Acting appropriately when there is a concern is a major part of safeguarding. Learners are most protected when those in positions of trust take the correct course of action.

• Be prepared to listen to learners.
• Encourage learners to talk to you - operate an open door policy.
• Never promise confidentiality - you may need to raise a concern with someone else.
• Never interrogate a learner or investigate what they have said (unless it is a specific responsibility of your role).
• Pass on any concerns to the Designated Person in your organisation.

The diagram opposite shows the levels of investigation that may be needed. Unit 6 of this module looks at the procedures for reporting concerns.