How to Recognise, Respond to, Record and Report a Safeguarding Concern or Allegation.
Child protection is a part of safeguarding. It is the actual action and processes we undertake to protect individual children we suspect have suffered or are suffering harm.
The way we remember our safeguarding responsibilities in the BB is the 4 R’s.
Recognise
Abuse can be something that is done to a child, such as hitting them, or doing something sexual. Abuse can also be failing to do something – such as not seeking medical care when they are hurt or ill or failing to respond to their emotional needs. To recognise abuse, we need to know a little more about the types of harm. This is covered further in Youth Leader Training. For more information see www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/
Respond to
The way you respond may impact on what the child says or does next. It is important to reassure them that they have done the right thing. Take any allegation seriously. Explain what you will do next. Never Promise to keep secrets. Do not confront the abuser. Doing nothing is not an option. This is covered further in Youth Leader Training. Although it is not your role to investigate, there may be occasions when you are not clear whether the child is raising a safeguarding concern or allegation. In these circumstances it may be appropriate to ask some questions to clarify what has happened. This is covered further in Youth Leader Training.
Report
This is about “passing it on” to whoever is responsible for taking action. If you have any concerns about the safety and welfare of a children or young person you must pass it on. It is not your responsibility to investigate, to decide whether the child is at risk of harm or if the child and family are in need of support or help. In most cases you will inform the Captain, or Safeguarding Coordinator lead for the church. You (or the Captain) will also need to inform the BB Safeguarding Manager within 24 hours. The BB Safeguarding Manager is the designated safeguarding lead for The Boys’ Brigade. It is their responsibility to assess the information and where appropriate make referrals to Statutory Agencies for further investigation.
Always Remember – If a young person is at immediate risk of harm, or requires immediate medical attention do not delay, call 999. And then report the concerns to the BB Safeguarding Manager (0300 303 4454 or safeguarding@boys-brigade.org.uk)
Record
Record the facts as you know. This is the way we safely and confidentially keep a record of the incident/event/allegation. This needs to be completed as soon as possible after you receive the information. This is not always the last thing you do and may occur whilst reporting the concerns. Include who the concern is about, what the concern is and what happened. Use the child’s words. Include any Questions that were asked, and the answers. As a leader, write down anything you have seen or heard yourself, including details of any witnesses. Document who you have spoken to. It is useful to include any relevant history about the child or young person or their family.
It is important to remember in some criminal offences (sexual and physical assaults) hearsay evidence can be admissible. Your record may become evidence to support a victim of crime. It should be completed as soon as possible after the event. Keep to the facts avoiding any opinions. It can be completed on a computer or written. KEEP IT SAFE.
If you have any queries about the 4 R’s email safeguarding@boys-brigade.org.uk
Last Updated: 23/07/2021