for Sefton Local Authority Managing Allegations Designated Officer for Sefton Local Authority Pauline Trubshaw

History of Designated Officer Ian Huntley et al First mentioned in Working Together 2006 Practice Guidance DCSF 2009 Keeping Children Safe in Education 2015 Change of name

LSCB Responsibilities Effective inter-agency procedures for managing allegations System for monitoring and evaluating effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements Named Senior Officers – member organisations Independent Designated Officer for the Local Authority Safe recruitment and selection procedures Procedures on LSCB website S11 audits Sub groups Critical incident panel

Designated Officer (Working Together to Safeguard Children – 2015) Management and oversight of individual cases Provide guidance to employers & voluntary organisations, Liaise with the police and other agencies Monitor the progress of cases Ensure a fair and consistent approach to cases Identify themes and trends and report to LSCB (Working Together to Safeguard Children – 2015)

What is an allegation? When a person who works with children has: Behaved in a way that has harmed or may have harmed a child Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates s/he may pose a risk of harm if they work with children Grabbing hold of sore wrist and aggravating injury common assault court Indecent Images Girl lifting dress up

What is an allegation? Concerns arise about the person's behaviour with regard to his/her own children. Concerns arise about the behaviour in the private or community life of a partner, member of the family or other household member. CP plan Disqualification by Association Drug dealing / anti social behaviour

Strands of an Allegation A police investigation into an offence or suspected criminal offence. Consideration by an employer of disciplinary action in respect of the individual. Regulatory body investigation No further action

Designated Officer for the Local Authority “ It is important to ensure that even apparently less serious allegations are seen to be followed up, and they are examined objectively by someone independent of the organisation concerned” Working Together 2015

Responsibilities The Designated Officer to be informed of all allegations no matter how minor within one working day of it coming to light. The Designated Officer and the Senior Manager of the employing organisation will discuss if it fits the criteria. The Designated Officer will consult Social Care and/or Police as appropriate. The allegation may be given back to the referring agency for internal investigation.

Strategy Meeting The Designated Officer will arrange a meeting with the employer and other involved parties. Copies of reports should be provided Organisational HR should be invited Recommendations are agreed and support discussed Suspension Lead agency for investigation

Management Responsibilities To have clear mechanisms by which concerns can be raised To promote a non-hierarchical culture To ensure staff member is supported Ongoing suitability checks

Key considerations for all roles Being clear about: Record keeping Information sharing/confidentiality Timescales Supporting those involved Monitoring progress Action to be taken – during investigation and on conclusion Review meeting

Outcomes Substantiated – sufficient evidence to prove Unsubstantiated - There is insufficient evidence to prove or disprove the allegation Malicious - clear evidence to show deliberate act to deceive Unfounded - There is sufficient evidence to disprove the allegation

Disclosure and Barring Service Conclusion of a case, if the allegation is substantiated and the person is dismissed or the employer ceases to use the person’s services, the Designated Officer should discuss with the senior manager and HR, whether a referral to DBS is required. Legal requirement for employers to make referral to DBS if an individual has engaged in conduct that has harmed/likely to harm a child or poses a risk of harm to a child

Lessons Learned At the conclusion of a case, the Designated Officer and Senior Manager should review the circumstances to ascertain if any lessons can be learnt.

Designated Officer for Sefton: Pauline Trubshaw C/O 7th Floor St Peter’s House Balliol Road L20 3AB Tel: 0151 934 3783