7 Minute Guides

Due to the increasing pressures on services, it can be difficult to release staff to attend training. To encourage continuous learning and maintain a skilled workforce, the Halton Safeguarding Children Partnership uses 7-minute guides as a quick and simple way to share learning on a range of safeguarding topics. They are informed from differing areas including as a result of key learning from both local and national reviews and thematic studies.

Seven-minute guides are based on research which suggests that seven minutes is an ideal time span in which to concentrate and learn. The technique is widely used in other professions. Learning for seven minutes is manageable in most settings, and learning is more memorable if it is simple and not clouded by other issues and pressures.

Clearly such short guides will not have all the answers, but it is hoped that they will act as a catalyst to help teams and their managers to discuss and reflect on their practice and systems.

Their brief duration should also mean the guides hold people’s attention, as well as giving managers something to share with their staff. The Halton Safeguarding Children Partnership disseminates guides to all managers. Furthermore, the structure of each guide is the same, making it easier to find the information once managers are familiar with the format.