Safety of children and vulnerable learners is a topic that is rarely out of the news. High profile cases of abuse of children and vulnerable adults highlight the importance of vigilance. New forms of abuse such as internet grooming, financial abuse of older people and the extreme difficulties faced by young asylum seekers, mean our policies and procedures need to be continually reviewed to keep abreast of these developments.

The Children Act 1989 defines a ‘child’

As a person under the age of 18.

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 defines a ‘vulnerable adult’ as;

Person aged 18 and over and;

Receiving a social care service
Receiving a health service
Living in sheltered accommodation
Detained in custody or under a probation order
Requiring assistance in the conduct of his/her affairs
Receiving a service or participating in an activity targeted at older people, people with disabilities or with physical or mental health conditions

Policy Statement

BEST Training as an organisation recognises that it is every individual’s right to work and learn in a safe environment. Best Training is fully committed to providing a working and learning environment that is free from abuse and harm for both staff and learners. It will actively promote a free, safe and open culture within all of its work and learning environments and will actively seek to prevent any possible instances of abuse by:

Clearly identifying and communicating the roles and responsibilities within the organisation for safeguarding;
Implementing the company’s ‘Safer Recruitment Policy’ when interviewing and taking on new staff;
Having clear audited procedures in place;
Training all staff in safeguarding procedures and by allocating sufficient resources to safeguarding.
Raising awareness in learners and involving them in providing a safe environment for them to learn in.
Having a clear ‘Code of Conduct’ for all staff to follow.
Having a clear ‘reporting procedure’ for staff and encouraging them to report any concerns they might have.
Making active links with local Safeguarding Agencies for the reporting of any incidents.
Having an approved ‘Whistle-blowing Policy’ for reporting any suspected instances of abuse by staff.
Applying a zero tolerance to any form of abuse and harm.
Reviewing the procedures quarterly at Management Meetings

Whistle-Blowing

In accordance with the Company’s zero tolerance to abuse, a Whistle-Blowing Policy is a necessary adjunct in that it allows members of staff to report any instances of possible abuse by other staff, in the knowledge that the allegation will be investigated, but the source of the allegation will remain confidential.

If a worker is concerned about the complicity of managers in possible abuse, or that sharing information may lead to sanctions against them, they are protected under the ‘Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998’ when they believe that any of the following circumstances apply:

That a criminal offence has been committed, is being committed or is likely to be committed
That the person has failed, is failing or is likely to fail to comply with any legal obligation to which he/she is subject
That a miscarriage of justice has occurred, is occurring or is likely to occur
That the health or safety of any individual has been , is being or is likely to be endangered
That the environment has been, is being or is likely to be damaged
That information tending to show any matter falling within any of the preceding paragraphs has been, is being or is likely to be deliberately concealed

Safeguarding Roles and Responsibilities

Overview of the Process:

The prevention and investigation of abuse will be carried out in accordance with the following process:

The Alerting Role

This describes the stage at which adult protection concerns are first recognised

The referral role

This describes the notification of the concerns to one or more of the statutory investigating or regulatory bodies (eg: social care, the Commission for Social Care Inspection, the Police)

The Investigation

Any investigations will be undertaken by the investigating or regulatory agencies. ‘Investigation’ describes the process of exploring concerns to ensure a full understanding of the situation so that appropriate action can follow.

Investigations can have many strands, including one or more of the following issues: criminal justice, protection of others, regulation, contracts, employee discipline, health and safety or professional practice.

"Best Training staff will not undertake any investigation; their duty is to report only"

General Manager

Allocate required resources to provide adequate safeguarding measures
Provide leadership in ensuring the safety of Children and Vulnerable Adults.
Interview potential new staff in accordance with the Company’s ‘Safer Recruitment Policy.
Review and approve all policies annually

Quality Manager

Ensure Centre Managers are competent to manage the safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults
Put in place a comprehensive training programme to ensure all staff are competent to undertake safeguarding duties, particularly those assigned as ‘Designated Persons’.
Ensure all Centre Managers have been thoroughly vetted prior to undertaking duties
Audit review each centres performance against safeguarding procedures
Review and update safeguarding procedures in line with current legislation, ensuring that relevant training is delivered to all staff including codes of behaviour and lines of action.

Centre Managers

Manage the application of safeguarding procedures in their centre
Act as the ‘Designated Person’ for safeguarding in their centre
Ensure all staff are competent to undertake their safeguarding duties
Audit review the application of the safeguarding procedures in their centre.
Clearly communicate the safeguarding policy to all staff
Ensure all learners are aware of the safeguarding policy.
Liaise with partner agencies as required in accordance with the ‘referral role’ described above

Staff

Be alert to the possibility of abuse
Know whom to report any concerns or suspicions to
Be able to share their concerns with the Centre Manager
Ensure that Centre Managers are aware of any children and vulnerable adults on their tutor page
Comply with safeguarding policies and procedures
Promote a safe learning environment
No suspicion should ever be ignored

For more information call 01202 747523