Responding to allegations or suspicions
It is not the responsibility of anyone working in Bristol Films to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place. However there is a responsibility to act on any concerns through contact with the appropriate authorities.
Bristol Films will assure all staff/volunteers that it will fully support and protect anyone, who in good faith reports his or her concern that a colleague is, or may be, abusing a child.
Where there is a complaint there may be three types of investigation:
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A criminal investigation,
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A child protection investigation,
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A disciplinary or misconduct investigation.
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Action if there are concerns
1. Concerns about poor practice:
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If, following consideration, the allegation is clearly about poor practice; a Child Protection Officer will deal with it in conjunction with the Directors.
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2. Concerns about suspected abuse
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Any suspicion that a child has been abused by either a member of staff or a volunteer should be reported to a Child Protection Officer, who will take such steps as considered necessary to ensure the safety of the child in question and any other child who may be at risk.
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The Child Protection Officer will refer the allegation to the social services department who may involve the police, or go directly to the police if out-
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The parents or carers of the child will be contacted as soon as possible following advice from the social services department.
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If the Child Protection Officer is the subject of the suspicion/allegation, the report must be made to a Director who will refer the allegation to Social Services.
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Confidentiality
Every effort should be made to ensure that confidentiality is maintained for all concerned. Information should be handled and disseminated on a need to know basis only. This includes the following people:
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The Child Protection Officer.
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The Company Directors
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The parents/carers/guardians of the person who is alleged to have been abused
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The person making the allegation.
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Social services/police.
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The alleged abuser (and parents if the alleged abuser is a child).
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Seek social services advice on who should approach the alleged abuser.
Information should be stored in a secure place with limited access to designated people, in line with data protection laws (e.g. that information is accurate, regularly updated, relevant and secure).
