Consultation Hub
New from Monday 23rd February 2026 the process to access advice from the Consultation HUB will mean the telephone line will no longer be accessible for advice and will be replaced by an online booking system. The guidance embedded in this page sets out how to book and join a consultation appointment.
Summary of key changes
- The Consultation HUB will continue to be available every day in term time but change to 7 x pre-bookable slots between 11am-2-30pm.
- Appointment slots will be for 15 minutes at 11am, 11.30am, 12noon, 12.30pm, 1pm, 1.30pm and 2pm and 2. 30pm.
- DSLs can book slots in advance removing the need to continually call an open line manned by one officer, providing a fixed appointment time which can be embedded into their existing diary minimising impact on other competing demands.
- DSLs will need to provide a UPN for child so that the CPSLO on duty can review Children’s Services files prior to the call, where appropriate.
- The purpose and terms of reference for accessing the Consultation HUB is set out in the DSL guidance.
- DSLs will still be required to call the CPSLO, but a specific telephone number and call ID will be provided in the booking confirmation ensuring the CPSLO on duty is only available for that appointment.
- Where a DSL is of the view that the risks to a child require a request for support to the Local Authority (early help or child protection), they should progress referrals accordingly in line with local procedures; DSLs are not required to call the Consultation Hub to ratify decision making.
Important
Prior to booking an appointment with the consultation hub, please ensure that you have utilised the Continuum of Need threshold guidance to consider what level of need the child and their family may be presenting with and so that you can assess what type of support they may benefit from. This will enhance the efficiency of the conversation with the CPSLO within your consultation appointment. There is also a wealth of additional information set out in Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership Procedures Manual .
Do not phone the Consultation Hub:
- If the family already have support in place such as a Families First Assessment as we are unable to take those calls. Please phone the Key Worker direct to discuss your concerns and the Key Worker in turn will be able to contact the Supporting Families Practice Team for advice.
- If the family are open to one of our Children Services Teams (Assessment Teams, 0-25, JCPIT, IFST, SASH, Services for Young People) we are unable to complete a consultation. Please contact the allocated worker direct and if not available the team’s duty number. You are also able to call 0300 123 4043 to request a call back.
- To have concerns ‘noted or logged’ on a system. Internal School Systems should be used for these concerns.
- As a directory of services
Other avenues to support:
Early Help advice via:
Ask Sali (SEND Advice Line for Inclusion)
Education Hub – an informative and advisory service for Social Care and schools for pupils known to Children’s Services - education.hub@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Request for Support Form Early Help and Child Protection:
Hertfordshire County Council: Report concerns about a child or request support
Recording:
The call advisor will create a brief case note on the child’s EHM file with an overview of the concerns shared and recommended actions for auditing purposes. The DSL is expected to record a detailed overview of the consultation within the child’s safeguarding records on the school’s database alongside the recommended actions and subsequent outcomes. Where a referral or request for support is recommended, it is expected that the DSL completes the relevant form in full and of good quality to ensure the gateway can make a fully informed decision.
In line with HCC’s data protection policies, all consultations recorded on EHM will be subject to the usual data processing and can be made available to relevant parties through Subject Access Requests for information.