POLICIES & PROCEDURES:
LOW LEVEL CONCERNS
This policy supports a culture of openness, trust, and transparency where all concerns about the conduct of adults working for or on behalf of Crosby Training are shared, recorded, and addressed appropriately. It forms part of the Staff Code of Conduct and should be read alongside safeguarding policies and statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.
PURPOSE
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All staff are encouraged to report concerns about their own behaviour or that of colleagues, no matter how minor they may seem. The aim is to identify concerning, problematic, or inappropriate behaviour at an early stage, reinforce professional boundaries, and prevent situations from escalating into harm.
UNDERSTANDING LOW-LEVEL CONCERNS
A low-level concern is any behaviour that is inconsistent with the Staff Code of Conduct but does not meet the threshold of a safeguarding allegation. Such concerns may arise from a sense of unease or a “nagging doubt” and should always be taken seriously. Staff are not expected to decide whether behaviour meets the threshold of an allegation; they are only expected to report their concerns.
Behaviour that may have harmed a child, involved a criminal offence, created a risk of harm, or indicated unsuitability to work with children will be treated as an allegation and managed under safeguarding procedures.
REPORTING CONCERNS
Concerns should be shared with the CEO as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of becoming aware of them. If the CEO is unavailable, concerns should be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Concerns may be reported verbally or in writing and will be recorded appropriately.
Staff are also encouraged to self-report situations where their actions may have been misunderstood or where they believe they may have fallen below expected standards. Self-reporting supports a positive safeguarding culture and allows issues to be addressed at an early stage.
RESPONDING TO CONCERNS
All concerns will be considered fairly, sensitively, and proportionately. Appropriate enquiries will be made, records maintained, and decisions documented. Outcomes may include no further action, management guidance, training, monitoring, referral to other internal procedures, or consultation with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). Where concerns indicate a pattern of behaviour or meet the threshold for an allegation, safeguarding procedures will be followed.
RECORDING & REVIEW
All low-level concerns are recorded securely and reviewed regularly to identify patterns or emerging risks. Records are retained in line with safeguarding and data protection requirements. This process helps ensure concerns are managed consistently, supports organisational learning, and strengthens safeguarding practice across Crosby Training.
This is a Summary: you can read our full Low Level Concerns Policy here.
