviewed and evaluated policies, procedures and practice;
- Informed and contributed to child protection training material and courses locally and nationally;
- Supported and enhanced local child protection procedures through the development of model guidance;
- Advised on the application of child protection legislation and guidance.
IRSC Information and Resource Directory for Safeguarding Children In Education (June 2005 Edition)
