Appendix 5 of the University Safeguarding Policy

On receiving a report of suspected abuse or of a sustainable allegation, the University Designated Safeguarding Lead should refer every case to Social Care Services, as follows:

• to the Referral and Assessment Team (Tel: 01225 396312 / 13) This should be done immediately if urgent action is needed to protect the child; or
• if the child is an open case with an allocated social worker, to the child’s social worker direct; or
• if the referral is to be made outside normal working hours, to the Social Care Services Emergency Duty Team (01454 615165).
• Where possible parents will be notified if a referral is to be made. If a child appears to be at risk of significant harm parents may be asked to give consent to the referral, but even if consent is not given, the referral should still be made. If seeking consent might increase the risk to the child, then a referral can be made without doing so.

All referrals should be confirmed in writing within 3 working days, using form C2.Referral of a Child in Need to Children’s Social Care Services and Consent. A copy of this referral must be forwarded to the LEA Lead Officer for Child Protection.

If the Designated Person is unsure about whether a case should be formally referred, or has a general concern about a child’s health or development, advice should be sought from one of the following:

• Children’s Social Care Services Referral & Assessment Team (01225 396312 / 13)
• LEA Lead Officer for Child Protection (01225 396974)

• A child who is not being abused or at risk of abuse may nevertheless be "in need" of local authority services and such cases should be made known to the Children’s Social Care Services. If the child appears to be at risk of significant harm then a referral must always be made.

  • NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000
  • Avon & Somerset Police Child Protection Unit: 01225 842734