Q: Do you have any suggestions for a process for student and employees to report concerns or misdeeds?
A: “Concerns and misdeeds” is broad and could be answered from various angles. Assuming you want a general outline, here are some points to be considered when reviewing your school's policies.
Clarifying and communicating your process
- Identify to whom reports can be given. Can students confide in teachers, or will they have to report to administrators? Does your school have an HR Manager for employees to report concerns to? If you don’t have an HR Manager, is there another administrator on your team besides the Head who can be responsible for employee concerns.
- Clearly communicate what confidentially means in light of your school’s mission and emphasize everyone’s responsibility to uphold it. (Students and faculty and staff alike.)
- Clearly differentiate what concerns are and what is considered toxicity. Employees and students should both understand the difference and take responsibility in preserving your school’s culture. This also helps protects the rights of all parties involved.
- Clearly explain when and how law enforcement will be involved.
Responding
- Listen—take all reports seriously.
- Stay neutral. Do not take sides.
- Document and securely file all reports and evidence of claims.
- Have a “script” of responses prepared and practiced (know what to say and not say) for different situations. When faced with situations you're not prepared to respond to, take time to think before responding. It’s not only what you say, but how you deliver that impacts the situation.
- Be aware of situations when you should include witnesses, your attorney, etc. If the situation at hand requires another person be involved, wait for them to be present before continuing.
- Determine if the student/teacher needs to be isolated for physical or physiological safety.
- Communicate what the next steps will be for both the accused and the accuser.
- Do not involve anyone who does not need to be part of process.
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