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Safeguarding

Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

If you’re worried about someone’s safety, find out how to report your concerns clearly and confidentially.

Immediate Danger

If you believe someone is in immediate danger of harm, you must call the police on 999 without delay.

If your concern is urgent but does not involve immediate danger, you should contact your Local Authority's Children or Adult Social Care services directly. For all other concerns, please follow the steps below.

The Reporting Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

This flowchart provides a simple overview of the process to follow when you have a safeguarding concern.

Step 1: Respond to the Disclosure

If a child, young person, or adult discloses that they are being or have been abused, it is vital that you:

  • Stay calm and listen to them carefully.
  • Reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you.
  • Do not promise to keep it a secret. Explain that you must pass the information on to help keep them and others safe.
  • Do not investigate yourself or ask leading questions.

Step 2: Inform the Right Person

You must inform your church's designated Safeguarding Coordinator within 24 hours. If the concern implicates them, you should contact the Synod Safeguarding Officer instead.

Contact details for the Synod Safeguarding Officer are on our Safeguarding Contacts page.

Step 3: Record the Details

You must make a written record of the allegation or concern as soon as possible, while the details are fresh in your mind. Use the official Safeguarding Concern Form to ensure all necessary information is captured.

Be factual and record what the person said, using their own words where possible. Note the time, date, place, and people present. Sign and date your record.

The Safeguarding Concern Form (F1) is available for download on our Safeguarding Resources & Forms page.

What Happens Next?

Once you have passed the information to the Safeguarding Coordinator or Synod Officer, they will take responsibility for the next steps. This will involve assessing the information and, where necessary, making a formal referral to statutory authorities like the police or social services. They will also inform the URC's national safeguarding team. You will be kept informed of the process as appropriate, but the primary responsibility for managing the case will lie with them.