5.5 Why is responding to reports promptly important?

Responding quickly is important to everyone: victims, Safeguarding Leads, child protection services, and the organisation itself. It forms part of a victim or survivor-centred approach.

A prompt response is what victims want, need, and deserve. It helps your organisation demonstrate you are taking an allegation seriously and will help make sure further abuse is avoided.

Responding quickly also often assists those who are investigating concerns, as evidence is better preserved, and witness memories and statements may be fresher and clearer.

Setting clear time limits

It is good practice to set clear time limits for providing an acknowledgement to reported concerns, typically within 24 hours.

Next, you explore the roles different organisations take with different levels of concern.