5.2 The case management group – important support for making decisions

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A group of four adults are sitting around an office table having a discussion. There are several sheets of printed paper in front of them on the table.

Before you explore the process of responding to a concern, let’s learn more about a really important team that will help you in this process – a case management group. It is good practice to set up this group. They will help make sure you do not have to take decisions on your own, and that concerns are dealt with fairly, promptly, and appropriately.

To set up a case management group, you should identify a small number of colleagues with the right skills, knowledge, and experience to help you consider and make decisions. The group may include members with different sports expertise, for example, coaching, officiating, integrity, social engagement, or event operations – depending on the safeguarding case circumstances.

It is best if the group has an independent child protection expert as a member, such as a teacher or social worker trained in child safeguarding, or a Safeguarding Lead from a non-governmental organisation (NGO) or another sports organisation.

The tasks of a case management group include:

• Assessing and agreeing actions taken by you.
• Assessing and agreeing the initial response to the concern raised.
• Identifying appropriate next steps.
• Reviewing the progress of cases.
• Identifying and communicating issues that may need to be addressed as a result of a case.

You will now explore your role in responding to concerns – with the support of a case management group – in more detail.