Recording, information sharing and professional boundaries

FGM concerns must be recorded promptly and factually. Clear records help safeguarding partners assess risk, protect the child and avoid repeated or confusing questioning. Incomplete records can delay action, lose exact wording and leave later staff uncertain about what has already happened.

Data protection does not prevent appropriate safeguarding information being shared. It means staff should share only what is necessary, with people who need to know, using secure routes, and record why the information was shared.

What to record

• Exact words: what the child or adult said, using quotation marks where possible.
• Context: date, time, location, who was present and what prompted the concern.
• Observations: behaviour, distress, travel information or health issues stated without embellishment.
• Actions: who was informed, when, what advice was given and any reference numbers.
• Follow-up: health appointments, safety planning, contact restrictions or social work advice.

Professional challenge

FGM records should make the concern clear: exact words, context, actions taken, escalation and what must happen next.