Annex A: Responding to a Concern or Disclosure flowchart

2 flowcharts with separate timelines. A key at the bottom indicates red ovals indicate the beginning or end of the chart; purple diamonds indicate a decision point; green rectangles with wavy base data that can be read; blue rectangles any processing function and red squares with lines crossing in the top left corner are for internal storage.

First flowchart 

A timeline starting with concern highlighted and ending on end of working day runs along the length of the flowchart. A footnote on the timeline confirms all concerns must be dealt with by the end of the same working day. 

Flowchart points:

1. Concern highlighted (a disclosure can be highlighted by; witnessed in person or raised by a third party internally or externally).
2. [Decision required] Consider whether safeguarding matter (refer to safeguard policy annex G – types of abuse)
3. [Decision – not sure] Discuss with line manager and/or named safeguarding officer.
4. [Decision – yes from step 2 or 3] Complete Disclosure Form. Verbal disclosures will be accepted by the named safeguarding officer under certain circumstances (for example no access to disclosure form). Safeguarding policy annex B – disclosure form.
5. Send completed form to named safeguarding officer.

Second flowchart

A timeline starting with disclosure form received and ending on end of working day runs along the length of the flowchart.

1. Disclosure form received by named safeguarding officer acknowledge receipt
2. [Processing function] Report to family front door and file form. (Refer to safeguarding policy – annex F – essential contacts, lead agencies and protocols) Form is confidentially filed.
3. [Decision required] Consider whether further action is required.
4. [Decision – no] Confidentially filed
5. [Decision – yes] Refer to relevant policy