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Thank you for being alert and reporting a safeguarding concern. This guide will tell you what to expect now that you have submitted your report to the Safeguarding Lead.
Reporting a concern to the Safeguarding Lead (SL)
The Safeguarding Helpline is answered by our Safeguarding Lead, Carrie Brown.
When the SL receives your report, they will consider it carefully in the light of our Safeguarding policy. The SL may contact you and ask you a few questions to help clarify exactly what you have seen or heard.
The SL may ask you for your mobile number and will give you a number that you can contact them on in case you might have any questions at a later date. You are welcome to ask the SL any questions you may have at this point, but they may not be able to answer them under data protection and confidentiality guidelines.
The SL will aim to call you back within a week to update you on the progress of the investigation.
What else will I be required to do?
As soon as possible after an incident, or disclosure you should make short notes to record the main details of any conversations and/or actions in line with our SG policy. These notes should be copied on to the SG report form which you will find here. Please transfer your notes and answer all of the questions on the form before submitting it to the SL as soon as possible. You should then shred your notes to maintain confidentiality.
In some cases, you may be required to give a statement to the police or to social work but if so they will contact you directly. You will be entitled to have someone present to support you in such an interview and you can chat to the SL about this if you are unsure who to ask.
Who can I talk to?
Whether you have directly witnessed an incident or you have had details disclosed to you, it can be a distressing time. You will have the contact details of our SL whom you can contact for reassurance and if you feel you need more support, they can help you consider who might be best to speak to in confidence.
Who should I not speak to?
It is very important that you avoid talking about an incident that has been disclosed to you except with the SL or any services involved with an investigation. Confidentiality is extremely important while evidence is being gathered and to prevent rumours being spread. For example, if there is an incident involving a child, you must never talk to the parent or carer about it. If you are at all unsure about what you can or cannot say when and to whom please seek the advice of the SL first.
How will those involved be cared for?
A very important part of the process in any safeguarding case is to ensure appropriate pastoral care for everyone involved. While working with the appropriate statutory authorities, the leadership is committed to offering pastoral care and support to all those who have been affected.
A pastoral care programme will be made available for those involved if you would like that, and the SL will be available to offer you support and guidance should you need in this.
Will I be kept up to date with what's going on?
The SL will keep you up to date when they are able to but please bear in mind that some cases may go on for many weeks behind the scenes and may involve other agencies over which we have no control. The SL or pastoral care staff will aim to keep you reassured that a case is being dealt with and will let you know when it has been closed.
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