In Course 2 Session 7 [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] you learned that everyone should contact the Safeguarding Lead with their concerns and that you should then assess the information and decide what action is needed. Let’s consider this in a bit more detail.
The flow chart below shows the actions taken by a Safeguarding Lead following a report about someone involved in their sport.
Show description|Hide descriptionThe Safeguarding Lead receives a safeguarding concern about the behaviour of someone with a role in their sport. Does the concern fall within our jurisdiction? If no. Pass the concern on to the relevant organisation that has jurisdiction. If yes. The Safeguarding Lead with the support of a case management group assesses available information and decides whether issue appears to be: Poor Practice (a breach of the code of conduct) or Possible Abuse (criminal behaviour). If poor practice. Safeguarding Lead refers matter to (or consults with) relevant internal colleagues or undertakes investigation. Internal investigation starts following the ‘do no harm’ principle. A temporary suspension and/or risk management plan may be in place while the internal investigation goes on. Disciplinary process concludes. Possible outcomes include: No further action. Requirement to be monitored. Required to undertake training. Barred from certain roles within the sport. Bar from the sport. If possible abuse. Possible Abuse
Safeguarding Lead refers matter to (or consults with): police/child protection/social services. External police and/or safeguarding/child protection services investigation starts. A temporary suspension and/or risk management plan should be in place while the external investigation goes on. External process concludes. Possible outcomes include: No further action. Formal warning. Criminal prosecution. Regardless of outcome of external investigation – organisation starts and completes an internal investigation.
Safeguarding concerns can be raised verbally or through an online reporting form or email – they can also be raised anonymously. In every case, your responsibility as a Safeguarding Lead is to assess the relevance of the report and identify what further action is required to clarify and respond to the concern.
This involves making a judgement about the seriousness of the concern raised. For some reports it will be obvious that an external referral out to protection services such as the police is necessary and may be time critical.
However, it is not your responsibility to decide on your own if poor practice or abuse has occurred – or to start your investigation. Your case management group should help you make these decisions.
You will now consider jurisdiction in more detail.
