Key points to remember

You should 

• Treat all allegations seriously and keep an open mind
• Report it to the Designated Senior Manager within your organisation as soon as possible, however trivial it may seem
• Confirm children are safeguarded
• Make a signed and dated written record of your concerns, observations or the information you have received; ensure that what happened is captured using the child/adult’s own words.
• Maintain confidentiality and guard against publicity while an allegation is being considered or investigated
• Follow local information sharing protocols

You should not 

• Attempt to deal with the situation yourself
• Make assumptions, offer alternative explanations or diminish the seriousness of the concerns
• Keep the information to yourself or promise confidentiality
• Do anything that might undermine any future action, such as interviewing the alleged victim or witnesses, or informing the alleged perpetrator or parents or carers
• Do not tell the member of staff/volunteer if this might place the child at risk of significant harm or jeopardise any future investigation