Safeguarding Policy & Procedure

Communication is the key to effective safeguarding and it is vitally important that every employee  and learner working for and with Elev8 Training has the confidence to report any issues that might cause harm or hurt to themselves or anyone else. Above are the details for the person to whom this should be done.

Related Policies include:

• Prevent and Channel 

• Online Safety 

• Safer Recruitment

All at Elev8 Training limited have a moral obligation  and statutory to ensure that safeguarding is a key priority. 

We are committed to ensuring that all apprentices are kept safe so they can enjoy and achieve while participating in learning. We have designed this policy in line with legislation and  statutory guidance and complies with:

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018) 

• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021

• The Children’s Act 1989 and 2004

• The Education Act 2011

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

• The Care Act 2014

• The Equality Act 2010.

In accordance to legislation, the aim of this policy is to establish a whole provider approach to safeguarding in order to:

• Provide a safe learning environment

• Identify vulnerable adults and children who may benefit from early help, or who are suffering or suspected to be suffering from harm

• Identify appropriate action to preserve their safety both at home and at work.

Safeguarding extends to all those that we come into contact with. It is the responsibility of all to do their best to  maintain the safety and wellbeing of all apprentices. This includes protecting them from incidents of abuse, bullying, sexual harassment, peer on peer abuse and any form of abuse, as detailed within the policy.

• Take appropriate action to see that such children, young people and/or vulnerable adults are kept safe whilst undertaking training.

• Ensure that the child or young person is reassured and know they are being listened to.

• The victim is supported and protected to ensure that they are ok and their education can continue as best it can

• Also the alleged perpetrator will be supported and protected and provided with education with any sanctions followed up as they could also be suffering from abuse.

In pursuit of these aims, we will approve and annually review policies and procedures with the aim of:

• Being alert to potential indicators of abuse

• Raising staff awareness of issues relating to the welfare of children, young people/vulnerable adults and the promotion of a safe environment in learning

• Aiding the identification of children, young people/vulnerable adults who could benefit from early help or who are at risk of significant harm and providing procedures for reporting concerns

• Understanding our responsibility to alert other agencies to individuals who we feel are at risk, or who are suffering abuse of any sort

• Contribute to whatever articles are needed to safeguard the person who is at risk

• Establishing procedures for reporting and dealing with allegations of abuse against members of staff

•  The safe recruitment of staff.

In ensuring apprentices are aware of safeguarding, during the induction process and on programme, we will:

• Discuss safeguarding at each review stage within a apprentice’s training course 

• Enrich their knowledge and skill base with Elev8 Training Limited s online learning modules to help apprentices gain a more thorough understanding of safeguarding 

• Ensure safeguarding is included as part of the overall risk assessment process

• Provide apprentices with the designated safeguarding lead’s contact number an email to ensure they know who to contact if they have any safeguarding concerns or issues

Elev8 Training Limited always acts in the best interest of the children and apprentices by helping them to feel protected and safe both on and off the premises. apprentices are regularly updated with the contact information for the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) through monthly bulletins and apprentice surveys so that they confidently know who they can contact or communicate with if they have any safeguarding concerns or issues

This document  outlines the key areas for ensuring that Elev8 Training Ltd is consistently monitoring Safeguarding people and supporting those engaged with Elev8 Training.

• Elev8 Training’s recruitment procedures must be followed in the appointment of all staff.

• No new member of staff must be allowed to work with apprentices on their own until they have been fully vetted, including the completion of the enhanced DBS check.

• All new members of staff and apprentices under the age of 18 will have a Young Person Risk Assessment carried out as per the Health and Safety procedures. All new apprentices will have a new apprentice risk assessment.

• All people within the centre will be informed that the Safeguarding Officer will be their nominated contact point for any concerns they may have regarding their safeguarding.

• Centre Manager must keep a secure up to date record of all people either working in or Learning in the Centre. They should monitor their progress on a regular basis and check they are safe from abuse and harm whilst in the centre.

• Any incidence or alleged incidence of abuse whatever the nature must be immediately reported to the Safeguarding Officer who will put in place preventative measures to stop any possible abuse from continuing. The Safeguarding Officer will then report the incident and will undertake an immediate formal review and put in place actions to resolve the issue in the long term.

Supporting Policies and Procedures

This policy works in conjunction with the following policies and procedures:

Relevant policies and documents:

E-Safety

Prevent Policy 

Slavery and Human Trafficking

Safeguarding Code of Conduct (for staff)

Complaints and Whistleblowing

Sexual Abuse

Sexual violence and Harassment

Anti-Bullying 

Responsibilities

Governance Ruth Smith 

• Provides independent critical oversight of safeguarding matters

Designated Safeguarding Lead  (DSL) Joe England

• Overseeing the referral of cases of suspected abuse or allegations

• Providing advice and support to other staff on issues relating to children, young people and vulnerable adult’s protection

• Maintaining a proper record of any child, young person and vulnerable adult protection referral, complaint or concern ( even when that concern does not lead to a referral)

• Liaising with other appropriate agencies

• Liaising with external partners who refer apprentices to the organisation to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in situ

• Reporting child protection issues to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within 24 hours of the disclosure being made

• For making contact with the relevant enforcement agencies such as the police in the event that immediate action should be required for any child protection issues

• Keeping individuals informed about outcomes in the investigation process.

