ℹAsk RESPOND is your confidential safeguarding guidance assistant. It provides instant, KCSIE-compliant advice based on the RESPOND framework to help you take the right next step when you have a concern about a child.
What Ask RESPOND Does
Provides instant guidance on safeguarding concerns, disclosures, and reporting pathways
Helps you understand what type of concern you're dealing with and what to do next
Anchors guidance to the RESPOND framework (Recognise, Engage, Support, Pause, Offer, Notify, Document)
Clarifies your role versus the DSL's responsibility – so you know what's yours to do and what to pass on
Supports you emotionally with calm, reassuring language when you're feeling overwhelmed
⚠Important: Ask RESPOND is a guidance tool, not a replacement for your DSL. Always follow your school's safeguarding policy and speak to your Designated Safeguarding Lead for specific concerns.
Getting Started
Logging In
Go to the Ask RESPOND website (URL provided by your school)
Enter the access password (provided by your DSL or safeguarding team)
Tick the checkbox to confirm you understand the guidance disclaimer
Click Access RESPOND to enter
Note: Your session will automatically expire after 30 minutes of inactivity for security.
Asking a Question
Type your question or describe your concern in the text box at the bottom
Press Enter or click the Send button
Wait a few seconds for the response to appear
Ask follow-up questions if you need clarification
Example Questions You Might Ask
"A child just told me something concerning – what do I do?"
"I've noticed bruises on a student's arm. Should I report this?"
"What's the difference between a safeguarding concern and a low-level concern?"
"How do I document a disclosure using the GOLD method?"
"Who do I report to if my concern is about the DSL?"
Features
Feature
How to Use
Voice Input
Click the microphone button to speak your question instead of typing. Click again to stop.
Voice Output
Click the speaker button to have responses read aloud. Click again to turn off.
Print
Click the printer button to print the conversation as a professional safeguarding record with timestamps.
Quick Hide
Press Escape to instantly hide the screen if someone approaches. Click anywhere to return.
Clear Chat
Click Clear Chat to start a new conversation. You'll be asked to confirm.
Accessibility
Click the universal access icon to adjust text size, enable high contrast, or turn on screen reader mode.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Key
Action
Esc
Quick hide screen
M
Toggle microphone (voice input)
S
Toggle speaker (voice output)
P
Print conversation
A
Open accessibility settings
N
New chat (clear conversation)
/
Focus on question input
Privacy & Security
Conversations are not permanently stored – when you close the browser or clear the chat, the conversation is gone
Do not enter real names or identifying details – use "the child" or "Student A" instead
Sessions expire after 30 minutes of inactivity for security
Use the Quick Hide feature (Escape key) if you need discretion
This tool provides guidance only – actual safeguarding records should go in your school's recording system
✓Remember: Ask RESPOND helps you understand what to do – but always follow through by speaking to your DSL and recording concerns properly in your school's safeguarding recording system.
Troubleshooting
"I can't log in"
Check you have the correct password from your DSL or safeguarding team
Make sure you've ticked the disclaimer checkbox before clicking Access RESPOND
Try clearing your browser cache or using a private/incognito window
"The response is taking a long time"
Complex questions may take 10–15 seconds – this is normal
Check your internet connection
If it's been more than 30 seconds, try refreshing the page
"Voice input isn't working"
Make sure your browser has permission to access your microphone
Voice input works best in Chrome, Edge, or Safari
Check your microphone is not muted on your device
"I was logged out unexpectedly"
Sessions automatically expire after 30 minutes of inactivity
Simply log in again with the access password
?Need More Help? For technical issues, contact your IT department or the administrator who set up Ask RESPOND. For safeguarding questions, always speak to your Designated Safeguarding Lead.