Sign-off Process

The sign-off process provides formal approval of safeguarding concerns by safeguarding leads. This guide explains how the system works and how to request and record sign-offs.

What is a Sign-off?

A sign-off is formal approval of a safeguarding concern by a safeguarding leads. It provides:

• Oversight: Senior review of safeguarding matters
• Accountability: Clear approval chain
• Quality Assurance: Ensures appropriate responses
• Audit Trail: Documented approval with digital signature

Sign-off Requirements Configuration

Your setting’s sign-off requirements are configured by Admin users and determine when sign-offs are needed. See Safeguarding Settings for details on these options.

Sign-off Statuses

Every concern has a sign-off status that shows its approval state:

Not Required

• Sign-off is not needed for this concern
• Occurs when:
  • Site setting is “Not Required”, OR
  • Site setting is “Required Without Parent Comms” AND the parent has been contacted
• No approval workflow applies
• Concern can be managed without sign-off

Not Requested

This means Sign-off is required but hasn’t been requested yet. You can request sign off which will notify any safeguarding leads that they need to review a concern.

Requested

• Sign-off has been requested and is awaiting sign off by a safeguarding lead

Signed Off

• Concern has been formally approved and includes digital signature from approver

How to sign off a record of concern

A record of concern can be signed off from the concern page if you have the safeguarding lead permissions.