Making a safeguarding referral or raising a concern is an important step, but it is not always the end of our safeguarding responsibility. Girls’ Brigade people may encounter children, young people and adults at risk in a wide range of settings. A person may be seen once, or concerns may emerge over several contacts. It is therefore important to remain professionally curious, recognise changes, and act when concerns remain:
- Keep the person in view.
- Stay curious.
- Speak up when something does not feel right.
- Be Professionally Curious
Look beyond the immediate reason for contact. Consider:
- Does what you are seeing fit with the explanation given?
- Is the explanation consistent and plausible?
- Are there delays, inconsistencies or previous concerns?
- Could there be wider vulnerabilities, including neglect, domestic abuse, exploitation, substance misuse or other concerns?
- Has the person's behaviour, presentation or circumstances changed?
- What might I be missing?
You do not need to know exactly what is happening before raising a concern.
- Be Clear About Your Concerns
Safeguarding concerns do not require certainty. They require you to share what you have seen, heard or been told and why it concerns you. When raising a concern, consider:
- What have I seen or been told?
- What is unusual, unexplained or inconsistent?
- Why does this cause me concern?
- Are there immediate risks to the person or others?
- What action or support may be needed?
Clear and factual information helps others understand and respond to the concern.
- Keep the Conversation Going
A safeguarding concern should not become a single transaction where information is simply passed on. Where you have further contact with the person:
- Continue to remain alert to safeguarding concerns
- Record and share relevant information appropriately
- Notice whether circumstances or presentation have changed
- Reconsider risk if the person is seen again
- Think about the cumulative picture, rather than each concern in isolation
A further concern, even if it appears minor on its own, may become significant when considered alongside previous information.
- Speak Up When Worries Remain
Sometimes concerns may remain unresolved, or you may feel that something has not been fully considered. Do not be afraid to seek advice or escalate your concerns if:
- The risk does not appear to have been addressed
- Important information has not been considered
- You remain worried about the person's safety or wellbeing
Professional challenge is part of effective safeguarding. Helpful phrases include: “I remain concerned because…”
- The situation changes or deteriorates
- You are unsure whether the appropriate safeguarding action has been taken
- “I am not sure the explanation fully accounts for what I have seen.”
- “I have noticed that…”
- “Could we consider whether there may be a wider safeguarding concern?”
What Does This Mean for Girls’ Brigade People?
Whether you are working in a paid or volunteering role, you may notice something that others have not. You do not need to investigate or prove abuse or neglect. Your role is to:
- Notice
- Listen
- Record
- Share
- Escalate when necessary
- Remain curious
Reflective Question
If I raised a safeguarding concern today, would I still recognise the person as potentially at risk if I saw them again tomorrow?
Key Message
A safeguarding referral or concern being raised does not mean our responsibility has ended. Remain curious. Be clear about what concerns you. Keep the person in view, consider the wider picture and speak up when worries remain.
Safeguarding Reminder for Girls’ Brigade People
If you are ever worried about a safeguarding concern, you should:
- complete a Safeguarding Reporting Abuse form, your name and contact details and as much detail as possible about what is worrying you before forwarding to [email protected].
- consider seeking advice on the subject from the Support Centre.
What if I’m wrong about my concerns?
- People are sometimes reticent to raise concerns openly in case they are wrong. Whilst that is an understandable worry, you cannot afford to take the risk of not reporting genuine concerns. Not reporting could mean a lost opportunity to help the people at risk of harm and could result in The Girls' Brigade England & Wales being judged to have failed in our duty to keep people safe. People who report in good faith will not be penalised even if their concerns turn out not to be quite as you thought. Remember that if you genuinely believe there is wrongdoing, you should remain steadfast and provide contact details so that you can discuss your concerns, give a fuller explanation and be supported.
Do not wait if you are unsure seek advice early. Please share with colleagues, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility!
