7.9 What is a good reporting procedure?
As you have learned, to safeguard everyone, all safeguarding concerns must be reported and addressed. It is the responsibility of everyone in sport to report concerns.
Let’s hear again from Patience, as she explains how she approached establishing a reporting procedure.
Patience’s approach to creating a reporting procedure
Listen to Patience’s approach and identify four key aspects of good practice that you think are important in her account.
Download this audio clip.Audio player: nc5265_2024_aug003_unicef_ii_patience-english.mp3
Transcript
We wanted to make sure that everyone in our organisation would know who to call if they were worried about a situation, so we used a simple flowchart. We made it clear that in urgent situations, like when somebody is in danger, people should contact emergency services or even the police straight away. When they have done that, they can contact the Safeguarding Lead. We developed a standard form that people can fill out online or print off and write on, to make sure we gather the important pieces of information. We also set up a secure way to store this information.
Before putting all of this in place, we asked some people across our sport for their suggestions on what would work best. So, over a few weeks, we spoke with some coaches, a few parents, staff, and managers. We also talked to child athletes for their input.
A few people suggested it would be good to have different ways to contact the Safeguarding Lead, by phone or email, or through the website. Some wanted to be able to remain anonymous if they are really worried about identifying themselves. One coach said, 'sometimes it’s hard to know whether to report something or not, especially if you don’t feel sure'. So, we have made it clear in our reporting process that people can speak to the Safeguarding Lead to talk this through.
Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).
Interactive feature not available in single page view (see it in standard view).
Comment
We identified these four aspects of best practice. How do they compare to yours?
| Be clear that if it is an emergency, anyone with a concern should get immediate help, for example, medical attention, police assistance, or crisis counselling. |
| The need for a clear system to record and securely store information on every reported concern. |
| Provide different reporting options, like phone, email, and through a website or secure phone app. |
| Provide an opportunity for individuals to discuss their concerns confidentially with a Safeguarding Lead. |
 |
Developing an effective reporting procedure is an important responsibility for sport organisations. |
Back to previous pagePrevious
7.8 The key principles in responding to concerns
