How to respond to a concern -Responding well

Advice and help on what to do if you have a concern

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. The District takes seriously the need to respond well to any concern, no matter how vague and supports the following principles:

• Doing nothing is not an option;
• The safety of all is of paramount importance;
• Respecting and listening to the voices of victims and survivors will always be a priority;
• Responding well to concerns has to involve seeking the advice of others;
• It is not our duty to investigate;
• Concerns will be responded to without delay and respectful of the diverse and individual needs of all those concerned.

The District has a "responding Well" flowchart which should be followed should a concern arise. Key people to go to are your Minister, church safeguarding officer, the circuit safeguarding officer or the District Safeguarding Officer.

The District operates a "first point of contact" approach which means that it is fine to go straight to the District Safeguarding Officer on 07758 239286.