• Ensuring staff receive basic training in child protection and vulnerable adult issues and are aware of (and adhere to) the organisation’s relevant safeguarding policies and procedures, including child protection arrangements. 

• Ensuring that SMT have a 6 monthly review to keep up to date with any changes

• Chair monthly safeguarding meeting.

The DSL has been granted key responsibility for child protection and safeguarding issues, in the absence of the DSL, the other members of the Safeguarding team will take the lead. 

Safeguarding team Kieran England, Brianna Cain & Joe England (DSL)

• Attend safeguarding meetings

• Ensuring that the principles and standards referred to in this document are followed in all aspects of their employment

• Be responsible for the promotion of safeguarding policy and related information 

• Get commitment towards the policy

• Identify and administer training activities for safeguarding in line with the CPD Policy and Apprentice Safeguarding curriculum

Senior management team (SMT) The senior management team consists of Colin Flood and Kieran England

• Ensuring that the principles and standards referred to in this document are followed in all aspects of their employment

• Be responsible for ensuring the procedures for complaints and whistle-blowing are clearly understood and easily accessible, by apprentices, employers and staff.

Staff

It is not the responsibility of staff to decide whether or not child abuse has taken place. All staff, however, have a responsibility to act on any concerns by reporting them to the DSL or to a member of the senior management team. 

All staff must report any of the following situations to the DSL:

• Any concern about actual or suspected staff misconduct and/ or criminal activity involving the abuse of a child/ children, young person or vulnerable adult whether or not they are known to Elev8 Training must be reported to DSL as per allegations procedure 

• No staff member must agree to keep information regarding actual or suspected abuse ‘confidential’. We will seek to discuss our concern with the young person in a way that is appropriate to their age and understanding, and seek their and that of their parent or carer agreement if making a referral to the relevant agency. However, in situations where this may place the young person in immediate danger, the DSL may make a decision to refer to the relevant agency without informing the young person and without obtaining the consent of their parents/ carer.

In the event of any Safeguarding issues, please contact any of the safeguarding officers: Joseph England – 07967154016

Email: joe@elev8training.com

Information Sharing and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

There may be circumstances where the welfare or safety of an individual may take precedence over confidentiality. Elev8 Training are dedicated to following the 6 Rs framework and have built this around General Data Protection Regulation requirements. Staff understand the framework and understand that data protection is not a barrier to sharing information and must not be allowed to stand in the way of the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children

The GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 do not prevent, or limit, the sharing of information for the purposes of keeping children, young people and vulnerable adults safe. The Act includes ‘safeguarding children and individuals at risk’ as a condition that allows information to be shared legally without consent of an individual if it cannot be reasonably expected to gain consent or to gain consent could place a child or vulnerable adult at risk.

Therefore, in ensuring information is shared effectively and in accordance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, we adhere to the following necessary processing conditions for the purpose of:

• Protecting an individual from neglect or physical, mental or emotional harm

• Protecting the physical, mental or emotional well-being of an individual

• The individual is aged under 18 and/or aged 18 or over and at risk

• The processing is carried out without the consent of an individual for one of the reasons as listed below: 

  1. In the circumstances, consent to the processing ( of information) cannot be given by the individual

  2. The processing must be carried out without the consent of the individual because obtaining consent would prejudice the provision of protection

  3. In the circumstances it cannot be reasonably expected to obtain consent from the individual.

For individuals who are 18 or over and ‘at risk’ the Data Protection Acts defines this as:

• The individual has needs for care and support 

• The individual is experiencing, or at risk of neglect or physical, mental or emotional harm and 

• As a result of those needs is unable to protect him or herself against the neglect or harm or risk of it.

Information can therefore lawfully be shared without consent for the purpose of:

• Protecting the economic well-being of an individual at *economic risk (* an individual who is less able to protect his or her economic well-being by reason of physical or mental injury, illness or disability) who is aged 18 or over

• Health.

Elev8 Training Limited ensures, when sharing information, it is done so at all times, to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults at risk of abuse and neglect. Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021 and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 clearly define that ‘fears about sharing information must not be allowed to stand in the way of the need to promote the welfare and protect the safety of children’.

Our commitment 

In ensuring information sharing is understood, Elev8 Training adhere to ‘the seven golden rules to sharing information’ (Information Sharing Advice for Practitioners providing safeguarding services to children, young people, parents and carers): 

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Data Protection Act 2018 and human rights law are not barriers to justified information sharing, but provide a framework to ensure that personal information about living individuals is shared appropriately. 

• Be open and honest with the individual (and/or their family where appropriate) from the outset about why, what, how and with whom information will, or could be shared, and seek their agreement, unless it is unsafe or inappropriate to do so. 

• Seek advice from other practitioners, or information governance lead, if in any doubt about sharing the information concerned, without disclosing the identity of the individual where possible. 

• Where possible, share information with consent, and where possible, respect the wishes of those who do not consent to having their information shared. Under the GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 we may share information without consent if, in our judgment, there is a lawful basis to do so, such as where safety may be at risk. We will base our judgment on the facts of the case. When we are sharing or requesting personal information from someone, we will be clear of the basis upon which we are doing so. Where we do not have consent, we will be mindful that an individual might not expect information to be shared.  

