Professional curiosity - guidance for practitioners

Nurturing professional curiosity and challenge are a fundamental aspect of working together to keep children, young people and adults safe from harm. 

Professional curiosity is an emerging theme in the SARs (Safeguarding Adult Reviews) SPR’s (Safeguarding Practice Reviews), Domestic Homicides (DHRs) and other reviews completed in Cumbria, and this finding is reflected nationally. Although it has long been recognised as an important concept in safeguarding children practice it is equally relevant to work with adults. 

This guidance raises awareness of the need for professional curiosity or respectful uncertainty as it is sometimes called, it is designed to help practitioners spot the signs of when a parent or carer may be using disguised compliance; and advise where and how to access help and services.