ConsultingCops (CC) - Hi Chris, can you please tell us what force you worked for, what rank you retired at and what role you performed?

Chris Robson (CR) - I worked in the Met, finished as a Detective Superintendent on the SCRG (Serious Crime Review Group).

CC - I understand that since you have retired from the police you work for a company involved in safeguarding. Can you please explain what you do and why you decided to work in this field?

CR - Much of my early career was in safeguarding roles, then in my final post the team I oversaw was responsible for all statutory reviews the Met were involved in. Since retiring I have worked as an Independent Chair and Author across several safeguarding partnerships. I currently am the Independent Chair and Scrutineer for 4 Partnerships, I have an independent role with the RFU and complete Safeguarding Reviews.

When I retired these roles were a natural fit. Safeguarding Partnerships are a statutory requirement for Local Authority areas. I genuinely believe passionately in the work we do and being Independent allows me to make a real impact.

CC - Safeguarding is an often-used phrase these days but I am unsure if everyone understands its true meaning. Can you explain it please?

CR - The first thing to say is that safeguarding really is everyone’s business. I know that sounds like a ‘strap line’ but if we all just looked out for our children and adults at risk a little better the impact would be significant. It’s about affording professionals the best opportunity to intervene, assist and act to ensure the best possible outcomes. As police officers, staff, and community members sometimes we must ask uncomfortable questions. Most people involved in policing are good at this, we are taught to challenge and assess responses. I would say that safeguarding is about recognizing when someone may be at risk. There are some obvious things to look out for, signs of assault, hunger, cleanliness, changes in behavior. Safeguarding takes on many guises, if in doubt ‘ask’.

An old DI that I worked for once told me ‘Chris you will be far more devastated if a child suffers because you didn’t ask a question than you will if a parent dislikes you because you did’. I know that he was right.

CC - As a private company how do you get approached for work? What types of organisations ask you to assist them with regards to safeguarding?

CR - I work with 3 main Statutory agencies, the police, local authority, and health. There are several other key partners involved including education, the voluntary sector and others. My role is to scrutinize the work they do, advise them and assure them that as a partnership they are doing all they can to safeguard children.

In terms of review work I am commissioned to conduct reviews into circumstances where people have died or been seriously injured whilst they were involved with one or more agencies in the partnership. These reviews are completed to provide learning and improve future practice, particularly in the multi-agency arena.

CC - What type of advice do you give to organisations?

CR - Advice ranges from reviewing specific cases to the formation of overarching strategies and priorities. Much of my work is about being a trusted, critical friend who ensures the partners are working well together to safeguard children. Building relationships with agencies who have competing priorities is key.

CC - Is there a website for our readers to visit with regards to your company or contact details?

CR – Each Children’s safeguarding Partnership has its own website. If people would like to contact me for advice on the roles I’m currently performing then I am on LinkedIn.

CC - Is any of your work subject to Data Protection rules and if you need to get personal information how do you obtain that if you no longer have your police powers?

CR - I am provided with it by the agencies who commission or employ me.  

CC - Do you miss being a police officer and if yes, what part of it do you miss the most?

CR - I miss the great people, I miss the buzz of helping people and dealing with those who commit crime. I miss the free travel!

CC - Any other comments you would like to make?

CR - There is a life after the job. Policing is a vocation, I loved it, the best job in the world but there are fresh challenges and with your experience and skills you will be very much sought after.