NIPEC in partnership with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), Public Health Agency (PHA) and the five Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) a Core Competency Framework has developed for nurses and midwives in promoting their role and responsibilities in Safeguarding Children and Young People. It is anticipated that this framework will support the future implementation of standards which are being developed as part of the enhancements of Understanding the Needs of Children in Northern Ireland (UNOCINI), and ongoing developments within the Regional Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland.

This core competency framework  reflects the current knowledge base and scope of practice required by nurses and midwives for safeguarding children and young people. It takes cognizance of current regional policy direction and other polices associated with the safeguarding issues relating to children and young people.

To inform the development of this framework an Expert Reference Group was established, comprising of 5 Trust Safeguarding Lead Nurses with representation from Midwifery, Mental Health and PHA’s Safeguarding Nurse. The group provided expertise in identifying best practice in relation to safeguarding practice and required training and development of nurses and midwives.