Managing allegations against staff

Arrangements for managing allegations of abuse against people who work with children or those who are in positions of trust

It is essential that any allegation of abuse made against a person who works with children and young people including those who work in a voluntary capacity are dealt with fairly, quickly, and consistently, in a way that provides effective protection for the child, and at the same time supports the person who is the subject of the allegation.

The framework for managing allegations is set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children [WT] Appendix 5: A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children 2006, and Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education 2007.

More detailed guidance around the procedures to follow and immediate actions to be taken in such circumstances can be found in the South West Child Protection Procedures at the South West Safeguarding and Child Protection Group website.

• Social Care Advice and Assessment Team, Plymouth 01752 308600
• Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), Plymouth 01752 307144
• Police Child Abuse Investigation Unit, Plymouth 01752 284522

The framework for managing cases applies to a wider range of allegations than those in which there is reasonable cause to suspect a child is suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm. It also caters for cases of allegations that might indicate that the alleged perpetrator is unsuitable to continue to work with children in their present position, or in any capacity.

This may be due to concerns about the person’s conduct in their personal or professional life that might indicate their unsuitability to work with children. It should be used in respect of all allegations that are consistent with the guidance in Working Together to Safeguard Children [WT] Appendix 5, that is, cases in which it is alleged that a person who works with children has:

• Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child
• Possibly committed a criminal offence against, or related to, a child; or
• Behaved in a way that indicates she/he is unsuitable to work with children.

Audience includes (this is not an exhaustive list):

• Headteachers
• Governing bodies of schools
• Management committees of pupil referral units
• Principals of further education institutions
• Governing bodies of further education institutions
• Management committees of children’s centres
• Employment agencies and businesses that provide staff to schools
• Independent schools
• Governing bodies of independent schools
• Health services
• Police
• Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass)
• Probation
• Sports organisations
• Community, voluntary and faith organisations
• The Scout Association
• Church groups
• Youth clubs
• Local orchestras/bands
• Day care providers

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Updated 20 May 2012