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7 minute briefings

Seven minute briefings are based on a technique borrowed from the FBI. It is based on research, which suggests that seven minutes is an ideal time span to concentrate and learn.

Learning for seven minutes is manageable in most services, and learning is more memorable as it is simple and not clouded by other issues and pressures.

They give managers something to share with their staff, and their brief duration is more likely to hold people’s attention

Why it matters

The Merton Safeguarding Children Partnership is aware of increasing pressure on services, which can make it difficult to release staff to attend training, as well as the need to keep learning and developing to maintain a skilled workforce, and that these short, team based learning events might be a helpful way to support learning.  Clearly such short briefings will not have all the answers, but it is hoped that they will act as a catalyst to help teams and their managers to reflect on their practice and systems. The expectation is that team leaders will present briefings to their staff, on a regular basis – seven minutes is manageable in most services so why not discuss one in your next team/ staff meeting?

Content

The content of the briefings will be a mixture of new information (such as learning from Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews, or Audits) or a reminder/repeat of basic information with challenge to think about the application to practice in the team. It can facilitate updates on new policies or procedures, it can help summaries and cascade key features and messages from other training events attended.

The briefings can be a stand-alone event but time can be also allowed for questions and discussions. They should be delivered face to face, to ensure they are not misunderstood, and there can be discussion of the subject.

Briefings

Local Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews

Local Multi-agency Audits

National Panel Reports

 Other Key Themes