Initial Response and Reporting Requirements

Note: If a child or adult at risk is thought to be in immediate danger contact the police and any other relevant services

Any person receiving information must:

• Treat it seriously and keep an open mind.
• Record the details factually.
• Report immediately to their safeguarding lead.
• Not investigate or ask leading questions.
• Not promise confidentiality.

Employers must:

• Ensure immediate safety of those involved
• Conduct an initial organisational risk assessment.
• Consult their internal policies on safeguarding and on disciplinary procedures, and apply them as appropriate to the situation. Employers may also wish to consult the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures
• Notify the LADO/DOS within 24 hours (or next working day).
• Provide wellbeing/welfare support to the individual whom the allegation has been made against.
• Consider the need for safe care arrangements for any other adults at risk or children within their care
• Seek advice from the LADO/DOS about how much information should be disclosed to the subject of the allegation.
• Must make the necessary referral to Children/Adult Services in relation to any individual child/adult who may have been subject to abuse, or who is making the allegation.

Making a report:

Some allegations are so serious as to require immediate referral to police and social services. These procedures are not in any way intended to impede the requirement for urgent or immediate responses, although it is expected that the Local Authority Designated Officer for Safeguarding is informed of such events at the very earliest opportunity and in all circumstances within no more than 24 hours after the allegation/concern has arisen (next working day – if out of office hours).

The person to whom an allegation/concern is first reported should treat the matter seriously and keep an open mind.

They should not:

• Investigate or ask leading questions
• Make assumptions or offer alternative explanations
• Promise confidentiality - the person/persons should be advised that the concern will be shared on a 'need to know' basis

They should:

• Make a written record of the information, including the time, date and place where the alleged incident took place, what was said and anyone else present. If this is reported by an adult at risk/child where possible, use the adult’s/ child’s own words.
• Sign and date the written record
• Immediately report the matter to their lead safeguarding person (within their agency), or deputy in their absence
• Where the lead safeguarding person is the subject of the allegation, the information should be reported to a more Senior Manager

The reporting person should clearly highlight that this is a safeguarding allegation in relation to a practitioner / person in position of trust and where possible, should send accompanying documentation such as the risk assessments clearly outlining what immediate safeguarding action has been taken to protect any adults at risk and children.