Avoiding unsafe promises and unsafe reassurance

People may ask you to promise secrecy or seek reassurance that everything will be fine. Both responses can be unsafe when there is potential risk.

It is natural to want to comfort someone who is upset. Do not offer reassurance or promises that could hide risk, prevent safeguarding action, or create expectations the practice cannot meet.

Why secrecy promises are unsafe

A statement such as "I will not tell anyone" can stop necessary safeguarding steps and later harm trust if information must be shared. A clearer reply is to say that information will only be shared with those who need to know to keep people safe.

Safer alternatives

• "I cannot promise secrecy, but I will only tell people who need to know."
• "I am taking this seriously."
• "Let's make sure the right person in the practice knows."
• "If you are in immediate danger, we need urgent help."
• "We can talk about the safest way to contact you."

Reassurance should not minimise

Avoid phrases such as "I am sure it will be fine", "they probably did not mean it", or "nothing can be done". These can make someone feel dismissed. Safer reassurance explains the next step: the concern will be taken seriously and passed to the appropriate person.

Why promises matter

Never promise to keep a safeguarding concern secret.