The Safeguarding Lead

When you are worried about a child or young person, you need to know who to contact. The safeguarding lead provides that clear point of contact in a pharmacy setting.

They advise staff, ensure responses are consistent, and support decisions about what should happen next when concerns arise.

You should not be expected to make complex safeguarding decisions alone. Concerns often start as brief or uncertain observations - a child who seems frightened, a parent whose explanation feels odd, a delivery that raises questions about home circumstances, or a young person who cannot speak freely. The safeguarding lead helps turn those observations into appropriate action.

How the Safeguarding Lead Helps

The safeguarding lead prevents concerns being left vague, delayed, or discussed without proper follow-up. They help staff consider immediate safety, review what has been seen or heard, support factual recording, and guide the concern through the correct internal or external route.

• They help you decide whether a concern needs advice, early support or early-help input where used locally, referral, or urgent escalation.
• They support accurate recording so important details are not lost.
• They make sure local safeguarding procedures are followed properly.

Knowing the safeguarding lead's name, role and how to contact them matters before a concern happens. In a busy pharmacy, uncertainty can delay action; clear roles and an escalation process let staff respond quickly and confidently.

If a child is in immediate danger, you should act urgently and not wait for the safeguarding lead before contacting emergency help.

When Concerns Are Not Being Taken Seriously

Most concerns will go through the safeguarding lead, but safeguarding also includes respectful challenge. If your concern is dismissed too quickly, or you still believe a child may be at risk, follow the pharmacy's escalation process rather than assuming someone else will act. A safeguarding lead should prompt action, not cause delay.

As a Level 2 non-clinical worker, the practical steps are: notice concerns, record them clearly, and use the safeguarding lead and local pathways to ensure the right next steps are taken.