Responding to a Safeguarding concern

A disclosure is a process by which a client communicates (verbally or written) that they have been (or are worried they may be) abused or neglected; or they reveal that they have seen an incident of abuse or neglect. 

Treat all disclosures seriously, even if they seem insignificant to you.

You should always make sure there is another volunteer/staff member with you whilst you’re talking to the client.

You should also try to have the conversation in an appropriate and visible place, such as a room where other people can see in through an open door or window. Whilst it is important to respect their privacy it should not be at the expense of other safeguarding measures.

Remember to LORR - Listen, Observe, Record, Report.

Listen actively and calmly

• Remain calm, no matter how difficult it is to listen. 

• Actively listen to the person and take them seriously. 

• Do not pressurise them, allow them to disclose information at their own pace.

• You might want to reassure them that they were right to tell you.

• It can be helpful to repeat back what they’ve said to help clarify what they are willing to tell you.

• Ask open questions such as “Tell me more about…”. 

• It is important that we do not diminish people’s agency in these situations. You could ask questions such as: “What help do you feel you need?”... “Is there anyone you can call…?”.

• It is important that you make the client aware that you will be unable to keep this a secret, that you will not personally be able to help them, and that you have a responsibility to disclose the situation for their own safety. For example: “I appreciate that you feel you can share this with me, but I have a duty of care to report this to my manager".

Observe any non-verbal behaviour

• Note relevant information such as body language, emotional state, or any visible marks/injuries.

Record everything

• We recommend taking notes whilst the disclosure is happening.

• Write down everything that the adult has told you using their exact words if possible.

Report to the Safeguarding Lead and fill in an Incident Form

• As soon as is practicable, fill in a Safeguarding Incident Form and send this to the Safeguarding Lead. The form can be found in the session space in the metal paper organiser, or download a copy if our Incident Form here. This must be done as soon as possible providing as much detail as possible while the conversation is still fresh in your mind.

• Do not discuss concerns with others outside of the appropriate safeguarding parties.

• The Safeguarding Lead will make sure the necessary actions are taken in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy. 

• To read more about what to expect once you've reported a concern click here. 

For example, if their life is in danger from another person, or they share a specific plan for taking their own life.

• You should first alert the Storehouse Manager who will call an emergency number. The Storehouse Manager will work with you and the client to ensure they are safe and settled.

• Emergency support can be given over the phone or in person.

• Once the immediate danger has been dealt with, you should pass on your notes from the incident and hand this to the Storehouse Manager.

1. The nature of what we do means we are likely to notice and have interactions with clients that might raise concerns for their wellbeing. This is different to a safeguarding disclosure.
   
   

2. Examples of these types of concerns are instances such as: a client is seeming less themselves, a client is looking unwashed and like they haven't been looking after themselves, a client is coming across as particularly anxious.
   
   

3. The first thing we can do is simply ask how they’re doing; giving them the opportunity and space to share. This is one of the reasons why it’s important for us to make Storehouse a safe and welcoming space. The more safe people feel, the more likely they might ask for help.
   
   

4. You should make use of the Local Services Booklet, where appropriate.
   
   

5. Any notes of concern can be jotted down in the A5 diary (found in the session space) under the day's date.
   
   It is very important that your notes adhere to the following rules:
   
   

• There should be as little information as possible that might clearly identify the client. Only use initials and as little identifying information as possible.

• Your entry should be as factual and objective as possible.

• You should write as if a client could ask to read this.
  
  

6. The Storehouse Manger will regularly check the entries and if a pattern emerges they will report to the Safeguarding Lead. 

7. If the client does choose to disclose something which could be a sign of abuse or neglect, this should be treated as a safeguarding disclosure and you should follow the LORR procedure.