Managing low-level concerns of staff allegations
In this blog, we discuss examples of low-level concerns, the importance of reporting these concerns, a serious case review, and how it is vital establishments have secure systems in place to record and manage these concerns.
Creating a safe culture within your establishment
KCSIE states that it is vital that there is a whole-school approach to safeguarding and everyone works to create a safe culture within the organisation. This means that all concerns, from low-level concerns to full allegations against adults working in the establishment are dealt with promptly and effectively including school staff, supply teachers, volunteers, and contractors.
It is critical that all allegations against staff are recorded and dealt with appropriately. This helps lead to an open culture where concerning and problematic behaviour is identified early, helping minimise the risk of harm. It supports the message that the establishment takes their responsibility of safeguarding the students within their care seriously and that they practice safer recruitment ensuring all staff are appropriate to work with children and young people.
What is a low-level concern?
A low-level concern means the allegations against that staff member do not meet the harms threshold and this person does not pose an immediate risk towards the students.
The adult in question may have acted in a way that:
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Is inconsistent with the staff code of conduct, including inappropriate conduct outside of work
and
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Is otherwise not considered serious enough to consider a referral to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Examples of low-level concerns includes:
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Being over-friendly with children
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Having favourites
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Engaging with a child one to one in a secluded area
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Using inappropriate sexualised, intimidating, or offensive language
These examples exist on a wide spectrum, from behaviour that is seemingly harmless, to seemingly inappropriate behaviour that is innocent. However, on the other end of the spectrum, it could be behaviour that is intended to enable abuse and grooming in the future.
It's important to maintain a professional curiosity at all times - questioning the status quo and recording anything that might give you or others a 'niggling doubt'.
Why low-level concerns need to be reported
Low-level concerns, even those that don't immediately indicate harm, should always be reported. They often act as puzzle pieces that lead to a bigger picture of the events occurring within your organisation. This means that Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) can pick up on patterns and spot abuse earlier.
Below is an example of what happens when low-level concerns are not reported.
William Vahey: Serious Case Review *
Many of the low-level concerns listed below were noticed by staff but seen as isolated events and only reported once Vahey’s abuse became public knowledge. Several former colleagues came forwards to share how controlling, ill-tempered, and suspicious Vahey was. Had these low-level concerns been reported there could have been earlier opportunities to prevent the abuse of Vahey’s victims.
*Health warning - please note some of the content in this section can be upsetting
William Vahey qualified as a teacher in 1972 and over the next 42 years would be employed by 10 different international schools, none of whom picked up on a 1969 sex offences conviction when he was working as a teacher's aide in California.
Vahey hid in plain sight, using his role as a teacher to abuse hundreds of children. Several issues relating to Vahey’s general behaviour within the school came to light following his arrest. These behaviours included:
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Altering accommodation arrangements of the pupils on overnight trips
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Insisting on having keys to the pupils’ rooms
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Giving out chocolates and sweets in class
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Making comments to pupils of a sexual nature
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Telling jokes with explicit sexual connotations which made staff feel uncomfortable
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Insisting that he care for sick pupils at night
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Giving an inappropriate and graphic sex education class to pupils at the school
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Slapping boys’ behinds
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Undermining other staff and being disrespectful to junior staff
This is a prime example of why low-level concerns should always be reported. One incident is easy to brush off as an isolated event, but it is much harder to miss or ignore multiple events logged into a system.
Tes MyConcern: A secure system to record low-level concerns
MyConcern is our secure software solution for recording and managing allegations against staff and other people working in or with your organisation. Now featuring Staff Safeguarding, a new feature that allows schools to manage staff allegations and low-level concerns.
The MyConcern system enables you to easily record concerns in a secure environment, to record all aspects of your investigation, upload relevant documents and produce accurate reports and data.