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Reporting Concerns or Allegations

A guide to reporting safeguarding concerns with advice on what to do.

How to Make a Safeguarding Referral

A practical guide for parish safeguarding officers, clergy, volunteers and church staff who need to report a safeguarding concern involving a child, young person or vulnerable adult.

If someone is in immediate danger

If a child, young person or adult is at immediate risk of harm, or a crime is taking place, call 999 straight away. Do not delay emergency action while seeking advice from the church or diocese.  You should then inform the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer of your actions.

We would encourage anyone who has any safeguarding concern to use our diocesan reporting process Confidential incident/concern form – Diocese of Hereford. We want people to feel confident and supported in reporting any concern. Using the diocesan reporting form helps us respond sensitively to protect those who may be at risk.

When to make a safeguarding referral

If the concern relates to a parish, also inform the Benefice/Parish Safeguarding Officer, incumbent or churchwarden, unless doing so would increase risk or compromise safety. If you are unsure, seek advice from the Diocesan Safeguarding Team first.

Make a referral whenever you are worried that a child, young person or vulnerable adult has been harmed, may be at risk of harm, is being abused or neglected, or may present a risk to others. You do not need to investigate or prove that abuse has happened before seeking safeguarding advice.

Listen, reassure and respond safely

  • Listen carefully and remain calm.
  • Take what is said seriously.
  • Do not promise confidentiality; explain that you may need to share information to help keep people safe.
  • Do not ask leading questions or investigate.
  • Do not confront the person alleged to have caused harm.
  • If medical help is needed, seek it promptly.

Confidential information can be shared if:

  • You have consent from the person

Or 

You can share information without consent if:

  • A child or adult is at risk of significant harm
  • Prevention, detection or prosecution of a serious crime is prejudiced
  • Withholding information would lead to an unjustified delay in making enquiries about allegations of significant harm

Extended confidentiality – for example, you ask the person if you can speak to the DSO, as uncertain if this is something that should be passed on.

Contact the Diocese of Hereford Safeguarding Team

Contact the Diocese of Hereford Safeguarding Team for advice and to make the referral or use the use the Diocesan Confidential Incident/Concern Reporting Form

Diocesan Safeguarding Officer

  • Keep a record of what has happened, your concerns and your actions.
  • Only share with others who need to know.

Safeguarding Organisations and Charities