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Forms, Policies & Guidelines

Child Contact Centres provides a neutral meeting place where children of separated families can enjoy contact with one or both parents, and sometimes other family members, in a comfortable and safe environment when there is no viable alternative

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The centre is available to parents and children on the following terms, which are intended to ensure that contact, is a safe and positive experience.

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In applying to use the centre I understand that:

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  1. The centre does not play a role in the court process. The Contact Centre is independent of the Court system.  As such, Centres are not obliged to, and will not accept referrals, whether ordered or not, where such referrals do not meet the regulations of the centre, either by unwillingness of potential users to comply with the rules of the centre, or where users fail to meet our risk assessment threshold for using the centre.

  2. Use of the Centre depends on successful completion of the referral process and pre contact assessment as well as compliance with the rules and operating guidelines of the centre, of which the centre Co-ordinator will be the sole judge.

  3. The Centre does not provide written reports other than to provide details of dates and times of attendance. Nor will the centre provide any emails / texts, or other correspondences for submission to the court or to any other person, except in relation to child protection issues or criminal law matters which arise during contact visits. In this instance the parents will be fully informed of the centres intention to submit a written report.

  4. The Centre can, if requested, report dates and times of attendance & who attended for contact.  A period of 14 days’ notice is required for a dates and times report.

  5. If a CCO is allocated to my case by the court, the CCO may at times contact the centre for an update to clarify if there have been any issues of concern. In such cases the Coordinator will communicate this update verbally. If issues are present during contact, a CCO or other Court-appointed Social Worker can carry out an observed visit in the Centre and report back to the court. On this occasion the centre will be used as a hosting venue only and will play no part in the CCO’s or other Social Worker’s assessment.

  6. The Centre operates a zero tolerance policy regards inappropriate behaviour / language. Persons using the Centre are asked not to cause any disturbance or upset to their own children or others using the centre.  This includes the use of aggressive / intimidating behaviours or inappropriate language. If service users behave in a way considered by the Centre Coordinator to be unacceptable they may be asked to leave and their use of the Centre will be reviewed.  Use of the centre may be suspended or revoked, at the Co-ordinator’s discretion.

  7. Adults should be on time at the beginning and end of each session to avoid upsetting the children and where required, to comply with any order that is in place. If staggered times of arrival/departure are agreed, they must be adhered to.

  8. If anyone is unable to attend, they should contact the Coordinator as soon as possible and if appropriate, also inform all parties e.g. solicitor and/or social worker.

  9. Child Contact Centres provide Supported contact as distinct from Supervised By distinction, supported contact is suitable where no potential significant risk exists to the child, other users of the centre or staff/volunteers.  Staff and volunteers are available for assistance, not supervision. No individual or close observation, monitoring or evaluation of contact or conversations takes place, other than to ensure that the environment is safe and suitable for the child.

  10. The welfare of the children is paramount and as a result there may be times when the Centre Co-ordinator deems that contact cannot take place if the child is too upset, even if a court order permitting contact exists.

  11. The Centre under no circumstances permits verbal or audio recordings to be made of staff or service users in line with our use of media policy. If recordings are made, this will result in immediate suspension from the use of the Centre.

  12. If you change contact details i.e. address, telephone number, please ensure that we are kept fully informed. This includes informing the centre in a timely fashion of any changes to contact agreements following court reviews.

  13. It has been explained to me that my contact with the Centre is confidential unless issues arise relating to child protection or criminal law. In such instances, by law this cannot remain confidential.

  14. Contact Centre Staff and volunteers are not there to offer any advice regarding legal, financial, child care or counselling matters, but we can signpost where appropriate.

  15. The use of the Contact Centre is not a long term solution to problems with contact and use of the Contact Centre will be reviewed after 6-8 sessions and thereafter as necessary. Please note that centres will not accept final orders unless specifically agreed in advance with the individual centre and where a maximum time limit is provided.  Individual Centres can reject final orders where these orders have no set time limits for the duration of the contact.

  16. If anyone arrives for contact at the Centre under the influence of alcohol or drugs they will be asked to leave and that contact cannot continue. NO alcohol or drugs are permitted on the premises.

  17. Arrangements for bringing the children to and from the centre are the responsibility of the adult they live with. Under no circumstances will the Centre accept unaccompanied children for contact.

  18. While at the centre the children must be under the supervision and control of a parent or other agreed person at all times to ensure their safety.

  19. The Centre is a no smoking environment. 

Policies & Guidelines

"Please click on the policy's below to learn more about its objectives, implementation strategies, and review processes:

  • This Contact Centre Handbook serves as a comprehensive guide for contact centre staff, providing essential information on policies, procedures, responsibilities, and best practices to ensure smooth and effective operations.

  • Clearly outline expected behavior and professionalism for all staff members.

  • Address aspects such as dress code, punctuality, language use, and interactions with customers.

