child and vulnerable adult protection policy - Stephenson College

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Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and ProceduresAnnex EREPORTING AND DEALING WITH ALLEGATIONS OF ABUSE AGAINSTMEMBERS OF STAFFThis procedure has been drawn up in consultation with staff, unions and the LocalSafeguarding Children Board.The procedures apply to all staff, whether teaching, administrative, management or support,as well as to volunteers. The word “staff” is used for ease of description.1 Introduction1.1 In rare instances, staff of education institutions have been found responsiblefor child abuse. Because of their frequent contact with children and young people,staff may have allegations of child abuse made against them. The Collegerecognises that an allegation of child abuse made against a member of staff may bemade for a variety of reasons and that the facts of the allegation may or may not betrue. It is imperative that those dealing with an allegation maintain an open mind andthat investigations are thorough and not subject to delay.1.2 The College recognises that the Children Act 1989 states that the welfare ofthe child is the paramount concern. It is also recognised that hasty or ill-informeddecisions in connection with a member of staff can irreparably damage anindividual’s reputation, confidence and career. Therefore, those dealing with suchallegations within the College will do so with sensitivity and will act in a careful,measured way.2 Receiving an Allegation2.1 A member of staff who receives an allegation about another member of staffshould follow the guidelines in Part C for dealing with disclosure2.2 The allegation should be reported immediately to the Principal, unless thePrincipal is the person against whom the allegation is made, in which case the reportshould be made to the Senior Staff Member with Lead Responsibility [or theDesignated Governor]. The Principal (or designated person if the allegation isagainst the Principal) should:2.2.1 Obtain written details of the allegation from the person whoreceived it, that are signed and dated. The written details should becountersigned and dated by the Principal (or designated person).2.2.2 Record information about times, dates, locations and names ofpotential witnesses.3 Initial Assessment by The Principal (or designated person)3.1 The Principal (or designated person) should make an initial assessment of theallegation, consulting with the Senior Staff Member with Lead Responsibility, theDesignated Governor and the local social services department or agency asdetermined by local arrangements as appropriate. Where the allegation isconsidered to be either a potential criminal act or indicates that the child hassuffered, is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm, the matter should bereported immediately to the local social services department.Equality Impact Assessed 2 nd December 2010 14
Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and Procedures3.2 It is important that the Principal (or designated person) does not investigatethe allegation. The initial assessment should be on the basis of the informationreceived and is a decision whether or not the allegation warrants furtherinvestigation.3.3 Other potential outcomes are:3.3.1 The allegation represents inappropriate behaviour or poorpractice by the member of staff and is neither potentially a crime nor acause of significant harm to the child. The matter should be addressed inaccordance with the College disciplinary procedures.3.3.2 The allegation can be shown to be false because the factsalleged could not possibly be true.4 Enquiries and Investigations4.1 Child protection enquiries by social care or the police are not to be confusedwith internal, disciplinary enquiries by the College. The College may be able to usethe outcome of external agency enquiries as part of its own procedures. The childprotection agencies, including the police, have no power to direct the College to actin a particular way, however, the College should assist the agencies with theirenquiries.4.2 The College shall hold in abeyance its own internal enquiries while the formalpolice or social services investigations proceed; to do otherwise may prejudice theinvestigation. Any internal enquiries shall conform with the existing staff disciplinaryprocedures.4.3 If there is an investigation by an external agency, for example the police, thePrincipal (or designated person) should normally be involved in, and contribute to,the inter-agency strategy discussions. The Principal (or designated person) isresponsible for ensuring that the College gives every assistance with the agency’senquiries. At this stage agreement should be reached that police and/or socialservices information gathered during their inquiries, including witness statements, willbe made available to the college to assist with any internal inquiries. He/she willensure that appropriate confidentiality is maintained in connection with the enquiries,in the interests of the member of staff about whom the allegation is made. ThePrincipal (or designated person) shall advise the member of staff that he/she shouldconsult with a representative, for example, a trade union.4.4 The Principal (or designated person) will consult with the police or otherinvestigating agency (eg social care), particularly in relation to timing and content ofthe information to be provided, and shall:4.4.1 inform the young person/vulnerable adult or parent/carermaking the allegation that the investigation is taking place and what thelikely process will involve.4.4.2 Ensure that the parents/carers of the young person/vulnerableadult making the allegation have been informed that the allegation hasbeen made and what the likely process will involve.Equality Impact Assessed 2 nd December 2010 15
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child and vulnerable adult protection policy - Stephenson College

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