Avon and Somerset Police Announce New Developments in Operation Encompass
Avon and Somerset Police are pleased to announce significant developments in the implementation of Operation Encompass for Somerset. Following feedback from Education settings, Somerset Council has been working alongside the Police and has developed a solution to improve the timeliness of receiving Police Safeguarding Notifications (PSNs) to schools.
Operation Encompass is initiative aimed at sharing timely information with schools to enable support for children and young people who have been exposed to domestic abuse and other forms of trauma.
From the end of September 2025, PSN’s will be sent directly from the Police to schools. In cases where the child’s school cannot be matched, the notifications will be sent to Somerset Council for further information gathering and onward sharing.
As part of this initiative, a central repository of Operation Encompass trained Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) for all schools across Avon and Somerset is being established. This ensures that all notifications are received by DSLs who are appropriately trained in handling sensitive information.
Schools have been requested to provide the following information by 22 September 2025:
- The Designated Safeguarding Lead secure email address (generic safeguarding email address with controlled access)
- School contact details
- Confirmation of attendance and completion of the Operation Encompass online DSL training
A copy of the letter is available here: https://somersetcc.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/SCCPublic/Ee_tge0AdENEpg4sxXJeuJwBH05dQO3K9PM7mrTj3wB8PA?e=kl0QYO
DSLs are required to participate in free online training, which takes approximately 70 minutes to complete. The Operation Encompass website offers comprehensive resources, training materials, advice, guidance, and posters for schools. Schools are encouraged to review the website to better understand the expectations once a notification is received.
For queries about Operation Encompass in Somerset, please email: OperationEncompass@avonandsomerset.police.uk
We all know and recognise that children are negatively impacted by experiencing domestic abuse and without early intervention and support, this negative impact can last throughout a child’s life. By supporting this process, we can help you to better understand a child’s lived experience and therefore be able to support and nurture each child, making a child’s day better and giving them a better tomorrow.
If you have any concerns or queries surrounding this process, please contact: educationsafeguardinglead@somerset.gov.uk
