Low-Level Concerns Policy

Note: this policy covers concerns about a member of staff’s behaviour or conduct. If your concern is about a child’s welfare rather than a staff member’s conduct, please see our Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy instead.

At StudyBox, we are committed to providing a safe and professional learning environment. This policy explains how we handle low-level concerns about staff behaviour to ensure child safety, professional standards, and a culture of openness.

1. Definition of Low-Level Concern

A low-level concern is any concern — no matter how small — that an adult working in or on behalf of StudyBox may have:

  • Acted in a way inconsistent with our Staff Code of Conduct.
  • Behaved in a manner that could be misinterpreted or undermine trust.
  • Engaged in inappropriate behaviour inside or outside of work that may affect the safety or welfare of students.

Examples include:

  • Over-familiarity with students.
  • Minor inappropriate comments or jokes.
  • Unprofessional behaviour that does not meet the threshold for formal misconduct.

2. Reporting Low-Level Concerns

Anyone may report a low-level concern, including staff, students, parents, or visitors.

How to report:

Reports should include the name and role of the staff member involved, details of the behaviour (date, time, location), and any witnesses or supporting evidence. All reports must be shared with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

3. Handling Low-Level Concerns

  1. Acknowledgement: Reports will be acknowledged within 2 working days.
  2. Recording: All low-level concerns will be logged confidentially. Logs will monitor patterns and inform safeguarding oversight.
  3. Review & Action: The DSL will review the concern and determine appropriate actions, which may include informal discussion or coaching with the staff member, mentoring, training, or monitoring behaviour, or escalation to formal procedures if patterns emerge or concerns worsen.
  4. Feedback: The person raising the concern will be informed that it has been addressed appropriately.

4. Confidentiality

All low-level concerns are handled confidentially. Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis to protect children and ensure proper handling.

5. No Repercussions

Staff will not face disciplinary action for raising genuine concerns, even if they are ultimately unfounded, provided the concern is raised in good faith.

6. Purpose

This policy ensures a culture of openness and transparency; concerns are addressed early to prevent escalation; staff are supported in maintaining professional conduct; and the safety and welfare of students are always prioritised.