1. I remember being told that in the more successful secure units, day to day practice was governed by the "custodial compromise". The inmates did not want to be there but could not leave so had no choice. Kicking against the system brought unpleasant results >

2. Similarly, the staff in secure units wanted a "good shift". No serious issues, a calm atmosphere, a bit of banter an opportunity to spend time on something interesting rather than having to be heavy in a highly stressed & volatile atmosphere >

3. Staff & inmates got around their fears of difficult unpleasant interactions at the work face by informally negotiating a 'custodial compromise'. Staff would allow some concessions within the rules to make life easier for inmates & offer support & in return inmates cooperated>

4. Accordingly, the secure unit ran with least friction. Good staff managed shifts well, helped inmates & enjoyed their work. They listened & were flexible. Inmates were well treated & their 'time' made easier. Both sides of the "sharp end" working together for the common good.>

5. The lessons? To get the best results in care settings, the carers & those cared for need to communicate, listen & recognise the other side has a perspective that may be very different from theirs, but a little compromise can bring good results for all with work>

6. Project that into current child care decision making nationally. We see 'experts' many of whom have never lived in or done a shift at the sharp end & in so doing recognised the need to negotiate with the "inmates", talking instead to similar experts far from the sharp end. >

10. As a result, all these "experts" in their insulated bubble reinforce each other's lack of front line insight, but because they don't meet or relate to "inmates", they see their agreement as a common wisdom rather than ignorance of negotiated good practice >

12. Result? Policies that make sense in the office but do little to improve life for those at the sharp end, both those with care experience & workers. Time for the "experts" now to come out of the bubble & find a "care compromise" with care experienced folk & workers directly?