Children’s MARS Board Communication

Children’s MARS Board Communication

Local Arrangements and Key Documents

We would like to inform you that the following updated policies and procedures are now available on the CMARS website:

Please take a moment to review these revised documents to ensure alignment with current guidance and multi-agency practice.

All CMARS policies and procedures can be found here CMARS | Statutory Documents 

In addition to these updates, please also take time to review the Children’s MARS Arrangements & Key Documents, which have recently been refreshed.

We regularly share key safeguarding communications, resources, and announcements via the CMARS communications list. If you or any colleagues would like to

Coming Soon: Exciting New Young Scrutineer Positions 

Do you, or someone you know, care deeply about the rights and wellbeing of children and young people?

We’re getting ready to launch an exciting opportunity for young people to apply to become Young Scrutineers!

This role is all about making sure youth voices are heard in decisions that affect their lives. Young Scrutineers will work alongside professionals to challenge, influence, and improve services for children and young people across North Lincolnshire.

Young Scrutineers will:

  • Represent the views of children and young people
  • Work with the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board
  • Review services to ensure they’re inclusive and child-focused
  • Take part in meetings, consultations, and creative projects

We’re looking for young people who:

  • Left school in July 2025
  • Live in North Lincolnshire
  • Are passionate, reliable, and ready to learn
  • Want to make a difference – no experience needed!

Applications will open soon!

Online Abuse

The Ministry of Justice and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology have jointly announced new amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill aimed at tackling online abuse and violent pornography in the UK.

Under the proposed changes, it will become a criminal offence to possess or publish pornographic content that depicts acts of strangulation or suffocation.

These measures follow recommendations from Baroness Bertin’s Independent Review and form part of the Government’s broader strategy to reduce violence against women and girls.

Red the blog here.

New and Upcoming cMARs Training 

An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Risks in Safeguarding Children – 18 November 14:00 – 15:00 – MS Teams

This session provides an introductory overview of artificial intelligence (AI), exploring its potential for both positive and harmful impact. It focuses on how AI technologies are increasingly influencing the digital landscape, particularly in ways that affect children and young people. The training will highlight key risks, including manipulation, misinformation, and exploitation, and offer practical guidance on how professionals can safeguard themselves and those they work with. It will also cover indicators to watch for in young people who may be vulnerable to online harm or radicalisation through AI-driven platforms.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the basics of artificial intelligence and its applications in everyday life.
  • Identify the benefits and risks associated with AI, especially in relation to children and young people.
  • Recognise signs of vulnerability in young people who may be exposed to harmful online content or manipulation via AI tools.
  • How as professionals you can protect yourselves and the young people you work with from AI-related threats

Responding to Domestic Abuse: A Practical Guide – 26 November 26 09:30 – 12:30 – CSH

Learning Outcomes

• To develop an understanding of domestic abuse & discuss the offence of coercive control.
• To enhance your awareness of domestic abuse, the behaviours and tactics used.
• How to respond in a trauma informed, domestic-abuse informed way when there is a disclosure of domestic abuse.
• Provide an outline of domestic abuse support available via The Blue Door.
• How to make a referral to The Blue Door.

Please book via the following link: The Blue Door Support Service CIC Events – 6 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite

Please note that the training provider may directly send a charge to your team for non-attendance to the training. Therefore, if you are no longer able to attend you will need to contact the training provider directly to let them know.

Harmful Sexual Behaviour Awareness Briefing – 9 December 2025 – 14:00 – 15:00 – MS Teams

This briefing provides an essential introduction to the Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB) Panel, its purpose, and how it supports safeguarding and early intervention across services. It is designed to raise awareness, build confidence in identifying and responding to HSB, and ensure appropriate referrals are made to the panel.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of the panel’s role, its impact, and how it contributes to improved outcomes for children and young people.

Training Objectives:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the HSB Panel, what it is, why it was established, and its core functions.
  • Know How to Refer to the Panel. Understand the referral process, criteria, and documentation required.
  • Access Further Information and Support. Signpost to resources, guidance, and contacts for ongoing support.

Drug Trends and Substance Misuse – local updates and offer to young people – 10 December 2025 – 14:00 – 15:00 – MS Teams

This bitesize course will enable you recognise potential signs and symptoms of substance misuse, including any possible immediate risk that this poses to both the individual and those around them. You will be able to recognise what drugs look like, the effects of drugs and alcohol and understand the treatment options available locally.

The content of this course will vary according to current local trends and the impact of seasonal drug use.

(LADO) Managing Allegations against people who work/volunteer with children – 5 January 2026 – 09:30 – 11:30
The aim of the workshop is to know what an allegation is, and what to do when an allegation is made regarding someone who works or volunteers with children

Objectives:
• To have an understanding of the role of LADO
• To have an understanding of the managing allegations process
from start to conclusion
• To effectively respond to, and manage allegations

Child Sexual Abuse and Violence Awareness Briefing – 19th January 10 – 11 via MS Teams – 29th January 14.00 – 15.00 via MS Teams

Presented by The Blue Door, this course provides an overview of the North Lincolnshire referral pathway for individuals impacted by sexual violence and sexual abuse in North Lincolnshire. It explores how professionals can navigate the local system to ensure timely and appropriate support and outlines the range of services available. Participants will gain clarity on referral procedures, key contacts, and how to sensitively guide individuals toward the help they need.

Managing Allegations – The Role of Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for School Leaders – 27 January 27, 2026 09:30 – 11:30 – Face to Face

The aim of the workshop is to know what an allegation is, explore What is the SCOPE, what constitutes harm, low level concerns (linked to KCSIE 2024), and what to do when an allegation is made regarding someone who works or volunteers with children. The workshop will also cover
records keeping, the role of the Chair of Governor and Whistleblowing.

Objectives:
• To have an understanding of the role of LADO
• To have an understanding of the managing allegations process from start to conclusion
• To effectively respond to and manage allegations.

Please email mars@northlincs.gov.uk to book onto these sessions.​​​​​​

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Our vision is to promote safeguarding and resilience for children, families and communities to enable people to feel safe and be safe in North Lincolnshire.

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