Pipot is an acronym that stands for ‘Persons in Positions of Trust’. It refers to individuals who work with children and vulnerable adults in settings such as schools, care homes, hospitals, and youth organizations. In the context of safeguarding, Pipot highlights the responsibility that those in positions of trust have to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those they work with.
Who are Persons in Positions of Trust?
Persons in Positions of Trust (Pipots) include individuals such as:
- Teachers
- Care workers
- Nurses
- Doctors
- Youth workers
- Social workers
- Counsellors
- Foster carers
- Volunteers
- Faith leaders
- Sports coaches
Essentially, Pipots are any adults who work or volunteer with children and vulnerable adults in settings where they are in a position of authority and trust. This power imbalance means that Pipots have a duty of care to ensure no harm comes to those they work with.
Why are Pipots important in safeguarding?
Pipots play a vital role in safeguarding for several reasons:
- They have regular, close contact with children and vulnerable adults, meaning they are well placed to identify any signs of abuse or neglect.
- They help enforce child protection policies, report concerns, and support social services assessments.
- Children and vulnerable adults naturally trust and respect Pipots, meaning they can provide support and a safe space for disclosures.
- They set an example for appropriate behaviour and healthy relationships.
- They have access to sensitive information about those in their care which must be handled appropriately.
Fundamentally, Pipots have an enhanced duty of care. Their position means they have a responsibility to act in the best interests of those they work with and ensure their safety and wellbeing. As such, Pipots play a pivotal role in safeguarding processes.
What are the responsibilities of Pipots?
The main responsibilities of Persons in Positions of Trust in regard to safeguarding include:
- Providing a safe environment – Ensuring the physical, online and emotional environment they oversee protects those in their care from harm.
- Spotting signs of abuse/neglect – Being alert to indicators of maltreatment and changes in behaviour/demeanour.
- Reporting concerns – Following policies to report any suspected abuse or disclosures immediately.
- Record keeping – Keeping detailed, factual records of concerns, disclosures, incidents etc.
- Working with other agencies – Collaborating with social services, police, healthcare teams during assessments and investigations.
- Ongoing support – Helping children/vulnerable adults recover from trauma and build resilience.
- Confidentiality – Only sharing sensitive information with appropriate persons.
- Training – Undertaking regular child protection and safeguarding training.
Ultimately, Pipots must ensure the needs of those in their care are put first and they are fully supported and protected from harm.
What are some key policies and legislation relating to Pipots?
There are various important policies and legislation that relate to the safeguarding responsibilities of Persons in Positions of Trust. These include:
- The Children Act 1989/2004 – Sets out duties to support children’s welfare and safeguarding.
- Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 – Guide to multi-agency child protection procedures.
- The Care Act 2014 – Covers adult safeguarding processes and responsibilities.
- The Education Act 2002 – Requires school staff to report child protection concerns.
- Safer Working Practices 2019 – Guidance for those working with children and adults at risk.
- Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage 2021 – Safeguarding requirements for early years settings.
- Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 – Details Prevent duty to identify those at risk of radicalisation.
- Sexual Offences Act 2003 – Covers abuse of positions of trust for sexual gratification.
Policies like safer recruitment, staff codes of conduct, whistleblowing and acceptable use also aim to ensure the suitability of Pipots and help them understand their role in safeguarding.
What training should Pipots receive?
It is vital that Pipots regularly receive high quality training in order to effectively fulfill their safeguarding duties. Recommended training includes:
- Basic awareness training – Introducing terminology, types/signs of abuse, reporting procedures, record keeping etc.
- Advanced training – More in-depth look at complex issues like child criminal exploitation, harmful sexual behaviours, domestic violence etc.
- Refresher training – Updates on legislation, policies and best practice. Helps maintain skills and knowledge.
- Management/leadership training – Specialist modules for senior staff with extra responsibilities.
- Online safety training – Guidance on cyber risks, social media, sexting, bullying, grooming etc.
- Training on specific harms – Tailored courses on issues like radicalisation, child sexual exploitation, trafficking, gangs etc.
Ongoing, effective training gives Pipots the confidence, knowledge and skills to fulfil their safeguarding duties and keep children/vulnerable adults safe.
What are some key things to be aware of as a Pipot?
Those in positions of trust should be mindful of the following:
- Ensure your behaviour is professional at all times and appropriate boundaries are maintained.
- Be alert to signs that a child/vulnerable adult is developing an infatuation or crush.
- Do not promise confidentiality if a disclosure is made – explain you must report it.
- Avoid being alone with a child/vulnerable adult in an unobserved, one-on-one situation.
- Only use approved communication channels and be aware of what you share online.
- Do not accept or give gifts without management approval due to risks of grooming.
- Report any concerns about a colleague’s behaviour using whistleblowing procedures.
- Follow rules about acceptable use of technologies, social media and devices provided by your workplace.
Being constantly mindful of your position of trust helps avoid any behaviour that could be misinterpreted or potentially put children/vulnerable adults at risk.
What can happen if a Pipot fails in their duty of care?
If a Person in Position of Trust seriously fails to fulfill their safeguarding responsibilities, the consequences can be significant. Potential outcomes may include:
- A child/vulnerable adult coming to harm that could have been prevented.
- Disciplinary action if neglect or wrongdoing is uncovered.
- Referral to a regulatory body which may impact your registration and ability to practice.
- Potential civil litigation if negligence has occurred.
- Police investigation which could lead to criminal prosecution.
- Damage to the reputation of both the individual and their employer.
In the most serious cases where a Pipot has intentionally harmed a child or vulnerable adult, they may face charges under safeguarding and sexual offences legislation. This highlights the extent of duty Pipots hold to those in their care.
What should you do if you have a concern about a Pipot?
If you have worries or suspicions about a Person in Position of Trust, it is important to speak up and report it. You should:
- Note down specifics – dates, times, names, examples of concerning behaviour.
- Report it to your designated safeguarding lead if you work alongside the Pipot.
- Use whistleblowing procedures to report to senior management.
- Contact the Pipot’s regulatory body (e.g the Teaching Regulation Agency for teachers).
- Notify the police and social services if you believe a criminal offence has occurred.
- Contact relevant bodies like the DBS if you feel they pose a risk to vulnerable groups.
Don’t allow suspicion or rumours to go unreported – reporting legitimate concerns is vital to ensure the safety of those the Pipot works with. All reports should be made promptly and without fear of repercussions.
Conclusion
Persons in Positions of Trust play an integral role in safeguarding due to their closeness with and responsibility towards children and vulnerable adults. Their enhanced duty of care requires awareness, training and leading by example to ensure those in their charge are fully protected. While the majority carry out their roles positively, rigorously following up on any concerns is vital to keep people safe.