• Consider safety and well-being: we will base our information sharing decisions on considerations of the safety and well-being of the individual and others who may be affected by their actions. 

• Necessary, proportionate, relevant, adequate, accurate, timely and secure: ensure that the information we share is necessary for the purpose for which we are sharing it, is shared only with those individuals who need to have it, is accurate and up-to-date, is shared in a timely fashion, and is shared securely.

• Keep a record of our decision and the reasons for it – whether it is to share information or not. If we decide to share, then we will record what we have shared, with whom and for what purpose.

Recording, sharing of information and consent issues

• Documents relating to an investigation will be retained in a secure place, together with an electronic or written record of the outcomes and if disciplinary action is taken; details will be retained on members of staff and confidentially filed

• If a member is dismissed or resigns before the disciplinary process is completed he/she will be informed about the organisations statutory duty to inform the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

• Records will be kept updated as and when information is received, including action taken, as a young person/vulnerable adult can request their records, until official consent has been sought we need to be sensitive as to what we record

• All written records which may need to be referred to at a later stage, or to be kept as evidence, are to be locked away in a secure designated location.

• Consent to share information should not be sought under the following specific circumstances:  

• If this would put the child, young person or vulnerable adult at greater risk of significant harm

• Interfere with criminal enquiries

• Raise concerns about the safety of staff.  

Children missing in Education 

This is about Children who go missing from education on a regular basis which can be a vital warning sign that there is a safeguarding concern. It is important that all staff have regular contact with their apprentices at least once a month to ensure their safety and to plan teaching and learning sessions for apprentices to attend. If an apprentice was not responding to any correspondence with their tutor then Elev8 Training Limited  staff are trained to follow the correct steps of reporting it to the DSL who will contact the apprentice's emergency contacts. This also applies to apprentices that don’t attend their scheduled classroom learning sessions. The DSL will liaise with the employer to see how they have been in the workplace, contact the apprentice or their emergency contact to check on their well-being and also the welfare officer will go out and engage with them to ensure they are safe.

Reporting Modern Slavery

As with other concerns, modern slavery should be reported to the DSL as soon as possible in the first instance (unless the individual is in immediate danger, then 999 should be called first). The DSL will follow the below:

The Salvation Army and National Referral Mechanism (NRM) processes:

Modern Slavery is a serious crime and includes slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking. The NRM is the process by which an individual is identified as a victim of modern slavery. Referral to the NRM can only be made by authorised agencies known as First Responders. The Salvation Army is a First Responder and they have authority to make referrals to the NRM. 

When seeking advice or to refer a potential victim of modern slavery, the DSL will contact:

The Salvation Army 24/7 confidential referral helpline: 0300 303 8151 or 

The Home Office Helpline: 0800 0121 700 or 

Report online at: www.modernslaveryhelpline.org

If an individual is in immediate danger call 999.

• The government’s NRM team have five working days to respond from receiving a referral, to decide if there are reasonable grounds to believe an individual is a potential victim of modern slavery.

Process following NRM decision that an individual is a potential victim:

A place will be offered at a safe house and the individual will be provided with a period of recovery and reflection of a minimum of 45 days

During the 45 day recovery and reflection period care and support is provided by the Salvation Army

The 45 day period can be extended if the individual requires the support of the safe house for a longer period or if the decision making process takes longer

Additional information is obtained, during this time, relating to the referral from the First Responder and other agencies

The NRM team will then decide if the individual is indeed a victim of modern slavery. The decision is targeted to be made within the 45 day recovery period.

For children and young people who are potential victims of trafficking, the DFSL will refer to Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards and the NSPCC Child Trafficking Advice Centre on 0808 800 5000.

• It is important to note there may be instances where reporting a suspected trafficking/modern slavery case puts the potential victim at risk. Therefore it is highly critical The Salvation Army, as First Responder is contacted as a priority so they can evoke their legislative duty, reporting to the NRM team and ensures protection of an individual; this also includes children and young people who are potential victims of modern slavery.

• Further information regarding First Responders and NRM processes can be found at:

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/human-trafficking-victims-referral-and-assessment-forms/guidance-on-the-national-referral-mechanism-for-potential-adult-victims-of-modern-slavery-england-and-wales

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) 

As defined within statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education 2021, under Section 5B of the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 (as inserted by section 74 of the Serious Crime Act 2015) places a statutory duty upon teachers (teachers is defined within the Act as ‘qualified teachers or persons who are employed or engaged to carry out teaching work in schools and other institutions’) along with regulated health and social care professionals in England and Wales, to report to the police where they discover (either through disclosure by the victim or visual evidence) that FGM appears to have been carried out on a girl under 18.

Those failing to report such cases may face disciplinary sanctions. It will be rare for teachers to see visual evidence, and they should not be examining pupils or students (apprentices), but the same definition of what is meant by “to discover that an act of FGM appears to have been carried out” is used for all professionals to whom this mandatory reporting duty applies.

The FGM Act 2003 provides the following definition regarding relevant age, ‘as the girl’s age at the time of the disclosure/identification of FGM (ie it does not apply where a woman aged 18 or over discloses she had FGM when she was under 18)’.

Reporting FGM

Elev8 Training Limited asks that all concerns around FGM are reported to the DSL as soon as possible and they will follow the correct protocols as stipulated below.

