Operation Encompass

16th September 2022

Dear parent/carer,

Our school has been given the opportunity to take part in national project, which is being run
locally in partnership with Worcestershire Children First and West Mercia Police

Operation Encompass is a process whereby the police and county council will inform a
member of staff if a child or young person has experienced any domestic incident. This will
be done prior to the start of the next school day. Information sharing between professional
agencies allows school staff to provide emotional and practical support to their pupils
experiencing domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse can broadly be defined as ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling,
coercive or threatening behaviour; violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who
have been intimate partners or family members. This can include but is not limited to the
following types of abuse – psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional.

Operation Encompass ensures that a member of the school staff, usually the Designated
Safeguarding Lead, is given special training, to enable them to liaise with the police and
Local Authority in receiving and using the information that has been shred, in confidence.

The sharing of details under Operation Encompass is permitted under Statutory
Safeguarding legislation and the Crime and Disorder Act. Doing so without the child’s or
parent’s consent is permissible through this legislation abiding by the General Data
Protection Regulation (GDPR).

We want to offer the best support possible to all our pupils and we believe, that where
necessary, this will be beneficial in helping us to achieve that goal. Please make contact with
me or the school’s safeguarding lead should you wish to discuss the content of this letter.

Also attached is a list of local and national advice and support agencies who can help those
who may be affected by domestic abuse.

Signed,
Mr G McClarey
Headteacher
Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College