Oxfam – What can we learn about managing allegations against staff?
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Revelations over the weekend about Oxfam and others have brought into sharp focus the importance of effective management of safeguarding allegations against staff. This is a vital area where a single mistake or wrong judgement call can lead to enormous damage both to the individuals which an organisation is seeking to safeguard and to the organisation itself.
We have been working with different sectors for some time on a simple checklist for senior management to follow whenever they find themselves in this situation. A copy of our checklist can be found here and we would recommend all organisations review their management of allegations – both procedure and practice – as a matter of priority.
Whilst this checklist has been written with a regard to UK safeguarding situations, its principles are equally applicable to the managing of allegations internationally. We are currently working with the International Task Force on Child Protection to develop an international protocol for managing allegations against staff which we will circulate once completed.
If you require further information on anything covered in this briefing please contact David Smellie or your usual contact at the firm on 020 3375 7000.
This publication is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
© Farrer & Co LLP, February 2018