The FGM Act 2003 places as duty that reports should be made as soon as possible after a case is discovered, best practice is for reports to be made by the close of the next working day unless there is an exceptional reason. For the purpose of continuity and recording purposes.

The FGM Act 2003 defines an exceptional reason as ‘ a professional has concerns that a report to the police is likely to result in an immediate safeguarding risk to the child (or another child, eg a sibling) and considers that consultation with colleagues or other agencies is necessary prior to the report being made’.

Where there is a risk to life or likelihood of serious immediate harm, professionals should report the case immediately to police, including dialing 999 if appropriate. 

In line with the statutory reporting duty, Elev8 Training Limited  have consulted with the LSCB (Local Safeguarding Children Board) to ensure local arrangements are adhered to. In abiding to LSCB advice, in the event of a disclosure/ discovery of a ‘known case’ of FGM the following process is to be undertaken: 

• Disclosure/discovery made by a staff member

• Report directly to the DSL or in absence, a member of the Safeguarding team 

• The DSL (or alternative individual in their absence) will then:   

• Report to 101 (adhering to the reporting process above)

• Report to LSCB

All internal reports will be completed in line with standard safeguarding practice, which will also include when and how the case was reported to the police, the LSCB and the case reference number. 

When reporting FGM the girl and her parents/carers/guardians should be contacted in order to explain why a report is being made. It should not be discussed however, if it is of the belief that informing the child/parents of the report may result in a risk of serious harm to the child or anyone else, or of the family fleeing the country. 

The DSL will always seek advice from the police and LSCB before contact is made to a girl and her parents/guardians. Local MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) teams can also be contacted for advice regarding FGM.

Elev8 Training Limited ensures that all staff are taught about the signs to look out for if a child/young person/vulnerable adult who is an apprentice, is being neglected or abused before any concerns are made by receiving the correct up-to-date government legislation updates. 

This is implemented by: 

All relevant staff completing safeguarding and sexual harassment Video Tile online courses to keep knowledge and understanding current and fresh

Staff receive policy updates with new and current legislation through relevant training once a quarter which ensure that knowledge has embedded in

Elev8 Training Limited  staff are trained on how to handle reports of harmful sexual behaviour between apprentices, both on and outside of the provider premises, including criminal exploitation, radicalisation, bullying and when a child goes missing from education and to report any concerns to the DSL.

Responsibilities

All staff must be aware of the processes for reporting concerns about individuals and/ or groups. They must have the confidence to challenge, intervene and ensure that they maintain strong safeguarding practices based on the most up-to-date guidance and best practice.

The DSL (or a member of the Safeguarding team in their absence) will deal promptly with any referrals made by staff or with concerns reported by staff.

They will agree the most appropriate course of action on a case-by-case basis and will decide when a referral to external agencies is needed. 

As with any child protection referral, staff must be made aware that if they do not agree with a decision not to refer, they can make the referral themselves and will be given the contact details to do this.

Tutors will be fully briefed about what to do if they are concerned about the possibility of radicalisation relating to an apprentice, or if they need to discuss specific apprentices whom they consider to be vulnerable to radicalisation or extremist views.

The Safeguarding team will work with external agencies to decide the best course of action to address concerns which arise.

Child Protection

Elev8 Training Limited ensures that there is a whole provider approach to safeguarding and child protection by making sure it is at the forefront of all relevant aspects of processes and policy development. This includes any child or apprentice who may benefit from early help, including apprentices who have a mental health illness, a young carer, is frequently missing from care or home.

Aim

The aim of child protection is to ensure children and young people are protected from abuse and exploitation by:

Protecting children from maltreatment; preventing impairment of children’s health or development; ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; taking action to enable all children have the best outcomes

Providing young people with the appropriate level of safety and protection whilst undertaking training, employment or work experience

Ensuring staff are suitably trained to identify signs and symptoms of abuse, and staff understand the importance of early help

Ensuring staff are fully aware of our safeguarding policies and procedures.

Allowing all staff to make informed and confident responses to specific child protection issues.

Ensuring Elev8 Training Limited  are able to respond appropriately to allegations made against an adult who works with children or young people, or referring to the local children’s safeguarding board.

At Elev8 Training Limited , all suspicions, allegations of abuse and poor practice will be taken seriously and responded to promptly and appropriately, in line with early help protocol.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined for the purposes of this guidance as:  

Protecting children from maltreatment 

Preventing impairment of children’s health or development 

Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care 

Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Early help definition: Providing support as soon as a problem emerges at any point in a child’s life, from the foundation years to the teenage years. When considering child protection, it is important that everyone involved have a shared understanding of what it really means. It is unlikely that we will be successful in our efforts, if we do not fully understand what we are protecting children and young people from.

