Last updated by Stephanie Rosser on Tuesday, May 13, 2025

NSPCC Learning has published a new webpage on responding to low-level concerns about staff or volunteers. The page covers the steps organisations should take when dealing with concerns about the behaviour of an adult in the organisation. It outlines what low-level concerns are, the importance of developing effective organisational policies and procedures, and how to report, record and review low-level concerns.

In Essex:

If you have concerns or receive a complaint or allegation that a worker or volunteer has:

• behaved in a way that has harmed a child, or may have harmed a child
• possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child
• behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children

• behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children

As per SET Child Protection Procedures, chapter 7 you must make a referral within one working day to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) to discuss the nature of the concern and agree what further actions are required.