An effective managing allegations policy and procedure is one which is regularly reviewed, written and updated in line with local and national guidance, including Plymouth Safeguarding Children Board (PSCP) and Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023).
A managing allegations policy and procedure can be a standalone policy or included within the child protection and safeguarding policy.
An effective managing allegations policy includes:
- what an allegation is;
- who to report concerns to;
- the role of the Local Authority Designated Officer;
- the procedure to follow in the event of an allegation;
- the role of other agencies and the purpose of allegation management strategy meetings;
- support available for the practitioner subject to the allegation; the parents and the child;
- potential outcomes of allegations;
- the process for managing substantiated allegations, including reference to disciplinary procedures where applicable;
- how and when a referral is made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) where applicable.
A managing allegation policy applies to all practitioners and their managers, volunteers and anyone who has contact with children within the setting – whether employed directly or by a third party.