child and vulnerable adult protection policy - Stephenson College

Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and Procedures6.2.2 his/her entitlement to be accompanied or represented by atrade union representative or friend.A senior member of staff will be appointed to conduct the investigation or an independentinvestigation may be commissioned. Where there has been police and/or social servicesinquiries, information from these should be sought to prevent the need to re-interview thecomplainant or witnesses.The senior member of staff/independent investigator should assess the information availableand determine how the matter should be dealt with in accordance with the disciplinaryprocedures.The outcome of police inquiries should inform, but should not determine the approach to betaken. It is important to bear in mind the difference between a criminal investigation andtrial, where the proof must be ‘beyond reasonable doubt’ and a civil process such as thediscipline procedures, where the college’s primary duty is to safeguard the welfare ofchildren and vulnerable adults. In such processes decisions are reached on the balance ofprobabilities. It should be remembered that there are many reasons why a prosecution maynot be pursued or may fail, while there is sufficient evidence to indicate that there arecontinuing risks.Advice about such situations should be sought from the Child Protection and Review Unit atLeicestershire Social ServicesThe outcome of the investigation and/or formal consideration of the information could be:• no disciplinary action• oral warning• written warning• final written warning• dismissal6.3 Where the member of staff has been suspended and no disciplinary action isto be taken, the suspension should be lifted immediately and arrangements made forthe member of staff to return to work. It may be appropriate to offer counselling.6.4 The child/children or vulnerable adult(s) making the allegation and/or theirparents should be informed of the outcome of the investigation and proceedings.This should occur prior to the return to College of the member of staff (if suspended).6.5 The Principal (or designated person) should give consideration to whatinformation should be made available to the general population of the College.7 Allegations which are considered not proven7.1 False allegations are extremely rare. There are many reasons why a youngperson or vulnerable adult may withdraw an allegation once made. They may alsohave misinterpreted actions by the member of staff. Investigators should be cautiousin assuming that an allegation is false or malicious. Obviously false allegations maybe indicative of problems of abuse elsewhere. A record should be kept andconsideration given to a referral to the local social services department or agency asdetermined by local arrangements in order that other agencies may act upon theinformation.7.2 In consultation with the designated senior member of staff [and/or thedesignated Governor], the Principal shall:Equality Impact Assessed 2 nd December 2010 18