Identification for early help for a Child

As defined within Working Together to Safeguard Children 2021, staff are to be aware of indicators for children who may require early intervention and therefore should be alert to a child who:

• Is disabled and has specific additional needs

• Has special educational needs (whether or not they have a statutory Education, Health and Care Plan) 

• Is a young carer 

• Is showing signs of being drawn into antisocial or criminal behaviour, including gang involvement and association with organised crime groups 

• Is frequently missing/goes missing from care or from home

• Is at risk of modern slavery, trafficking or exploitation 

• Is at risk of being radicalised or exploited 

• Is in a family circumstance presenting challenges for the child, such as drug and alcohol misuse, adult mental health issues and domestic abuse 

• Is misusing drugs or alcohol themselves 

• Has returned home to their family from care

• Is a privately fostered child (Private fostering occurs when a child under the age of 16 (under 18, if disabled) is provided with care and accommodation by a person who is not a parent, person with parental responsibility for them or a relative in their own home. A child is not privately fostered if the person caring for and accommodating them has done so for less than 28 days and does not intend to do so for longer).

Parental impacts

It is fundamental that wherever a concern is held for a child or vulnerable adult that confidentiality is respected; however. If the concern must involve the parent/carer for safeguarding reasons then it is good practice to work together. Local safeguarding boards will provide advice, when unsure of involvement. 

Safeguarding Children Boards

Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCB) have been set up by the local authority and all have strategic roles to play in protecting children. 

The role of the LSCB is to: coordinate what is done by everyone on the LSCB to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in the area and make sure that each organisation acts effectively when they are doing this.

Procedures for dealing with child abuse may be different in different local authority areas and Elev8 Training Limited  will work with each board accordingly.

In adherence with “Keeping children safe in education, 2021”, Elev8 Training Limited  will obey to all five parts of the legislation which are:

Part 1: Safeguarding information for all staff

Part 2: The management of safeguarding

Part 3: Safer recruitment 

Part 4: Allegations made against teachers and other staff

Part 5: Child on child sexual violence and sexual harassment

Mental Capacity Act

This policy also adheres to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) which provides a statutory framework for individuals who lack capacity to make decisions for themselves or who have the capacity and want to make preparations for the future, should they lack the capacity later in their life. The underpinning concept of the Act is to ensure individuals who lack capacity are the focus of any decisions made, or actions taken on their behalf. It requires an individualistic, person centred approach signifying the interests of the person, not the views or requirements of those caring for and supporting the individual. 

The Act is supported by a Code of Practice; to be used as a guide for those working with and/or supporting young people and adults who may lack the capacity to make certain decisions. All involved within supporting individuals who may lack capacity are to follow the guidance within the Codes of Practice; if the Codes of Practice are not adhered to, staff will be expected to provide justifiable reasoning as to why. This can lead to staff being held accountable for non-compliance in a court of law, tribunal or via an abuse investigation (the Codes of Practice can be located at:

Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Under the MCA, ill treatment or wilful neglect of a person who lacks capacity, is a criminal office. In the result of a conviction; individuals may be served a custodial sentence or be fined.

Apprentice Entitlement 

Apprentices are entitled to:

• The right to make a disclosure to any member of staff and know that the disclosure will be dealt with appropriately in line with our policies and procedures

• The right to process an allegation against a Elev8 Training Limited  representative following the allegation procedure 

• Learn in an environment free from bullying or harassment

• Be made aware of some of the basic principles of safer learning and safeguarding relevant to the programme they are completing

• Be made aware of how to access support on personal issues from within Elev8 Training Limited  or from outside agencies to receive the right help at the right time to address risks and prevent issues escalating

• Be provided with up-to-date information for issues relating to Health and Safety, safeguarding and equality and diversity

• To the opportunity to provide feedback on how they feel Elev8 Training Limited  promotes and maintains wellbeing and personal safety

• Learn about interpersonal and communication skills that promote and establish a welcoming, safe and respectful environment

• Be offered free online training covering radicalisation and extremism, British values, sexual harassment and e-safety.

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) 

Section 11 of the Children Act 2004 places duties on a range of organisations, agencies and individuals to ensure their functions, and any services that they contract out to others, are discharged having regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Chapter 2 of “Working Together 2018” provides that county level and unitary local authorities should have a Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) to be involved in the management and oversight of individual cases. The LADO should provide advice and guidance to Elev8 Training Limited , liaising with the police and other agencies and monitoring the progress of cases to ensure that they are dealt with as quickly as possible, consistent with a thorough and fair process. 

The LADO should be informed within one working day of all allegations that come to Elev8 Training Limited  attention or that are made directly to the police.

The LADO is located within the Local Safeguarding Children Board and should be alerted to all cases in which it is alleged that a person who works with children has:

• Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child

• Possibly committed a criminal offence against children, or related to a child

• Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm to children.

The LADO role applies to any person who works with children in a paid or unpaid capacity, this can be direct staff members, volunteers, casual or agency staff, or anyone self-employed. 

The LADO is responsible for considering concerns, allegations or offences emanating from within or outside of work.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Staff and apprentices are informed about how to stay safe when using the internet and are encouraged to recognise that people are not always who they say they are. Elev8 Training Limited ensures that the safety and welfare of apprentices is paramount and that safeguarding procedures remain effective for those who are receiving remote education and those in self-isolation, as well as those attending face-to-face sessions and that vulnerable apprentices are prioritized for face-to-face education.

Apprentices complete the ETF side by side and modules within the safeguarding curriculum to aid them with awareness and knowledge in regards to these areas. At present, apprentices complete modules on equality and diversity, prevent, nutrition, safeguarding, mental health and sexual harassment in the workplace.

