Initial Disclosures

As the frontline to student problems, personal tutors and other staff may find themselves in the position of initial disclosures. This is when a student first reveals a safeguarding concern.

Examples of initial disclosure: - Sexual assault - Abuse - Harm to self and/or others

Each department should have a member of staff trained in safeguarding, however, if this does not apply to your department, then The SU and FX Plus have trained safeguarding staff who can handle these situations. The most important thing to do here is to get the original information written down and contact Living Support.

Steps

1. First, identify whether the student has reported the crime/incident or not. 2. If not, help them decide whether to do so. 3. Help the student access the support available. 4. Keep a record of all the details provided. 5. Contact Living Support and provide recorded details.

Further information can be found in the ‘When to Refer’ guide.