Solid Scrutiny

Led by Sarah Lawrence, we deliver tailored, strengths based reviews of multi-agency child safeguarding arrangements. Using audit, observation, and practitioner insight, we identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities, supporting improvement beyond statutory compliance. Our approach is Ofsted-recognised and works alongside Young Scrutiny, complementing existing scrutiny arrangements.

Specialist consultancy amplifying children and young people’s voices in safeguarding partnership work. Working with our lived experience experts, we co-design, deliver, and present scrutiny with young people, ensuring their insights drive impact and shape partnership planning and improvement. We also provide advice on a feedback loop so participants can hear “you said, we did” from safeguarding partners.

We deliver themed reviews based on local priorities and learning, providing deep insight and actionable recommendations for child safeguarding. Reviews are centred on the experiences of children, families, parents/carers, and practitioners. Using Appreciative Inquiry and strengths based methods, we highlight best practice and opportunities for growth. Our pool of expert associates can support a wide range of specialist safeguarding topics.

We support partnerships to implement a structured Learning Loop, providing a framework for quality assurance and continuous improvement. This includes revisiting previously identified learning from Independent Scrutiny, Local Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, Rapid Reviews, and national guidance—to test impact, measure change, and embed improvement across the partnership. 

Expert chairing and facilitation of Safeguarding Partnership activities. Providing independent advice in disputes or disagreements between partners, ensuring objective, constructive challenge and strengthened multi-agency accountability. Independent review of child safeguarding practice, rapid reviews, learning workshops, and improvement planning. We also support peer review sessions, Section 11 reviews, and partnership sub-groups.

We provide tailored support for business planning and annual report scrutiny or review, ensuring priorities are child centred, clear, actionable, and aligned with local safeguarding objectives. We support partnerships to plan strategically and demonstrate impact and accountability.