Elev8 Training Limited  always act in the best interest of the apprentices by teaching them about sexual harassment including peer-on-peer abuse and that all harmful sexual behaviour is unacceptable.

This is implemented by ensuring:

• Apprentices complete the safeguarding and sexual harassment E-Learning online courses to keep knowledge and understanding fresh and up-to-date

• The safeguarding team reviewed all e-learning responses from apprentices to identify those that require further support.

• That during learning activities, apprentices are taught about the importance of reporting concerns about sexual harassment and violence and online sexual abuse to their tutor or to the DSL because this kind of behaviour in unacceptable

• It is made clear to apprentices that Elev8 Training Limited guarantees that all concerns are taken seriously and dealt with swiftly, appropriately and in a timely manner, including next steps so that apprentices fully understand what will happen. Elev8 Training Limited  also ensures that any concerns or safeguarding issues are recorded and records are kept up-to-date with the relevant ongoing information. Information is always kept confidential and stored securely.

Elev8 Training Limited  have updated and adapted the curriculum to successfully deliver relationships, sex and health education (RHSE) sessions to ensure that apprentices gain a more thorough knowledge and understanding about healthy relationships, consent and being safe.

Training, Supervision and Support

Once an individual has been recruited, they need to be adequately trained and supervised to ensure that any risks to apprentices are minimised. This aim will be achieved by:

• All staff undertaking basic safeguarding training and continuously updating their awareness of social issues via a robust CPD programme

• All staff are informed about the Safeguarding policy (encompassing child protection), and given the opportunity to discuss its implications for them with both their line manager and/or the Safeguarding team as part of their induction

• Not allowing staff to work alone with a young person somewhere which is isolated or where they cannot be observed. It is acceptable for staff to work alone with a young person where there are visibility panels/ windows in doors 

• Supervising all apprentice activities. All learning activities will be completed by a qualified and eligible member of staff. They should always be trained with the necessary skills and qualifications for the work/ role undertaken. All checks must be cleared before any work with young people is approved

• Where Elev8 Training Limited  arranges a placement for a young person they should never be left unsupervised throughout the duration

• No training or placement is undertaken with young people without written permission of their parents/carers

• Staff should be informed about all policies in relation to the use of technology (such as: computers and mobile phones), and understand that they must not use this technology for the purpose of accessing, producing or distributing any information or violent or sexual images that are harmful to children. This includes adult pornography

• When working with subcontractors ask for information on how the organisation works to protect young people (such as their policy on child protection)

• Through organisational team meetings, and ongoing resources from the DSL, we will ensure that our staff are fully aware of the threats, risks and vulnerabilities that are linked to radicalisation; that they are aware of the process of radicalisation and how this might be identified and are aware of how we can provide support as both an employer and training provider to ensure that our apprentices and staff are resilient and able to resist involvement in radical or extreme activities.

Reporting Procedures and Protocols Protection Procedure

Alerting or raising a concern about abuse means:

• Recognising signs of abuse or ongoing bad practice.

• Responding to a disclosure.

• Reporting a concern, allegation or disclosure.

• Working strictly in accordance with anti-discriminatory practice.

If any of the above applies, remember, you are:

• Not being asked to prove or verify that information is true

• Required to record your concerns and report them to your manager (Only the police have the responsibility to establish whether a criminal offence has been committed) 

You will not be criticised at any point for following this procedure.

If you raise a concern about any organisation or individual and you are acting in good faith, you will be supported regardless of the outcome of the investigation.

Failure to report a concern, allegation or disclosure will be regarded as colluding with the abuse and may result in any or all of the following:

• Criticism of practice

• Disciplinary action

• Suspension

• Dismissal.

Individuals will be expected to co-operate with any investigation and may be required to provide a statement, attend a strategy meeting or a police interview.

In the event of any Safeguarding issues, please contact any the Safeguarding lead:

Joseph England – 07967154016

Email: joe@elev8training.com

DBS Disclosure Policy and Procedure

At Elev8 Training Limited , we adhere to strict government legislation following the procedures as outlined by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) which states: 

• Any person who is barred from working with children and vulnerable adults is breaking the law if they work or volunteer, or try to work or volunteer with those groups. An organisation which knowingly employs someone who is barred to work with these groups will also be breaking the law

• Elev8 Training Limited  abide by the legislative requirements (as stated by DBS) that if we (an organisation) work with children, young people or vulnerable adults and dismiss a member of staff because they have harmed a child, young person or vulnerable adult, or would have done so if they had not left, will by law inform the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

In the instance of a disclosure that does not involve a person barred with said groups the following process will be adhered to: 

• The DSL will be notified immediately

• DSL will  liaise with the MD and hiring manager, to confidentially discuss the issues raised

• The MD/hiring manager/DSL will confidentially discuss with the individual the issues raised.

• A confidential record of discussion will be kept and held securely

• The situation will be monitored on an on-going basis for a reasonable period of time as advised and arranged by the hiring manager

• In the result of an incident in relation to the individual, the staff disciplinary procedure will be implemented by hiring manager to address the incident/issues

• The hiring manager and in consultation with the MD, will be responsible for all matters relating to disclosure issues and any subsequent suspension or termination of contract relating to the individuals(s) employment at Elev8 Training Limited .

