A safeguarding referral pathway is a defined process for connecting a person affected by abuse, exploitation or another safeguarding concern to appropriate support services while protecting safety, confidentiality and choice.
International safeguarding guidance emphasizes safety, informed consent, confidentiality, respect and access to competent services as core referral principles.
What should the pathway include?
- Types of concerns covered.
- Immediate safety steps.
- Internal reporting route.
- External service providers.
- Consent process.
- Confidentiality rules.
- Mandatory reporting conditions where applicable.
- Follow-up responsibility.
Map services before the project needs them
Identify health, psychosocial, legal, protection and other relevant services in the project area and verify that they are operational and appropriate.
Consent matters
Referral should not automatically mean sharing a survivor’s information. The Open University’s international aid safeguarding training stresses informed consent, confidentiality and respect for survivor choice, subject to legal obligations.
Do not create a pathway that exists only on paper
Staff should know the pathway, contact information should be current and responsibilities should be tested before implementation.
Use the Funding Readiness Self-Check to identify broader safeguarding and operational gaps before applying for complex awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a referral pathway the same as a safeguarding policy?
No. It is one operational part of the wider safeguarding system.
Should every referral go to police?
No. Follow legal obligations, survivor-centered practice and organizational procedures.
Can staff provide counseling themselves?
Only if they are appropriately qualified and that role is part of the response system.
Should services be vetted?
Yes where possible, because poor referrals can create additional harm.
How often should the pathway be updated?
Whenever service availability, contacts or legal requirements change.
Conclusion
A referral pathway should make safe response possible before an incident occurs. It needs real services, clear responsibilities, informed consent and confidentiality—not just a flowchart.