  • Emphasize the importance of maintaining customer confidentiality and data protection.

  • Specify procedures for handling sensitive information and adhering to privacy regulations.

  • Establish standards for service quality and customer interactions.

  • Define evaluation criteria, scoring systems, and processes for monitoring and improving performance.

  • Outline procedures for initial training of new staff members and ongoing professional development.

  • Identify training resources, methodologies, and expectations for skill enhancement

  • Address safety protocols, emergency procedures, and risk management strategies.

  • Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations to maintain a safe working environment.

  • Promote fairness, inclusivity, and diversity within the workplace.

  • Prohibit discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, age, religion, or disability.

  • Define procedures for addressing and resolving customer complaints in a timely and effective manner.

  • Ensure transparency, accountability, and customer satisfaction in complaint resolution processes.

  • Establish guidelines for the use of contact centre technology, including phone systems, computers, and software.

  • Address acceptable use, security measures, and data protection protocols.

  • Outline performance expectations, measurement metrics, and performance review processes.

  • Provide mechanisms for feedback, coaching, and performance improvement plans as needed.

  • Address flexible work arrangements, scheduling options, and remote work policies.

  • Balance operational needs with employee preferences to promote work-life balance and productivity.

  • Provide scripting or guidelines for handling various types of customer inquiries, complaints, or requests.

  • Emphasize empathy, active listening, and problem-solving skills in customer interactions.

  • Ensure compliance with data protection laws and regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA.

  • Establish protocols for handling and safeguarding sensitive customer information.

  • Emphasize the organization's commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals, including children, elderly persons, or individuals with disabilities.

  • Define procedures for identifying and reporting concerns related to abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

  • Provide training to staff members on recognizing signs of abuse and their responsibilities in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

  • Establish protocols for cooperating with relevant authorities and agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of at-risk individuals

  • Encourage a culture of transparency, integrity, and accountability within the organization.

  • Provide channels for employees to report concerns about unethical behavior, misconduct, or illegal activities.

  • Assure whistleblowers of protection from retaliation or victimization for reporting concerns in good faith.

  • Outline procedures for investigating and addressing whistleblower reports promptly and impartially.

  • Ensure confidentiality and discretion in handling whistleblower complaints to protect the identity of individuals raising concerns.

  • The purpose of this policy is to outline the procedures and standards for recruiting staff and volunteers to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

  • Disciplinary processes are crucial in maintaining organizational standards and ensuring accountability among employees. They provide a framework for addressing misconduct, breaches of policies, and performance issues in a fair and transparent manner. Effective disciplinary processes promote a culture of professionalism, integrity, and continuous improvement within the workplace

  • Managing gifts, money, and gratuities within an organization requires clear policies and ethical guidelines to maintain integrity and prevent conflicts of interest. Transparent procedures for reporting and handling such offerings help uphold fairness and trust in professional relationships. Implementing robust protocols ensures compliance with legal regulations and safeguards the reputation and credibility of the organization.

  • Grievances in the workplace refer to formal complaints raised by employees regarding their employment conditions, treatment, or any other work-related issues. Addressing grievances promptly and fairly is essential for fostering a positive work environment and maintaining employee morale. Open communication channels, impartial investigations, and timely resolutions are key elements in effectively managing grievances and promoting employee satisfaction and organizational harmony.

Customer involvement

  • ​Customer involvement is paramount for businesses aiming to create products or services that meet the needs and preferences of their target audience. Engaging customers throughout the development process, from ideation to implementation, fosters a deeper understanding of their requirements and expectations. By soliciting feedback, conducting surveys, and involving customers in co-creation activities, businesses can enhance customer satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately, their bottom line.

  • Addressing abuse in the workplace is critical to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all employees. Implementing clear policies and procedures for reporting and investigating instances of abuse, whether verbal, physical, or emotional, is essential. Providing training on recognizing and preventing abuse, along with offering support services for affected individuals, promotes a culture of accountability and zero tolerance towards any form of mistreatment. Swift and appropriate action by management is crucial to effectively addressing and eradicating abuse, fostering a healthy and inclusive workplace culture.

  • ​Maintaining professional boundaries is essential for establishing and preserving a healthy and respectful work environment. Clear delineation between personal and professional interactions helps to uphold integrity, trust, and professionalism. Adhering to ethical standards and organizational policies ensures that relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders remain professional and free from conflicts of interest or inappropriate behavior. Setting and respecting boundaries promotes effective communication, fosters mutual respect, and safeguards the reputation and integrity of individuals and organizations alike.

  • In a contact center setting, the derivation of liberty encompasses establishing clear guidelines that balance employee autonomy with organizational policies. It involves providing agents with the freedom to exercise discretion within defined boundaries while ensuring adherence to quality standards and customer service protocols. Cultivating a culture of trust and empowerment fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among employees, ultimately enhancing both individual performance and customer satisfaction.

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