Unit 4: Reporting

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4.8 What should a reporting mechanism look like?

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Before you review in some detail the reporting mechanisms in your own organisation in the next activity, watch the video above in which Safeguarding Leads share their top tips for effective reporting mechanisms.

Organisations should have in place a clear and accessible reporting mechanism for safeguarding concerns to be reported. These should be open predominantly to staff and organisational personnel, including partners, to raise their concerns.

For a reporting mechanism to work and be effective, it should follow certain minimum standards. Examples of these include:

  • A specific person designated to receive reports (often called a ‘Safeguarding Lead’ or ‘Safeguarding Officer’).
  • Everyone knows and understands their responsibility to report safeguarding concerns.
  • The availability of a confidential reporting and/or whistleblowing mechanism within or external to the organisation.
  • A mechanism that be trusted and does not penalise those who raise concerns.

The next activity will help you think through how the current reporting mechanism in your organisation meets the standards within the international Enhanced Due Diligence principles developed by the UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office and the OECD Development Assistance Committee Recommendation on Ending SEAH.