Safe Space: Know your responsibilities and how to report a concern
As a volunteer, you share an important responsibility to protect and promote the safety and wellbeing of girls, young women and adults as you help them reach their potential through great guiding experiences.
If a young person entrusts you with personal information or if you have a concern about a young person’s physical, sexual or emotional well-being it is YOUR responsibility to seek advice and support from your Leader/Commissioner
REMEMBER: Remain calm, approachable and receptive
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Listen carefully, without interrupting
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Acknowledge you understand how difficult this may be
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Make it clear that you are taking what is said seriously
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Reassure them that they have done the right thing in telling you
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Let them know that you’ll do everything you can to help them
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Make a written record of exactly what has been said
DO NOT:
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Promise confidentiality
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Ask leading or probing questions
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Investigate
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Repeatedly question or ask the individual to repeat the disclosure
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Discuss the disclosure with people who do not need to know
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Delay in reporting the disclosure
TELL YOUR COMMISSIONER IS THERE AN EMERGENCY? IS THERE AN IMMEDIATE RISK OF HARM?
INFORM THE POLICE AND THE SAFEGUARDING TEAM AT CHQ
TELL YOUR COMMISSIONER - if you can not get hold of your District or Division contact the County Commissioner
FURTHER ADVICE AND SUPPORT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM
Warwickshire Safe Space Adviser:
or contact:
Girlguiding National Safeguarding Department
Telephone:0207 834 6242 ext. 3037
Out of hours (emergencies):07508 032997