Please note that a strategy discussion can only recommend a decision to proceed with Section 5 process.
Police – The role of the Police is to identify whether the nature of the concern is criminal or potentially criminal and decide what Police action will be taken.
The decision to proceed to section 5 process should only be made by the Designated Officer for Safeguarding (DOS) or the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Answer
YES
NO
POSSIBLY (Gather more info)
EXAMPLES BELOW WHICH MAY INDICATE A PERSON’S UNSUITABILITY TO WORK WITH CHILDREN OR ADULTS WITH CARE AND SUPPORT NEEDS
(i.e In a position of trust, influence, or power)
See guidance below regarding Practitioners and Persons in a Position of Trust (this is not an exhaustive list).
Also consider the circumstances of the report and responsibilities of the persons job role.
1
Employed, volunteering or student in a role working specifically and directly with children or adults with care and support needs:
This person is in a position of Trust.
If the concern raised relates to abuse, neglect, harm to a child or adult with care and support needs, safeguarding procedures apply and trigger s5 procedures.
2
Employed, Volunteering or student in a role which may not involve working specifically and directly with children or adults with care and support needs however, by virtue of their role:
This person is in a Position of Trust
If the concern raised relates to abuse, neglect, harm to a child or adult with care and support needs, safeguarding procedures apply and also trigger s5 procedures.
3
Employed, volunteering or student in a role not working directly with children or adults with care and support needs - the role may bring them into contact with children or adults with care and support needs and in certain circumstances:
This person may be in a Position of Trust depending on the circumstances, job role and responsibilities.
If the concern raised relates to abuse, neglect, harm to a child or adult with care and support needs, safeguarding procedures apply and may be necessary to trigger s5 procedures depending specific job role and responsibilities.
4
Employed, volunteering or student in a role not working specifically or directly with children or adults with care and support needs - the role may bring them into contact with children or adults with care and support needs however:
This person is not likely to be in a Position Trust.
Most job roles fall into this category. Whilst the person may come into contact with children or adults with care and support needs during the working day, the position they hold is not generally deemed to be a Position of Trust.
If the concern raised relates to abuse, neglect, harm to a child or adult with care and support needs, safeguarding procedures will apply but not necessary to trigger s5 procedures.
Some of the above employees may be self-employed and therefore no employing organisation/manager in place to effectively manage the concerns. These cases are often difficult, but the DOS and LADO must exhaust all avenues to stop the abuse/neglect/harm and prevent concerns re-occurring. Referrals to relevant governing/ regulatory bodies and DBS is essential in these cases.