Safeguarding

Our commitment

We take reasonable steps to protect children, young people and adults at risk from harm during our training activities.

Responsibilities

Everyone working for or on behalf of the provider must:

• act professionally and maintain suitable boundaries;
• report a safeguarding concern promptly;
• avoid promising confidentiality;
• record facts clearly and accurately;
• follow the safeguarding lead's instructions.

Safer working

We plan training so that the environment, supervision and activities are suitable for the learner group.

Where roles require it, we carry out appropriate recruitment checks, references and criminal-record checks.

One-to-one situations are avoided or managed carefully.

Photography, messaging and online contact with learners are used only for a clear and agreed purpose.

Recognising a concern

A concern may arise from something seen, heard, disclosed or noticed in a person's behaviour or circumstances.

Trainers do not investigate possible abuse themselves.

Responding to a disclosure

The person receiving the information should:

• listen calmly;
• avoid leading questions;
• explain that the concern must be shared with the right person;
• record the person's words as accurately as possible;
• report it immediately to the safeguarding lead.

Immediate danger

Where someone is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services.

Referral

The safeguarding lead decides whether the concern should be referred to the relevant local authority, police, employer, school, care organisation or other safeguarding body.

If the concern involves the safeguarding lead, it is reported to the deputy or another senior independent person.

Allegations about a trainer or staff member

The person may be removed from relevant duties while the concern is considered. This is a protective step and not a finding of guilt.

Records and confidentiality

Safeguarding records are factual, dated, secure and kept separately from routine course records where appropriate.

Information is shared only with people who need it to protect someone or manage the concern.

Training and review

People with safeguarding responsibilities receive suitable guidance or training for their role.

We review this policy at least once a year and after any significant safeguarding concern.