Responding to concerns

How an organisation responds when concerns of harm or abuse are raised is important in ensuring vulnerable people are protected and supported and that justice may be done.

Your organisation may be the vital link in setting someone free from abuse and preventing abuse from happening to others.

All staff and volunteers that work with children, young people and adults at risk should receive appropriate training and awareness in how to respond well to concerns.

This should be included in your organisation's safeguarding policy. 

Children, young people and adults at risk need to have confidence in the organisation and know that they will be listened to and taken seriously.

Responding well to concerns includes five steps:

1. Recognise that a person may be at risk of harm or abuse. 
2. Respond by taking appropriate action in a sensitive and timely way. 
3. Record the concerns or disclosures of abuse that have been made.  
4. Report any concerns to the right person so action can be taken. 
5. Reflect on what happened and act on any learning. 

When responding to a concern or incident of abuse, it's important not to lose sight of the person involved. Their welfare must be the first consideration at all times.

Even if a concern seems relatively minor it is important to bear in mind that it could be just the tip of the iceberg.

It's also important to ensure that any workers who are dealing with allegations of abuse are given adequate support.