How are disagreements recorded in an independent fostering assessment?

In an independent fostering assessment, a disagreement should be documented as part of the assessment record rather than removed or concealed. The report should distinguish between established facts, the applicant’s account, the assessor’s professional analysis and any points that remain unresolved. This allows the fostering agency, panel and decision-maker to understand the issue and weigh the evidence fairly.

What may be recorded as a disagreement? Disagreements commonly concern:

• an alleged factual error, such as an incorrect date, name, address or description of an event;
• the meaning or significance given to information provided during interviews;
• whether the applicant has demonstrated a particular skill or capacity;
• the relevance or reliability of information from a reference, check or professional record;
• the assessor’s analysis of a safeguarding, health, relationship or household issue; or
• the recommendation reached at the end of the assessment.

A difference of opinion is not necessarily evidence that the assessment has been conducted improperly. Assessors are expected to make professional judgements, and applicants may reasonably view the same information differently. The important point is that the report should explain the basis for the judgement and make the applicant’s response clear.

How the report should present the issue The wording should be neutral and specific. It should identify the subject of the disagreement, summarise the different accounts, refer to relevant evidence and explain how the assessor evaluated that evidence. For example, the report might state that an applicant disputes a description of a previous incident, set out the applicant’s explanation, identify records or information considered, and explain why the assessor has accepted, qualified or rejected a particular interpretation.

Facts and opinions should not be presented as if they are the same. A report should make clear whether a statement is supported by documentary evidence, supplied by another person, reported by the applicant or based on the assessor’s analysis. Where information cannot be verified, that limitation should also be acknowledged rather than expressed as a definite fact.

Checking factual inaccuracies Applicants should raise inaccuracies as soon as they identify them, preferably in writing and with supporting information where available. It is useful to identify:

• the exact passage or conclusion being challenged;
• what is inaccurate, incomplete or misleading;
• the corrected information or alternative account; and
• any document or person that supports the correction.

The assessor should consider the response and correct genuine errors. If the assessor does not accept the proposed amendment, the applicant’s objection and the reason for retaining the original wording should be recorded. A material disagreement should not be dealt with merely by deleting the applicant’s account or by describing the applicant as unco-operative for challenging the report.

When the disagreement cannot be resolved An unresolved issue should remain visible in the final assessment materials. The report can record the assessor’s conclusion alongside the applicant’s continuing disagreement, including any evidence each party relies on. This is particularly important where the issue affects the recommendation, the assessment of risk or the agency’s view of the applicant’s suitability.

Depending on the agency’s procedure, the completed report may be subject to management or quality assurance checks before it is considered by the fostering panel. The applicant should be told how to submit comments or representations and where those comments will be included. The precise process can vary according to the agency commissioning the independent assessment, so the applicant should ask for its written procedure if this has not been explained.

How the disagreement is used in decision-making The fostering panel and agency decision-maker should consider the assessment as a whole, including relevant evidence and the applicant’s response. They are not required to agree with either the assessor or the applicant automatically. Their role is to reach a properly informed decision, taking account of the reasons given, the reliability of the information and any implications for fostering suitability and safeguarding.

A disagreement does not automatically lead to a negative outcome. However, the way an applicant responds to challenge can itself be relevant. A thoughtful explanation, willingness to consider evidence and ability to reflect may help the decision-makers understand the issue. Conversely, avoiding a significant concern, providing inconsistent information or refusing to engage with relevant evidence may raise further questions. The report should describe this objectively rather than use labels or unsupported conclusions.

If an applicant believes a disagreement has been omitted, inaccurately recorded or handled unfairly, they can ask the assessing agency to explain the formal complaints, representations or review process. They should keep copies of their comments and any documents submitted. A concern about the accuracy of personal information may also need to be raised through the agency’s data protection process, while concerns about the assessment itself should normally follow the agency’s fostering complaints procedure.