Reporting Concerns
Procedure for Reporting Concerns
Staff could have their suspicion or concern raised in a number of ways, the most likely of which are:
- the conduct of a member of the Board’s staff;
- a child “disclosing” abuse;
- bruising or evidence of physical hurt; which may or may not be accompanied by;
- unusual behaviour by a child.
If a member of staff has such concerns they should be reported to a DCPP using the form as set out as a part of the process flowchart.
Concerns about a specific child should be reported immediately by telephone to the DCPP and confirmed in writing within 24 hours using the form available from the DCPP. Delay could prejudice the welfare of a child. If the concerns relate to the conduct of a member of staff these should be reported by phone to the DCPP at the earliest opportunity.
The DCPP will consider the report and either refer this immediately to the authorities or, after taking appropriate advice (which may include discussing the circumstances on a confidential basis with the NSPCC), decide not to refer the concerns to the authorities but keep a full record of the concerns.
