8.5 Guidance on Responding to Safeguarding Disclosures
All safeguarding concerns must be reported to a SFP or DSL or directly to [email protected] as soon as reasonably possible and within one working day. Any serious concerns must be immediately reported to a DSL, unless a person is believed to be in imminent risk of significant harm contact emergency services / relevant authorities in the first instance. In the event of a disclosure the following guidance should be followed:
Dos
Don'ts
Remain calm and try not to look shocked or alarmed
Listen
Empathise
Reassure them that they were right to tell you and they are being brave by speaking to you
Ask who, what, where, but not why
Write down what they have said exactly
Repeat and check what you understand
Ask what they would like to happen next
Let them know that you will need to report this
For under 18 or a vulnerable adult should find a place where another adult can see you all the time
