A student or colleague may choose to disclose a concern to any member of staff. Staff are not expected to investigate or provide specialist safeguarding support. The immediate role is to listen, respond calmly, consider safety and pass the concern to the appropriate safeguarding route.
When someone discloses a concern
- Listen and allow the person to speak at their own pace.
- Acknowledge what has been shared without making promises about outcomes.
- Do not ask investigative or unnecessary detailed questions.
- Do not promise complete confidentiality. Explain that information may need to be shared with the Safeguarding Team.
- Check whether anyone is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical help.
- Record factual information, including the person’s own words where relevant.
- Report the concern promptly through the agreed safeguarding process.
- Consider whether the person needs a reasonable adjustment or accessible communication support.
Using Report + Support
Where appropriate, explain the anonymous and Contact an Adviser routes. A staff member may support a student or colleague to complete a report, but should not take control of their account or access code. If submitting information on someone else’s behalf, make clear who is reporting and the source of the information.
If the student or colleague does not want the concern shared:
- Listen to their wishes, but do not promise that no action will be taken.
- Where there is a safeguarding concern, risk of harm or another lawful reason to share information, contact the Safeguarding Team for advice and record the rationale for any action.
After reporting
Keep information secure and share it only with people who need it for safeguarding, support or another lawful purpose. Do not retain duplicate case information in informal Teams chats, personal folders or other unauthorised locations.
Looking After Your Wellbeing
Supporting someone or sharing a difficult experience can affect your own wellbeing. You can seek support for yourself, even if the original concern relates to someone else. The People Services Team or Employee Assistance Programme are on hand to support with the wellbeing of Staff.