I recently attended a training session with other members of my team and my manager. During the training my manager made what I felt to be some really inappropriate comments about the young people we work with. I know that some of my colleagues also felt uncomfortable but no one felt able to challenge him.
This is a tricky one for you, but your discomfort speaks volumes and I would urge you to go with your gut instinct.
You don’t mention the type of comments made but if they gave you concerns of a safeguarding nature then you must report them to your manager’s superior, or to another senior member of staff.
If they were discriminatory then you need to try to speak to your manager directly and explain how you are feeling, and if your views are disregarded then again, take it to a higher level.
Acceptable conduct is part and parcel of a safe organisation – it may feel like you are sticking your neck out here but if you don’t address it then you may be unwittingly compromising the young people you work with.
Answered by Jeanie Lynch, who works for Barnardo’s and has 25 years’ experience of working with vulnerable children and families
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