Serious Events and Notifications - When I need to tell other people about things

This information explains what you should do if you become aware of a serious event (sometimes also called a 'notifiable event’) taking place.

If you are unsure what constitutes a serious event, it is important that you attend any training provided or are briefed by your Supervising Worker on this (see Section 2, What is a Serious  Event?).

Should you experience an event or incident within your household or concerning any young person placed with you, your first priority should be to make sure the young person is safe. You should then discuss it, as soon as possible, with your Supervising Worker, a manager from the supported lodgings Service or the Registered Person of the Service - even if you are unsure about whether it constitutes a ‘Notification’ matter. The Registered Person of the Service is responsible for sending notifications as described in Regulation 27 Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 within 24 hours.

A copy of the notification will be:

1. Sent directly to the required organisations (typically the accommodating authority, the host /area local authority (if different) and Ofsted - but can also include the police and Integrated Care Board) within 24 hours - including weekends; and
2. Placed on the relevant young person’s file and/or your file;
3. Kept by the Registered Person including details of the action taken, and the outcome of any action or investigation, following the serious event.

The following reflects Regulation 27 Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023  - Notification of a Serious Event:

• The death of a young person in placement;
• There is an incident involving the use of a measure of restraint of a young person;
• A Child Protection Enquiry involving a young person is instigated or concludes;
• An allegation of abuse against the Service or a person working there, or a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 of a person working in the Service;
• Any concerns that a young person placed with you is being sexually or criminally exploited;
• The police have been called to your home as a result of a serious incident relating to a young person placed with you;
• There is any other incident relating to a young person in placement which the Registered Person of the Service considers to be serious.

Examples of incidents which are likely to be considered serious affecting the welfare of a young person include:

• A young person being the victim or perpetrator of a serious assault;
• A serious illness or accident;
• A serious incident of self-harm;
• Serious concerns over a young person’s missing behaviour, particularly where the young person is considered to be at grave risk due to age or vulnerability or where they have been missing for a considerable period of time and their whereabouts are unknown.

This is not an exhaustive list, and the Registered Person of the Service must assess each case individually taking into account any patterns of behaviour or unusual behaviour that may indicate an increased risk to the young person. The Registered Person should also consider the frequency of incidents and judge whether their cumulative effect makes notification appropriate even if in isolation each event would not warrant this. It is important, therefore, for you to notify the supported lodgings Service of any concerns you have, even if you are not sure that they constitute a ‘serious event’, so that the Registered Person has an overall picture of the situation.

An event is ‘serious’ if it has a significant and direct adverse impact on the protection, safeguarding or welfare of children, young people and/or adults, or entails significant damage to property. The Registered Person must notify Ofsted if there is any other incident relating to a young person which the Registered Person considers to have a direct adverse impact on the welfare of the young person, other young people or adults.

It is for the Registered Person to judge whether the incident is sufficiently serious to make formal notifications.  Ofsted would not need to be notified in the event of all incidents of injury, the Registered Person should use their professional judgement as to whether an incident is serious enough to need reporting.

If you experience an incident which is not ‘a serious event’ but which you are concerned about, you should always share this with your Supervising Worker or another member of the supported lodgings Service so they can provide advice/ guidance on any next steps.

Examples include:

• Assault by a young person in placement on you or a member of your household;
• Serious accident or injury to you whilst carrying out your duties;
• Any event which may result in media interest;
• Conduct of any supported lodgings host, not directly connected with their role, which may raise questions about their suitability as a supported lodgings host.

All supported lodgings hosts have a responsibility to report any concerns / incidents to their Supervising Worker or duty worker who will inform the supported lodgings Service Registered Person. There should be no delay in reporting any concerns or incidents.