Safeguarding

Education institutions and their staff form a vital part of the wider safeguarding system for young people and adults who access education through them. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families and carers has a role to play in safeguarding children. Writtle University College (WUC) also recognises its role in protecting adults at risk. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all professionals should make sure their approach is person-centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the individual.

At Writtle University College when we use the term safeguarding we use to encompass all aspects of the work we do in this area which includes adult safeguarding, child protection and Prevent.

The governing body and all staff are committed to ensuring that the University College:

• understands and promotes the principle that everyone who comes in contact with young people and their families has a role to play in safeguarding;
• provides a safe environment for young people and adults in which to learn;
• identifies young people and adults who are a cause for concern and may benefit from early help, as well as those in immediate danger or at risk of harm;
• has appropriate procedures for following up unauthorised absence and for young people who go missing from education;
• recognises that we have an important role to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our students and has clear systems and processes for identifying possible mental health problems, including routes to escalate and clear referral and accountability systems;
• always acts in the best interests of the young person or adult at risk; and
• works with other services (as needed) taking appropriate action to ensure young people and adults at risk are kept safe.

Safeguarding & Prevent Policy

Document in Word format

Document in PDF format

All our staff receive training as part of their company induction and regular safeguarding updates. WUC has decided to train a small team of staff (across WUC) to the same level as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) to ensure adequate operational cover allowing safeguarding matters to be responded to in a timely and effective manner. This team directly support/advise students and staff, take appropriate short and medium term action, ensure support is put in place and adequate records are kept updated. They will seek advice/guidance from the DSL/DDSL as appropriate, know how to make referrals (supported by the DSL/DDSL) and can be required to attend case conferences/review meetings to represent WUC.

Our safeguarding response will vary according to the context and level/type of risk identified. We work with key partners to promote the welfare of young people and protect them and vulnerable adults from harm.