Procedure for dealing with safeguarding allegations or concerns
Whenever anyone reports that they are suffering or have suffered significant harm through abuse or neglect, or have caused or are causing harm to others, the initial response should be limited to listening carefully. If someone makes a disclosure this might be the only time they will tell someone about what is happening.
Respond
Do
- Listen.
- Take what is said seriously.
- Only use open questions (who, what, when, where and how).
- Remain calm.
- Take into account the person’s age and level of understanding.
- Check whether they mind you taking notes – at the end you can check with them that you have understood everything correctly.
- Offer reassurance that disclosing is the right thing to do.
- Establish only as much information as is needed to report.
- Tell the person what you are going to do next.
Do Not
- Make promises that cannot be kept.
- Make assumptions or offer alternative explanations.
- Investigate.
- Contact the person about whom allegations have been made.
- Do a physical examination.
Record
- Make brief notes at the time and write them up as soon as possible.
- Record date, time place and actual words used.
- Record facts and observable things, not your assumptions.
- Don’t speculate or jump to conclusions.
- Notes must be preserved.
Report
- If anyone is in immediate danger, contact the police. Ring 999.
- Otherwise talk immediately, within 24 hours, to the vicar or PSOs, either in person, by phone or via the safeguarding email. and share any concerns.
- Within 24 hours the nominated PSO will report concerns to the DSA.
- The DSA will advise regarding reporting to child/adult social care and/or police. This must be done within 24 hours.
If in any doubt seek advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, child/adult social care and/or police.