POLICY: SAFEGUARDING Last reviewed: August 2018

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1 POLICY: SAFEGUARDING Last reviewed: August 2018 Page 1 of 12

2 This Policy applies to all activity undertaken by Manufacturing Excellence in pursuing its purpose as a training provider, serving its learners, business partner organisations and the community. POLICY Section: Author: Pages: Governance and Compliance Office Manager 9 Implemented: Date of last review: Date of next review: September 2016 August 2018 July 2019 If you require this document in an alternative format and / or language, please Rhianne Bannon (Office Manager), or by ing: Rhianne.Bannon@manufacturingexcellence.co.uk Policies applicable to external users are available in policies section within the website. All policies, internal and external are available to staff in the policies document library on the SharePoint intranet. CONTENTS 1 PURPOSE / AIM pg. 3 2 KEY TERMS pg. 3 3 DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING OFFICER pg. 4 4 LEARNER ENTITLEMENT pg. 6 5 LEARNER RESPONSIBILITIES pg. 6 6 TRAINER RESPONSIBILITIES pg. 7 7 MANAGEMENT AND COMPANY RESPONSIBILITIES pg. 8 Page 2 of 12

3 1. PURPOSE The Manufacturing Excellence Safeguarding Policy aims to provide clear direction about expected understanding of, dealing with, and responding to safeguarding issues within the company. Manufacturing Excellence recognises its legal duty under the Education Act 2002, that it has an important role to play in helping to promote and safeguard the welfare of Adults at Risk to help protect them from abuse. The policy also aims to make explicit the company s commitment to the maintenance and development of good practice and sound procedures. The purpose of the policy is, therefore, to ensure that safeguarding concerns and referrals are handled sensitively, professionally and appropriately to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our learners and staff. The safeguarding of our learners is a primary feature of providing good training and we recognise the contribution it makes to the overall outcome of the training programmes we provide to our learners. There are three key elements to our safeguarding policy: 1. Prevention (positive atmosphere, careful and vigilant working, support to people, providing good role models, awareness and alert of potential issues and concerns) 2. Protection (following agreed procedures, ensuring staff are trained and supported to respond appropriately and sensitively to safeguarding concerns) 3. Support (learners and staff who may have been abused) This policy is reviewed on an annual basis or if there are any significant changes to legislation or good practice guidelines. 2. KEY TERMS This Safeguarding Policy contains terms and references which are defined below: A. Adults at Risk (formerly known as Vulnerable Adults) Anyone over 18 years of age who: may have learning or physical disabilities may have mental health problems may be old, frail or ill cannot always take care of his/herself or protect his/herself without help may be at risk of abuse due to their protected characteristic as defined by the Equality Act 2010; age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation Page 3 of 12

4 Learning difficulties can be defined as someone over the age of 18 who: Is dependent on someone else Has a learning disability Has a physical disability or illness Has a mental health issue Lives in a care setting Is misusing drugs or alcohol Is isolated Is incapable of recognising abuse Has family stresses If a learner is identified as having learning disabilities, it is vital that you are aware of your safeguarding responsibilities and who to report any concerns to. Common types of abuse to look out for (Care Act 2014): Discriminatory Psychological Financial or material Organisational Neglect and acts of omission Physical Sexual Domestic Modern slavery Self-neglect B. Prevent The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 contains a duty on specified authorities to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. This is also known as the Prevent duty. This is defined as: Stopping people becoming or supporting terrorists or violent extremism. Violent extremism in the name of ideology or belief is defined as violence, incitement to violence, terrorism, incitement to terrorism, or other activities that may result in violent behaviour or terrorist activity in the name of an ideology or a set of beliefs. An integral element of the Company s Safeguarding ethos is encouraging learners to respect the Fundamental British Values of: democracy and the rule of law individual liberty and mutual respect tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs Page 4 of 12

5 More information regarding the Prevent Duty can be found on the Gov.uk website below: C. Duty of Care and Whistleblowing It is considered part of the Duty of Care that all staff are responsible for bringing to the attention of the designated safeguarding officer, suspicions or allegations of abuse of any adult in their care. Failure to act could imply a member of staff s agreement to the abuse and could result in disciplinary action. The company has a whistle-blowing policy in place to support and protect the alerter of abuse, encourage good practice and deter poor and serious malpractice. 3. DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING OFFICER For the purpose of reporting abuse, the company has trained a Designated Safeguarding Officer. This officer has the responsibility to take the lead on safeguarding for Manufacturing Excellence. In their absence, a deputy designated safeguarding officer is also appointed. Responsibilities of the officer: The Designated Safeguarding Officer(s) are the first point of contact for all staff and volunteers to go to for advice if they are concerned about potential abuse. They have a higher level of safeguarding training and knowledge than the rest of the staff. They are co-responsible with Senior Managers for ensuring that their organisation s safeguarding policy remains relevant and up to date with government policy and procedures. They ensure that they comply with safe recruitment procedures for new staff members and their induction and have undertaken Safer Recruitment Training (in Education). They ensure all staff appointing new members of staff have also undertaken Safer Recruitment Training and understand the correct procedures and rigorous checking required for recruiting and selecting new staff. They support staff to assist in information regarding concerns and support decision. They make formal referrals to the appropriate Local Safeguarding Board. They ensure that concerns are logged and stored securely. They have joint responsibility with Senior Managers to ensure that the company s safeguarding policy and related policies and procedures are followed and regularly updated. They are responsible for promoting a safe training and learning environment. They know the contact details of relevant statutory agencies e.g. the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for allegations against staff. Page 5 of 12