Reporting and Dealing with Allegations of Abuse against Members of Staff

At Elev8 Training Limited , we recognise that an allegation of abuse made against a member of staff may be made for a variety of reasons and the facts of the allegation may or may not be true. Therefore, when dealing with an allegation, it is imperative that an open mind is maintained and the investigations are thorough and not subject to delay.

We recognise:

• The welfare of the individual is the paramount concern

• Making hasty or ill-informed decisions in connection with a member of staff can irreparably damage an individual’s reputation, confidence and career. Therefore, those dealing with such allegations within the organisation will do so with sensitivity and will act in a careful, measured way.

• If a member of staff has behaved inappropriately but does not meet the threshold for a referral to the LADO then the SMT will talk to the individual and explain why the behaviour is unacceptable and goes against company policy. The DSL will then retrain staff on company policies and safeguarding to ensure that they have a balanced approach for their apprentices and in their teaching and learning sessions. 

If an allegation is made or there is a concern that a member of staff is abusing an apprentice or another adult, this must be discussed immediately with the DSL.

Receiving an allegation from a child, young person or vulnerable adult

A member of staff who receives an allegation about another member of staff should report the allegation immediately to DSL, who will raise it with SMT, unless the person whom the allegation is made is a member of SMT In this case, the DSL would raise solely and notify the Governance board

The DSL should obtain written details of the allegation from the person who received it; this must be signed and dated. Then written details should be countersigned and dated by the DSL.

Information should be recorded on: times, dates, locations and names of potential witnesses.

Initial Assessment by the DSL

The DSL should make an initial assessment of the allegation, consulting with SMT.

Where the allegation is considered to be either a potential criminal act or indicates that the young person/vulnerable adult has suffered, is suffering or is likely to suffer significant harm, the matter should be reported immediately to the police/social services. 

All allegations against people who work with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults which meet the below specific criteria should be reported within one working day to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): 

• Staff who have behaved in a way that has harmed a child, young person or vulnerable adult

• Staff who have possibly committed a criminal offence related to a child, young person or vulnerable adult

• Staff who have behaved towards a child/children, young person/s and vulnerable adult/s in a way that indicates that they are unsuitable to work with children.

It is important that the DSL does not investigate the allegation. The initial assessment should be on the basis of the information received and is a decision whether or not the allegation warrants further investigation.

Other potential outcomes are: 

• The allegation represents inappropriate behaviour or poor practice by the member of staff and is neither potentially a crime or a cause of significant harm to the child, young person or vulnerable adult. The matter therefore will be addressed in accordance with internal disciplinary procedures.

Enquiries and investigations

Elev8 Training Limited  shall hold its own internal enquiries while the formal police or social services investigations proceed. Any internal enquiries shall conform to the existing staff disciplinary procedures which would be a risk assessment against the harm test. If a member of staff posed a risk of harm to children or young people then the alleged member of staff would be suspended without pay. If the member of staff did not meet the threshold for the harm test then Elev8 Training Limited  would refer to the HR department.  

Elev8 Training Limited  shall hold its own internal enquiries while the formal police or social services investigations proceed. Any internal enquiries shall conform to the existing staff disciplinary procedures.

If there is an investigation by an external agency, for example, the police, the DSL or members of SMT may be involved in and contribute to investigatory discussions. 

The DSL is responsible for ensuring that the organisation provides every assistance with the agency's enquiries. They will ensure that appropriate confidentiality is maintained in connection with the enquiries in the interests of the member of staff about whom the allegation is made. The DSL or member of SMT shall advise the member of staff that they should consult with a representative, for example, a trade union.

Subject to objections from the police or other investigating agency, the DSL (or member of SMT shall):

• Inform the individual making the allegation that the investigation is taking place and what the likely process will involve

• Ensure the parents/carers of the child, young person/vulnerable adult making the allegation have been informed that an allegation has been made and inform of the process involved

• Inform the member of staff against whom the allegation was made of the fact an investigation is taking place and advised what the likely process will involve

• Inform SMT (if this has not been undertaken) of the allegation and the investigation

• Keep a written record of the action taken in connection with the allegation.

Suspensions of staff

Suspensions should not be automatic. In respect of staff, suspension can only be carried out by SMT. 

Suspension may be considered at any stage of the investigation. It is a neutral, not a disciplinary act and shall be on full pay. Consideration should be given to alternatives: e.g. paid leave of absence; agreement to refrain from attending work; change of or withdrawal from specified duties.

Suspensions should only occur for a good reason: For example:

• Where a child, young person/vulnerable adult is at risk

• Where the allegations are potentially sufficiently serious to justify dismissal on the grounds of misconduct

• Where necessary for the good and efficient conduct of the investigation.

If suspension is being considered, the member of staff should be encouraged to seek advice, for example a trade union.

Prior to making the decision to suspend, the SMT should interview the member of staff. This should occur with the approval of the appropriate agency, if the police are engaged in an investigation, the officer in charge of the case should be consulted. 

The member of staff should be advised to seek advice and/or assistance from their trade union (if any) and should be informed that they have the right to be accompanied by a friend/person of their choice.

The member of staff should be informed that an allegation has been made and that consideration is being given to suspension. It should be made clear that the interview is not a formal disciplinary hearing but solely for raising a serious matter which may lead to suspension and further investigation.

