Practices will have received an email from Dr Andy Hodson, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Surrey and Sussex ICB, dated 17 June 2026 regarding General Practice input to safeguarding requests.
SSLMCs would like to clarify that BMA guidance recognises both the professional duty of practices to engage with safeguarding and the importance of sharing relevant information appropriately. GPs should be mindful that failure to engage with safeguarding processes carries potential professional risk.
At the same time, the BMA is clear that where this work falls outside core contractual
responsibilities, it is reasonable for practices to seek a fee. Practices are advised to set out their charges in advance, including for attendance at safeguarding conferences and the preparation of reports, and to agree fees wherever possible before undertaking the work.
Template letters are available from the BMA to support this approach.
We are aware that some practices have experienced challenge in seeking appropriate
remuneration. SSLMCs is therefore engaging with commissioners to seek a more consistent and fairer approach to funding this work, recognising the significant time and resource involved.
To support this, we would be grateful if you could complete a short survey outlining the
safeguarding activity undertaken by your practice, including the time commitment involved and the work required to maintain training standards and meet CQC requirements.
The information you provide will help us build an evidence base to support discussions with commissioners and to seek appropriate local funding.
Thank you for your support. If you have any queries, please do contact the LMC office.