Summary

What’s important here is that the behaviours may not seem that serious at the start, but we should be concerned and respond to all behaviours that are not in line with the code of conduct and not just those we believe are the most serious. 

Remember, addressing what may seem like ‘lower-level’ concerns and poor practice can help serious harm from happening.

Even with behaviour that might seem less serious, if it becomes ‘the normal way we do things’, it can create an environment where abuse is more likely to happen. This is because everyone’s normal standards of behaviour are lowered. When you hear someone say “we have always done it like this” or “that’s the way it’s done here” you should be prepared to challenge them if it does not appear to be appropriate. 

Remember, a good safeguarding tool to help prevent poor practice from becoming normal practice is the code of conduct you looked at in the second part of the course. This tool helps everyone know what good practice looks like.

Why should I respond to lower-level safeguarding issues?

Responding to lower-level safeguarding issues can help prevent more serious issues happening.