## Ladder of escalation

What should you do if your first talk with the student doesn’t lead to a solution? Or if there is an imminent threat calling for immediate action? Then it is important to know what steps have been agreed in your organisation, and which escalation process should be followed. The steps to be taken and your role in the process are set out in what we call a ‘ladder of escalation’.

#### Ladder of escalation

There is no need to learn the entire process by heart. But when you recognise alarming behaviour or perceive an imminent threat, it is crucial that you know the answers to the following three questions:

- What steps can and may you take?
- Who can and may you contact to discuss your concerns?
- Where does your responsibility end in the event of an imminent threat: when and to whom should you transfer responsibility for a student?

The escalation process will be organised differently from institution to institution. That’s not a problem in itself. What matters is that the process is organised, so that you know which steps you may and may not take.

To the right you will see an example of a clearly defined ladder of escalation. Click to enlarge it, then try to answer the following questions.

#### The expert

Take another good look at the three questions at the top of the page. If you’re not sure what the right answer is for a person in your job, we’d strongly advise you to discuss the subject within your organisation. In the event of alarming behaviour or an imminent threat you will then know exactly what to do.