Health and Safety and Child Protection Section

Child Protection - The Principles of Referral

  • Our duty is to report the concern; it’s not our responsibility to decide if abuse has happened

“YOU MUST REFERYOU MUST NOT INVESTIGATE”

  • Where time and circumstances permit, discuss the matter with a superior officer
  • However, if it’s urgent and there is an immediate concern that a child is at risk of significant harm – the matter must be referred directly to the statutory authorities without delay:

Police, Local Authority Social Services (Emergency Duty Team) or the NSPCC (0808 800 5000)

  • Inform the chain of command at the earliest opportunity, especially if an adult member of staff or cadet is implicated (but this does not take precedence over statutory referral action to protect the child)

Further advice & guidance can be obtained from Sqn Ldr Andy Pass (WSO1), South & East Mindlands Wing CP Advisor.