4.2 What are the essential features of a robust reporting process?
The reporting process is one of the most fundamental parts of safeguarding. Reporting arrangements make it clear how everybody can pass on concerns. Without a robust reporting process your organisation may not know about, and therefore won't be able to address, safeguarding issues, and victims will remain unprotected and exposed to further harm. In addition, your organisation may also be vulnerable to significant reputational risks.
It is very important that the reporting process includes reliable systems for handling reported concerns and managing cases linked to your organisation’s disciplinary or ethics
Let’s think about the key features of a robust safeguarding reporting process.
Activity: Identify the important features of a safeguarding reporting process
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
a.
All stakeholders including staff, athletes, children and parents need to know about and understand the process.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is b.
b.
Although written reports may be clearer, all reports require a response, including verbal reports.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is b.
b.
Everyone should report their concerns – it is for experts and professionals to decide whether or not someone has been abused.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
a.
Everyone must be aware how to report and who to contact.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
a.
Versions should reflect the needs of different groups (for example, children and coaches), and be promoted in different ways (for example, in inductions, on the website, during safeguarding training, in posters).
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is b.
b.
Everyone has a responsibility to report concerns.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
a.
Including concerns about breaches of the safeguarding
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is b.
b.
It must be promoted to everyone as anyone may be made aware of a concern – directly (for example, by seeing or hearing something) or indirectly (for example, by being told something concerning).
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is b.
b.
Although children are a priority, it must be used to report concerns about the welfare of any person involved in your organisation’s activities as well as breaches of the safeguarding code of conduct.
a.
True
b.
False
The correct answer is a.
a.
You need to have monitored systems in place to receive reports – for example, there’s no point in having a mailbox that never gets checked. This might mean you need to have more than one person appointed to check or receive reports.
Discussion
There are four basic principles to remember:
- There should be good awareness of the reporting process across your organisation.
- Everyone in your organisation must report concerns.
- Individuals do not need to be certain that a child or vulnerable adult has experienced abuse before reporting.
- The process should be victim and child-friendly to use.
These key points might be useful in your communication about why the reporting process is important.
4.1 Introduction
