Safeguarding

Safeguarding Reporting Procedures

EMERGENCY PROTOCOL: If a child or vulnerable adult is in immediate danger or a crime is being committed, call the Emergency Services (999) right away. Do not delay to perform internal reporting.

📋 Step 1: Recognize and Record

• Observe: Notice any physical signs, behavioural shifts, or direct disclosures indicating abuse, neglect, or harm.
• Listen: If someone makes a disclosure, stay calm. Listen without judgment, do not investigate or ask leading questions, and never promise absolute confidentiality—explain that you must share this to keep them safe.
• Record: Write down exactly what you observed or heard within 1 hour of the incident. Use clear, objective, factual language. Record exact quotes where possible and avoid inserting personal opinions or assumptions.

📧 Step 2: Internal Notification (Within 24 Hours)

Report the concern immediately to one of our designated team members. Complete the secure online Safeguarding Concern Form on our portal or submit your written report directly to:

Step 3: Escalation & Whistleblowing

• Concerns About Staff: If your safeguarding concern or allegation is about a staff member or volunteer, report it directly to the Head of the Organisation.
• Concerns About Leadership: If the allegation involves the Head of the Organisation or a safeguarding lead, bypass internal routes entirely. Contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or your local Social Care team directly.
• External Escalation: If you believe an internally reported concern has not been taken seriously or handled correctly, you have a professional duty to escalate it yourself externally to NSPCC Whistleblowing (for children) or your local authority's Adult Social Care Team (for vulnerable adults).