8.6 Managing Safeguarding Concerns
The following principles apply to WAGGGS reporting and response process:
Response
8.6.1 WAGGGS will adopt a survivor centred approach to managing safeguarding concerns or disclosures, this means WAGGGS will place the individual’s well-being at the forefront of any concern and involve them in any safeguarding procedures as far as reasonably possible.
8.6.2 Where an individual is concerned that a safeguarding concern has not been handled appropriately, they should follow processes laid out in Whistleblowing Policy.
Reporting
8.6.3 All WAGGGS programmes and activities have a Safeguarding Focal Point and participants, volunteers, staff, visitors, and partners know how to make a report.
8.6.4 Risk assess and determine if reporting to relevant authorities is safe and in the best interest of the child/ young person, then if so, report.
8.6.5 All serious safeguarding concerns16 will be reported to the Charity Commission.
Documentation
8.6.6 All safeguarding concerns and disclosures are recorded on a global safeguarding log which is kept up to date and analysed to ensure effective case management and organisational learning is streamlined.
8.6.7 All sensitive and personal data must be kept confidential (including the names of the Complainant) and be shared on a strictly need-to-know basis.
8.6.8 Records from safeguarding cases will be kept for a minimum of 10 years
Allegations against WAGGGS Global Team19 members
8.6.9 WAGGGS is not an investigative authority. Concerns will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and where a case warrants criminal investigation, and it is deemed safe and in the best interest of the child/ young person, referrals will be made to relevant law enforcement agencies. This decision is reviewed and
approved by the Chief Executive and the Safeguarding Trustee Lead
8.6.10 Where a WAGGGS Global Team Member is the Subject of Complaint17, the case will be handled as set out in the Disciplinary Policy and Procedure (Staff) Equality Policy or the WAGGGS Volunteer DisciplinaryPolicy and Procedure lead and the DSL will provide case management and liaise with the appropriate
statutory authorities.
8.6.11 Where a WAGGGS Global Team member is the Subject of Complaint a decision will be made whether they should be suspended from WAGGGS activities pending an enquiry and/or investigation
8.6.12 Where an allegation is made about a Global Team Member, appropriate support will be provided to the Subject of Complaint (SOC) and careful consideration will be given in line with our relevant policy. (For more guidance, refer to the Employee and Volunteer Disciplinary policies.)
Referral to Support Services
8.6.13 If the report or complaint involves sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), bullying and harassment, economic exploitation, violence, or other forms of abuse towards children or vulnerable adults, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) must refer the survivor to appropriate support services, provided
they consent. In cases of sexual abuse, this referral should be made within 24 hours. Below is a list of
regional support services:
- Africa Region
- Arab Region: Hotline numbers for victims of abuse
- Asia-Pacific Region
- Europe Region:
- Western Hemisphere Region:
- Latin America and Caribbean
- USA
This Standard is being met when….
- Reporting and response processes are communicated and well understood across the WAGGGS entity.
- All concerns are responded to in a timely (within 1 working day) and confidential manner with the best interests of the people affected in mind.
- The case management system is survivor centred and considers mandatory reporting risks and the best interest of the child/ young person.
- All concerns relating to WAGGGS Global Team Members are subject to an enquiry and full investigation if deemed necessary with appropriate action taken
16 Guide on what to report to the Charity Commission
17 Subject of the complaint (SOC) - A person or entity who/that is the focus of an investigation.