The BBHQ Safeguarding Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of all reported safeguarding concerns or allegations on behalf of the organisation. They are supported in their role by the Director of Operations, the BB Safeguarding Panel and in ROI, the Regional Safeguarding Panel.
On receipt of a safeguarding concern (which may be by phone initially and followed up in writing), the BBHQ Safeguarding Manager will conduct a review of the information and consider if there is any immediate action required to safeguard anyone. This will be prioritised and may require contact with the Emergency Services. The information will then be further assessed.
If the reporting person is a volunteer leader, the BBHQ Safeguarding Manager will outline any additional action required by them. This may include the leader:
A record of the concern will be entered into the BB Safeguarding Case Management System. Decisions will be made about any action required, taking account of any relevant legislation and statutory agency guidance. Consideration will also be given to any support required for the child or young person concerned, any adult involved, and the person raising the concern.
If, after initial assessment, the BBHQ Safeguarding Manager does not consider the matter constitutes a safeguarding allegation or concern, the leader reporting will be notified and provided with advice which may include how to manage the concern locally. All decisions and the reasons for them will be recorded.
It is important to understand that safeguarding may simply be “sharing information”. This can help to build a picture and allow those responsible for acting to respond when further information comes to light. Where an individual has reported a safeguarding concern or allegation and this has not resulted in immediate action, it does not mean that it was wrong to report it, or that they should not report similar concerns in the future.
When a leader is concerned that a safeguarding concern has not been followed up properly, they should discuss their concerns in the first instance with the BBHQ Safeguarding Manager. If they still have concerns, they should put them in writing to the Director of Operations, who will review the circumstances. When a leader remains worried that a safeguarding concern is still not being responded to appropriately, the BB whistleblowing policy outlines what other action can be taken. (Link to Whisleblowing Policy when this is complete)
The person reporting should discuss their concerns initially with the BBHQ Safeguarding Manager or the Director of Operations, and the circumstances will be reviewed.
If the reporting person remains worried that a safeguarding concern or allegation is still not being responded to appropriately, and they believe a child remains at risk of harm or abuse, they can report their concerns to
Where it is suspected a child or young person has suffered or is at risk of harm or abuse, the BBHQ Safeguarding Manager will make a referral to Statutory agencies. Ordinarily, this will be to The Children’s social care but may also be to the Police, or health professionals. Unless notifying parents/carers would place the child or anyone else at risk of harm, they will be informed about the referral.
In most parts of England and Wales, referrals are made to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) where the child resides. In the ROI, referrals are made to Tusla Child and Family Agency. In Scotland and other areas not covered by a Mash, referrals are made to the relevant local authority Children’s social care.
When a leader is concerned that a safeguarding matter has not been followed up properly, they should discuss their concerns in the first instance with the Safeguarding Manager. If they still have concerns, they should put them in writing to the Director of Operation,s who will review the matter.
When a leader remains worried that a safeguarding concern or allegation is still not being responded to appropriately, the BB whistleblowing policy also outlines what other action can be taken.
The concerns will be investigated. Depending on the nature and seriousness, this could be a Criminal Investigation by the police, a Child Protection Enquiry by Children’s Social Care, or an internal enquiry by the BBHQ Safeguarding Manager. The responsible person will gather information about the safeguarding concern or allegation. This may include, but is not limited to, speaking to and obtaining accounts from Leaders, young people, parents and anyone else who may have relevant information, gathering or requesting access to/copies of documents, photographs, and audio or video footage. Investigations should be proportionate. Where sufficient information is gathered, it may not be necessary to contact every individual who has information about the Safeguarding concern or allegation.
So as not to undermine any statutory investigation that is taking place, BB staff and leaders should not seek further information from anyone unless this is requested by whoever is responsible for the investigation. Police and Social workers may contact leaders directly or via the BBHQ Safeguarding Manager.
Where a leader becomes aware of a safeguarding concern or allegation and knows of any relevant information, it is important that they make a record of it (their account) whilst it is fresh in their memory and retain that securely. It could be some time before leaders are asked for the information formally. Leaders should not discuss the investigation with other leaders or young people and should not ask others what they know. This will avoid accounts being contaminated.
Statutory Agencies normally acknowledge the receipt of safeguarding concerns or allegations that have been referred to them. However, where the safeguarding concerns about children and young people are unrelated to The Boys’ Brigade, they might not provide any further update, or inform BB when statutory agency contact with the child and their family has concluded. If the reported concerns remain ongoing or appear to be escalating, it is essential that leaders contact the BBHQ Safeguarding Manager again. A further referral may need to be made to Statutory agencies.
Depending on the nature and circumstances of the concern the BBHQ Safeguarding Manager may share information with either the Church Safeguarding Lead or the Denominations’ regional employed Safeguarding Lead.
