The relevant LSCB protocol should specify a required quorum for attendance and list those who should be invited to attend, provided that they have a relevant contribution to make. As a minimum, at every conference there should be attendance by local authority children’s social care and at least two other professional groups or agencies who have had direct contact with the child, who is the subject of the conference. In addition, attendees may also include those whose contribution relates to their professional expertise or responsibility for relevant services. In exceptional cases, where a child has not had relevant contact with three agencies (that is, local authority children’s social care and two others), this minimum quorum may be breached. Professionals and agencies who are invited to attend should make every effort to do so, but if unable to, they should submit a written report and, wherever possible, a well briefed agency representative should attend to speak to the report.
June 2010
