3.4.7. Summary

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Reporting channels or mechanisms that the institution design should be appropriate for the context, easily accessible and safe for all intended users. They should also provide for confidentiality/whistleblowing options.

All personnel have a duty to report safeguarding concerns or potential risks that they come across to enhance accountability and prevent harm from occurring in the first place.

Safeguarding Disclosures should be handled carefully. The person receiving the disclosure should
  • Remain calm and reassure the person that they have done the right thing by speaking up
  • Listen carefully and give the person time to speak
  • Explain that only the professionals who need to know will be informed but never promise confidentiality
  • Act immediately, and do not try to address the issue yourself
  • Write a statement, giving as much detail as possible; date & time, what was said, how you acted, any names/parties mentioned
  • Report to your line manager 
  • Remember that it is not for you to decide whether a suspicion or claim is true; all instances must be taken seriously.

Case Management is a way of organizing and carrying out work to address an individual's needs in an appropriate, systematic, and timely manner through direct support and referrals and in accordance with the institution's policies.

While conducting safeguarding investigations, we should ensure that we do not expose the survivors and their witnesses to further harm through the process. Thus, the investigation process should be survivor centred, professional, fair, transparent and structured.
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