6 Designated Safeguarding Officer Deputy Safeguarding Officer (in absence of Rhianne Bannon) Rhianne Bannon Officer Manager Jon Bake Lead Trainer Page 6 of 12

7 4. LEARNER ENTITLEMENT All learners are entitled to: Be taught in environments which are safe, conducive to learning and free from disruption or threat of harm. Expect appropriate action from the company to tackle any incidents of violence, threatening behaviour, abuse, discrimination or harassment. Have any report of safeguarding issues taken seriously by the Manufacturing Excellence. Instances will be dealt with on a case by case basis in accordance with the chart on pages 10 & 11 and reported to local authority where necessary. Be treated with respect. Contribute to the review of this policy. 5. LEARNER RESPONSIBILITIES Providing a safe atmosphere which enhances a learner s training experience is a shared responsibility which also places responsibilities on learners themselves. Learner entitlements are most likely to be met fully when they: Show respect to trainers/assessors/staff, fellow learners, company property and the training environment. Take a positive and proactive role while working with Manufacturing Excellence. Follow the reasonable instructions of staff and others involved with their learning. Report any incidents of concern appropriately (and are encouraged to do so). Appreciate that they are not allowed to increase safeguarding risks to themselves or others, or use the Manufacturing Excellence identity online (or in other media) inappropriately. Adhere to the learner responsibilities and do not contravene any aspect of the learner disciplinary code. Co-operate with, and abide by, any arrangements put in place to support their behaviour. Page 7 of 12

8 6. TRAINER RESPONSIBILITIES All company staff and volunteers have a responsibility to: Be aware of and implement Manufacturing Excellence s Policy and Procedure on Safeguarding Adults at Risk. Provide a safe, secure and supportive environment for Adults at Risk. Listen to Adults at Risk and respond in an appropriate way. Protect Adults at Risk from abuse. Make referrals, via the Designated Safeguarding Officer to the appropriate Local Safeguarding Board (LADO) who shall deal with the referral accordingly. Ensure that any suspected abuse is immediately reported and that the victim is not in immediate harm and if so should take steps to eliminate this immediately. After which, the trainer must be confident that the victim is now safe from immediate harm and abuse. Recognise that, if at any time there is a risk of immediate serious harm to a person, a referral should be made to the Designated Officer immediately. Anybody can make a referral. If the person s situation does not appear to be improving, the staff member with concerns should press for re-consideration. Concerns should always lead to help for the person at some point. Undertake Safeguarding training, appropriate to their role and refresh this training and knowledge on a regular basis (every 2 years). Page 8 of 12

9 7. MANAGEMENT AND COMPANY RESPONSIBILITIES Manufacturing Excellence (the company) ensures that: There are effective safeguarding policies and procedures in place. These are in line with the Local Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) procedures. The policy is made available to learners, outside agencies, partnership businesses, clients and inspection bodies at all times via the staff intranet and the company website. Manufacturing Excellence operates safe recruitment procedures and appropriate checks are carried out on staff who work with adults that could be at risk. Procedures for dealing with allegations of abuse against members of staff or volunteers comply with the SAB inter agency procedures. There is a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSLs) who takes lead responsibility for dealing with safeguarding issues. The Designated Safeguarding Lead undertakes approved training to the standards agreed by the SAB every 2 years and support other staff in their understanding of procedures. All staff undertake appropriate safeguarding training at least every 2 years. Temporary staff are made aware of the Manufacturing Excellence s responsibilities for Adults at Risk and undertake appropriate safeguarding training. Manufacturing Excellence monitors its compliance and undertakes an annual review of the Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy and Procedures. The policy is amended as soon as practicable when any weaknesses in arrangements are brought to its attention. The Directors take responsibility for liaising with the local authority and / or partner agencies in the event of an allegation of abuse being made against the Designated Officer. The Board of Directors / Senior Management Team ensure that: The policies and procedures adopted by the company are implemented and followed by staff. Sufficient resources and time are allocated to the Designated Safeguarding Lead to discharge their responsibilities. All staff and volunteers feel able to raise concerns about poor or unsafe practice with regards to Adults at Risk and that such concerns are addressed sensitively and effectively in accordance with statutory guidelines. Cases are reported to the Disclosure and Barring Service if a person ceases to work in education and there are grounds for believing that they may be unsuitable to work with Young People and Adults at Risk. Page 9 of 12

