Managing Low–Level Concerns Before They Escalate

Those of us working in safeguarding know that keeping people safe isn’t just about dealing with the big, obvious issues. Sometimes, it’s the little things – those ‘nagging doubts’ or moments of unease – that, if left unchecked, can escalate into something much more serious. These are what we call ‘low-level concerns’.

In a busy organisation, it can be easy to overlook low-level concerns. People might put behaviour down to someone’s character, or it might be that people can’t agree on whether it is an issue at all. However, not dealing with low-level concerns is a risky strategy. Dealing with small issues early can prevent bigger safeguarding risks down the line. It can stop things getting worse, protect your culture and ensure people are getting the right support.

What is a Low-Level Concern?

A low-level concern doesn’t mean insignificant. It’s any behaviour that:

• Is inconsistent with your organisation’s code of conduct for workers or volunteers – including behaviour outside of work.
• Does not meet the threshold for harm but still raises some concern.

So, what do you do if you have a low-level concern? Here are some real-life examples and practical steps you can take.

Common Low-Level Concerns and What to Do

1. Not following the code of conduct or safeguarding policy

Steps to take:

• Meet with the person to discuss where they’ve fallen short.
• Put support in place to help them align with the policy.
• Be clear on the consequences if the behaviour repeats.

Who handles it?

Worker (with safeguarding lead involvement if necessary).

2. Speaking aggressively or unkindly to children

For example in Sunday school or a youth group.

Steps to take:

• Establish what happened and listen to their side of the story.
• Remind them of the code of conduct.
• Speak to other leaders/helpers who were present.
• Offer support or training if needed.

Who handles it?

Worker. Safeguarding lead if escalation is needed.

3. Inappropriate touch or lack of boundaries

For example, demonstrating a lack of understanding around personal space, or continually touching other adults without asking.

Steps to take:

• Speak to the individual, allowing them to share their perspective (with consent from the victim if an adult is involved).
• Explain how their behaviour affects others.
• Reinforce the importance of personal space and consent.

Who handles it?

Safeguarding lead.

4. A child attending Sunday School/youth group looking unkempt and hungry

Steps to take:

• Check in with the child (without leading questions).
• Provide food if needed.
• Share concerns with the safeguarding lead.
• Speak to the parents and offer support if necessary.

Who handles it?

Worker, with safeguarding lead consulting Children’s Services if concerns persist.

5. Offering lifts to under-18s alone

Steps to take:

Find out why they are giving lifts.

• Clarify the organisation’s policy on transporting under-18s.
• If unavoidable, outline safe travel procedures (e.g., child sits in the back).

Who handles it?

Worker, safeguarding lead to consult Children’s Services if needed.

6. A youth leader favouring certain young people

For example, a youth leader may spend more time with a few members of the group and even socialise with them or include them in photos or videos, while excluding others.

Steps to take:

• Speak to them about how their behaviour appears to others.
• Explain the impact on others.
• Remind them of the job role and code of conduct.
• Offer training and set clear boundaries.

Who handles it?

Worker, safeguarding lead for training support.

7. Leadership team member handling money for a vulnerable couple

For example, a member of the leadership team is buying food for an elderly couple who struggle to leave the house, and the couple give their credit card to the leader.

Steps to take:

• Advise the couple not to share bank cards or PINs.
• Guide the leader on proper financial procedures.
• Consider whether the organisation should step in to provide support.

Who handles it?

Worker.

8. Unauthorised contact with children

For example, a member of the organisation, who is not on the children’s work team keeps picking up toddlers or babies.

Steps to take:

• Check to see if parents have given consent.
• Speak to the individual and clarify expectations.
• Monitor for further incidents.

Who handles it?

Worker.

9. A member of the organisation has inappropriate interactions with others

This could look like:

• Spending a disproportionate amount of time with specific people
• Consistently seeking those individuals out.
• Uninvited communication.
• Overly friendly and familiar.
• Invading personal space.
• Physical touch, such as touching a back or arm, trying to hold hands, etc.
• Making sexualised, racist or homophobic comments.

Steps to take:

Speak to the individual about concerns raised.
Set clear boundaries for their contact with the person/people.
Monitor behaviour and take action if issues continue.

Who handles it?

Safeguarding lead.

10. ‘Casual’ racism from an older member

For example using slurs as every day language.

Steps to take:

• Explain how their language is perceived.
• Reinforce that such language is not acceptable.
• Offer DEI training, or training on the impact of language.

Who handles it?

Worker.

11. A couple in the organisation showing signs of distress

For example consistent arguing, injuries or withdrawal.

Steps to take:

• Speak to them separately to offer support.
• If disclosures are made, escalate to the safeguarding lead.
• Signpost to counselling or support services.
• Monitor and record concerns.

Who handles it?

Worker or safeguarding lead for serious concerns.

Final Thoughts

Low-level concerns might seem small, but they matter. Addressing them early means we can:

• Prevent escalation to something more serious.  
• Support individuals to improve their understanding and behaviour.
• Foster a culture of accountability and safety.

Don’t ignore those gut feelings – recognise, respond, record, report, reflect. If you ever feel out of your depth, consult with your safeguarding team, local children’s or adult’s services or contact Thirtyone:eight for advice.