1.2 Explain The Importance Of Safeguarding Procedures In Research

It is extremely important that anyone who works with children and young people fully understands and complies with safeguarding procedures. Although this is generally taken for granted as being vital to the job, there does occur situations where professionals, for whatever reason, fail to follow procedures or, in some cases, actually inflict harm or abuse on a child or young person. This might involve allegations that the professional has:
• Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child
• Possibly committed a criminal offence against children, or related to a child
• Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates that s/he is unsuitable to work with children
Everyone who works with children and young people has
There is a strong emphasis on maintaining the confidentiality of both the whistle blower and the accused.
During the investigation both parties are kept up to date with any progress made. Timescales are determined by the investigating manager and notified to both parties as part of the investigation process. Appropriate support is provided to both parties as required.
Both parties involved are given the opportunity to tell their version of the story and to defend any complaints made against them. All personal data should be dealt with in compliance with the Personal Data Act.
Protection of the accused party/parties - when such protection is considered necessary, certain precautions will be put into practice:
• They will be informed about the seriousness of the allegations and provided with any supporting evidence
• They will be advised in writing of the procedure to be followed
• The accused will be given the opportunity to respond in person or in writing to the claims made, and receive and consider any relevant
Any concerns about poor practice should be accurately reported and recorded. In some cases it may provide evidence for a prosecution and it is essential that any information be based on facts, not assumptions and opinions.
Anyone who whistle blows has a legal right to protection and managers have a duty to support members of staff who report any incidents of unprofessional conduct or poor practice which puts children’s welfare at risk. It should also be acknowledged that anyone who is the subject of an unproven allegation of abuse has the right to full protection for the duration of the investigation.
Employers have a duty of care to their employees and should act to manage and minimise the stress that can be experienced during the allegation process. Support for individual members of staff is vital. Individuals should be informed of concerns or allegations as soon as possible and given an explanation of the likely course of action. They should also be given access to welfare counselling or medical advice where this is provided by the