Reporting, Recording, Evidence & Escalation
Reporting, Recording, Evidence & Escalation
Good safeguarding records are factual, timely and secure.
Record enough information for the next person to understand the concern and actions taken. Include date, time, location, people involved, exact observations, significant words used, immediate action and who was informed. Avoid opinion presented as fact.
Factual language+
Write “the child moved behind me when the male approached” rather than “the male was obviously abusive”. Facts are more useful and defensible.
Timelines+
Use actual times where available. Record when the concern was first noticed, when it was reported and when support or emergency services arrived.
Evidence+
Identify relevant CCTV, body-worn video, witnesses, tickets, messages or items without personally seizing or reviewing material outside your authority.
Escalation+
If the normal contact is unavailable and the concern is urgent, use the next appropriate safeguarding, management or emergency route. Do not allow uncertainty about hierarchy to leave somebody unsafe.
Memory becomes less reliable as time passes. Complete required records as soon as operationally practical and keep them secure.
Knowledge check
Which report is best?
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