Purpose of this policy
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Liaise provides impartial, accurate and lawful information, advice and support to:
- children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- parents and carers of children and young people with SEND (0–25 years)
Our impartiality ensures that children, young people and families can understand their rights, participate in decision-making, and make informed choices.
National legal and statutory framework
This policy is guided by:
- Children and Families Act 2014
- SEND Code of Practice: 0–25 years (2015)
- Information, Advice and Support Services Network (IASSN) Minimum Standards (2018)
- UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
Our commitment to impartiality
Liaise is an in-house service funded by Lincolnshire County Council, but we operate at arm’s length from the local authority and integrated care board. Our impartiality means:
- we do not support or promote any organisational agenda
- we act solely in the best interests of children, young people and their families
- we provide law-based, not opinion-based, information
- our support is non-judgemental and rights-focused
- we do not make decisions for families or influence their choices
How we maintain arm’s-length independence
We maintain our independence through the following arrangements:
Governance and structure
- we work to national IASSN minimum standards, not local authority targets
- Liaise staff are line-managed separately from SEND teams who make decisions about cases
- our team takes no part in decisions about EHC needs assessments, EHC plans, placements, or resource allocation
Professional practice
Impartiality is embedded in all staff training, supervision and reflective practice.
Staff are trained nationally in:
- SEND law and statutory guidance
- national policy
- local processes
- advocacy and participation
Physical and operational separation
Liaise maintains its own website and information resources
- our case management system is independent and accessible only to Liaise staff
- we do not attend meetings without the parent, carer, child or young person present
- we maintain operational separation from local authority SEND teams, including digital and communication practices
Impartial information, advice and support
We provide information, advice and support that is:
- accurate
- up-to-date
- lawfully correct
- clear and accessible
This includes:
- accessible SEND information resources developed by the national IASS network
- signposting to all relevant services, not just local authority provision
- explaining rights under SEND law, processes and options
- supporting children, young people and parents to understand available pathways
- offering advocacy and representation where needed
We support children and young people independently of parents when requested.
What we will do
We will:
- recognise and respect the right of each child, young person or parent and carer to make their own decisions
- ensure their voices are heard, including in complex or contentious situations
- explain options neutrally, including what the law requires and what is possible
- support individuals to prepare for and participate in meetings, mediation and tribunals
- liaise with professionals only to share the views of the child, young person or parent, not our own
- share information provided by professionals with families, unless there is a lawful reason not to
- promote inclusive, accessible participation for all families
What we will not do
We will not:
- make decisions on behalf of children, young people or parents
- direct or steer families toward a particular course of action
- share information without informed consent (except where required by law)
- act on behalf of the local authority, schools or other agencies
- take sides in disputes — we support the rights and participation of the individual
Confidentiality and data protection
Liaise is committed to safeguarding privacy and confidentiality. We ensure:
- all casework is stored securely in a stand-alone case management system
- information is only shared with informed consent
- only lawful exceptions permit information sharing (for example: safeguarding, court order)
- data is retained and disposed of in line with LCC and UK GDPR requirements
- families understand how their information is used and stored
Equity, inclusion and accessibility
Liaise supports all children, young people and families equally, regardless of:
- SEND need
- cultural background
- language
- ethnicity
- socio-economic circumstances
- family structure
- educational setting
We take active steps to provide accessible services, including alternative formats and reasonable adjustments.
Review cycle
This policy is reviewed every two years, or sooner if significant legislative or national guidance changes occur.
Version date
V1 September 2017 initial policy
V2 March 2022
V3March 2024
V4 March 2026 full rewrite and modernisation
