Information for Workers

Allegations Against Staff

Working Together 2006 sets out clear guidance about what should happen if an allegation of abuse is made against a person who works with children (Section 6.20 to 6.30).  This is backed up locally by a dedicated section on Allegations Against Staff in the South West Child Protection Procedures.

If you have a concern that a person may have behaved inappropriately or you have received information that may constitute an allegation you should:

• report it to the Designated Senior Manager as soon as possible, however trivial it may seem;
• make a signed and dated written record of your concerns, observations or the information you have received to pass on to the Designated Senior Manager;
• maintain confidentiality and guard against publicity while an allegation is being considered or investigated and follow local information sharing protocols

You should not:

• attempt to deal with the situation yourself;
• make assumptions, offer alternative explanations or diminish the seriousness of the behaviour or alleged incidents;
• keep the information to yourself or promise confidentiality;
• take any action that might undermine any future investigation or disciplinary procedure, such as interviewing the alleged victim or potential witnesses, or informing the alleged perpetrator or parents or carers.

Designated Senior Managers

(List currently awaiting confirmation)

Further Information

You will find a range of supporting documents on the GOSE (Government Office South East) website, including Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Adults who Work withChildren and Young People (November 2007)