10 Trainers: Embrace a whole team approach to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of Adults at Risk. Consider how learners may be taught about safeguarding, including online, through teaching and learning opportunities, as part of providing a broad and balanced curriculum. Ensure staff are aware of the policy and procedures and that they receive appropriate training and support to undertake their roles effectively, including Alerter Training refreshed every 2 years. Ensure that all students are taught in environments which are safe, conducive to learning and free from disruption or threat of harm. Ensure this policy and its associated procedure are implemented within their areas. Designated Safeguarding Lead(s) are responsible for: Liaison with the local authority and other agencies. The referral of cases of suspected abuse or allegations of abuse to the relevant investigating agencies, contributing to assessment /case conferences as appropriate. Acting as a source of support, and expertise within the company when deciding whether to make a referral and liaising with relevant agencies. Liaising with Directors / Senior Managers to inform of any issues and on-going investigations and ensure there is always cover for this role. Undertaking inter-agency training, including refresher training every 2 years, to ensure roles and responsibilities are carried out effectively. Ensuring staff who work with Adults at Risk have information on the Safeguarding, its associated Policy and Procedure and they participate in appropriate induction training. Maintaining accurate, secure records of referrals or concerns. Ensuring the Safeguarding Adults at Risk Policy is updated and that arrangements are reviewed annually. Identifying appropriate methods to inform learners of safeguarding and partnership arrangements. Forwarding relevant information post qualification / training with Manufacturing Excellence FOR SAFEGUARDING PROCEDURE, SEE: edures%2fpolicy%20documentation%20%2d%20governance%20and%20compliance%2fexternally%20shared%20p olicy%20documentation&folderctid=0x012000f9ed0d63a ff87559bba58e5f&view=%7b05d4a6ee%2da AF1%2D4FC3%2DB2FA%2DF4635EC0E147%7D Page 10 of 12

11 Manufacturing Excellence Safeguarding Risk Assessment Tool Assessor guidance for alerting Less serious Examples of alerts that might fall outside safeguarding procedures and be addressed by other means More serious Physical Abuse Incident causing little / no harm but of note by the assessor Isolated incident inexplicable marking Numerous occasions inexplicable markings Grievous bodily harm / assault Sexual Abuse Isolated incident of teasing or low level unwanted sexualised attention directed at one adult by another Verbalised sexual harassment or teasing. Being forced to look at pornographic material Recurring sexual harassment. Indecent exposure Sexual attack or rape Psychological Abuse Isolated incident where adult is spoken to in a rude or inappropriate way. No or little distress caused Occasional verbal outbursts causing some distress Treatment that undermines dignity or esteem. Emotional blackmail. Intimidation Discrimination Isolated incident of teasing motivated by prejudicial attitudes towards and adult s individual differences Recurring taunts or isolated incident where adult s diversity needs are not met Recurring failure to meet adult s diversity needs Hate crime Substance abuse Verbal comments made by learner regarding habits Isolated incident where learner attends training, possibly under influence Recurring pattern of learner attending training under the influence Illegal activity drug dealing, driving under influence of banned substance Mental health issues Isolated comment made by the individual or isolated action, affecting no other learners Recurring comments or actions made by the individual, affecting no other learners Comments or actions affecting other learners Extreme actions requiring statement to police Version 2.0 Page 11 of 12

12 The safeguarding policy can be summarised in three words. Your responsibility is: RECORD and REPORT How would you catagorise the alert? Event takes place Event takes place Event takes place Event takes place Note within your own records, along with the date and use at a later if the issue continues / becomes more serious. Make considered judgement call as to how this should be handled. Speak to office if unsure Note detail within your own records, along with the date Raise issue informally with HR department at company or project sponsor Have an conversation with the adult about the concerns Use open ended questions e.g. Tell me/ Explain Don t probe you are gathering initial information, not investigating Have an conversation with the adult about the concerns Use open ended questions e.g. Tell me/ Explain Don t probe you are gathering initial information, not investigating Tell them what you will do next I am concerned about you; As a professional, I have a duty to report this Raise issue with HR department at company or project sponsor Raise issue with HR department at company or project sponsor Note detail within your own records, along with the date Contact office manager or project manager. They will raise this on the appropriate college s alerting system Contact office manager or project manager. Office manager or project manager will contact police safeguarding@leicestercollege.ac.uk Office manager or project manager will raise alert on the appropriate college s alerting system Page 12 of 12