1. Purpose
This policy sets out how Taqwa Institute responds to allegations of abuse and concerns about the conduct of adults working with or on behalf of the organisation. Child welfare is paramount at all times.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all employees, agency staff, volunteers, trustees, contractors and visiting speakers in connection with Taqwa Institute activities, whether on or off-site.
3. Definitions
3.1 LADO Threshold
An allegation requires LADO involvement where there is reason to believe an adult has:
- Harmed or may have harmed a child
- Possibly committed a criminal offence against a child
- Behaved in a way indicating they may be unsuitable to work with children
3.2 Low-Level Concerns
Behaviour that does not meet the LADO threshold but is inconsistent with the staff code of conduct. These must still be recorded and reviewed to identify patterns.
4. Reporting Route
| Allegation Against | Report To |
|---|---|
| Any staff member or volunteer | Principal (DSL) — immediately |
| Principal / DSL | Nominated Safeguarding Trustee — immediately |
| Child in immediate danger | Emergency services — 999 |
The Nominated Trustee contacts Oldham LADO (lado@oldham.gov.uk | 0161 770 6936) within one working day.
5. Immediate Actions & Interim Safeguards
The case manager considers proportionate interim measures:
- Increased supervision
- Restricted contact with certain pupils
- Temporary redeployment
- Suspension (neutral act, not disciplinary — kept under regular review)
No action is taken that could compromise a police or children's social care investigation.
6. Support
The child receives: pastoral and safeguarding support throughout the process.
The adult subject to allegations receives: a named contact, clear information about the process, signposting to professional support, and maintenance of confidentiality.
7. Record Keeping
A clear chronological record is maintained by the DSL, including:
- Initial concern — date, time, who raised it
- Actions taken and decisions made, with rationale
- LADO advice and multi-agency actions
- Final outcome and learning
Outcomes are categorised: substantiated, unsubstantiated, unfounded, false, or malicious.
8. Post-Case Actions
Where concerns are substantiated and a person is removed from working with children, Taqwa Institute will consider:
- Referral to the DBS
- Referral to any relevant professional regulator
- Updates to safer recruitment practice
- A lessons learned review
Taqwa Institute does not use settlement agreements to prevent lawful safeguarding referrals or disclosures.
9. Policy Review
Reviewed annually and after any significant safeguarding incident or change in statutory guidance.
Next review: Academic Year 2026–2027
Taqwa Institute | Crossbank Street, Oldham, OL8 1HE | Charity No: 1131176 office@taqwainstitute.org | 0161 633 3626 | www.taqwainstitute.org