4D.1: Support to the complainant

Guidance

There may be circumstances in which a safeguarding allegation is raised about a deceased person.  In many cases, the complainant might not have been in touch with statutory services before the allegation was raised with the Safeguarding Officer, or they might have been in touch with the police many years before and the police decided to take no further action. It is difficult in these circumstances for the Safeguarding Officer to act. Many complainants will feel that it is too late for them to seek justice, and this may generate pain and negative feelings. In these circumstances, the Safeguarding Officer will need to ensure that they maintain a neutral position. If an allegation is raised against a person who is deceased, and if no process was followed at the time to prove that allegation, the Safeguarding Officer must acknowledge and take seriously the allegation and explain what steps are available. It is important that the complainant is still offered the support they require, and the processes set out in the Responding Well to Victims and Survivors Guidance must be followed.  The Safeguarding Officer should explain the limitations to the complainant in an honest and empathetic manner.