If concerns are raised about safeguarding / inappropriate conduct:
Listen to the concerns – and do not say anything that might suggest or prompt a particular answer
Record what is said by the person raising concerns – noting down the actual words used
Reassure the person that you are listening attentively
Report to the Parish Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible – having told the person raising the concerns that you are doing so
If the Parish Safeguarding Officer is unavailable, any concerns must be reported to the Priest-in-charge, a Churchwarden, or the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (unless the concerns are about that person).
The Parish Safeguarding Officer (or other recipient of the report) will record the concerns, any decisions on how to proceed, and who else will be consulted (together with the reasoning for these steps).
If there are concerns that a person is experiencing, or is likely to experience, significant harm (or is in immediate danger), a referral must be made at once to Social Services / the Police.
The person(s) making such a referral will identify themselves, the church, and their roles.
The person(s) making such a referral will also inform the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (or, in their absence, the Archdeacon) that a referral has been made.