During the interview, the member of staff should be provided with as much information as possible, in particular the reasons for any proposed suspension, provided that in doing so, it does not interfere with the investigation into the allegation.

The interview is not intended to establish the member of staff’s innocence or guilt but to provide the opportunity for the member of staff to make representations about possible suspensions. The member of staff should be given the opportunity to consider any information given to them at the meeting and prepare a response

If SMT considers that suspension is necessary, the member of staff shall be informed that they are suspended from duty. Written confirmation of the suspension with reasons shall be despatched as soon as possible, ideally within one working day.

The parents/carers of the child, young person or vulnerable adult making the allegation should be informed of the suspension. They should be asked to treat the information as confidential

SMT/the DSL shall consider carefully and review the decisions as to who is informed of the suspension and investigation. External investigating authorities should be consulted.

The suspended member of staff should be given appropriate support during the period of suspension. They should also be provided with information on progress and developments in the case at regular intervals.

The suspension will remain under review in accordance with internal disciplinary procedures

Disciplinary investigation

The disciplinary investigation will be conducted in accordance with the existing staff disciplinary procedures.

The member of staff will be informed of: 

• The disciplinary charge against them

• Their entitlement to be accompanied or represented by a trade union or a friend.

Where the member of staff has been suspended and no disciplinary action is to be taken, the suspension should be lifted immediately and arrangements made for the member of staff to return to work. It may be appropriate to offer counseling.

The individual making the allegation and /or their parents and carers should be informed of the outcome of the investigation and proceedings. This should occur prior to the return of the member of staff if suspension has occurred.

Consideration to what information should be made available to the general population of the centre will be made by SMT.

Allegations without foundation

False allegations may be indicative of problems of abuse elsewhere. A record should be kept and consideration given for a referral to be made to external safeguarding authorities so they may act upon it.

Further to this: 

• The member of staff against whom the allegation is made is to be informed orally and in writing that no further disciplinary or child protection action will be taken. It may be appropriate to offer counseling

• The parents/carers of the alleged victim are to be informed that the allegation has no foundation and advise of the outcome

• A report is to be prepared outlining the allegation and giving reasons for the conclusion that the allegation had no foundation and confirming the above action has been taken.

Monitoring effectiveness

When an allegation has been made against a member of staff, at the conclusion of the investigation and any disciplinary procedures, consideration will be given to any improvements required in Elev8 Training Limited , including the training needs of staff.

Safeguarding Links:

National Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) www.nspcc.org.uk The NSPCC operates a 24-hour freephone helpline telephone number: 0808 800 5000

Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) www.thecpsu.org.uk

The CPSU The Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) is a partnership between the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), Sport England, Sport Scotland, Sports Council for Northern Ireland and The Sports Council for Wales. The Unit was founded in 2001 to coordinate and support sports organisations' implementation of the 2000 National Action Plan for Child Protection in Sport.

The CPSU's mission is to safeguard the welfare of children and young people under 18 in sport and to promote their well-being.

Local Authority Safeguarding Board for Liverpool 

0151 233 0840

Local Authority Safeguarding Board for Sefton 

0151 233 0846

Local Authority Safeguarding Board for Wirral 

0151 666 5525

Local Authority Safeguarding Board for St Helens 

01744 671 262

Local Authority Safeguarding Board for Knowsley

 0151 443 2600

Local Authority Safeguarding Board for Lancashire (Covering Southport & Ormskirk) 

0177 2536 694

Local Authority Safeguarding Board for Northumberland

 01670 623979

Local Authority Safeguarding Board for Glossop, Derbyshire

 01629 533190

Local Authority Safeguarding Board for Hampshire (Covering Fleet, Bordon & Fareham)

 01962 876364

Local Authority Safeguarding Board for Stockport 

0161 474 5657

Local Authority Safeguarding Board for Manchester

 0161 234 1214

Local Authority Safeguarding Board for Halton (Covering Widnes)

 0151 511 7925

Local Authority Safeguarding Board for Maidstone 

03031 231113

Local Authority Safeguarding Board for Ferndown 

01305 221122

The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) www.acpo.police.uk

ACPO's members are police officers who hold the rank of Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable or Assistant Chief Constable and provide support and leadership as the principal voice of the service.

Every Child Matters www.everychildmatters.gov.uk

Every Child Matters: Change for Children is a new approach to the well-being of children and young people from birth to age 19. The Government's aim is for every child, whatever their background or their circumstances, to have the support they need to:

Be healthy

Stay safe

Enjoy and achieve

Make a positive contribution

Achieve economic well-being

Sport England www.sportengland.org

Sport England is the Government agency responsible for advising, investing in and promoting community sport to create an active nation. Sport England exists to sustain and increase participation in community sport.

Police

The number of your local police station will be listed in your local directory.

Children’s Care Services (formerly Social Services)

The telephone number is usually included in the listing for your local council.

Definitions of abuse 

Abuse: Abuse is a violation of an individual's human and civil rights by any other person or persons: No Secrets (DH/Home Office 2000).

It includes:

• Physical: Is the non-accidental use of force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment and is when someone hurts or harms a child or young person on purpose. 

It includes:

• hitting with hands or objects

• slapping and punching

• kicking

• shaking

• throwing

• poisoning

• burning and scalding

• biting and scratching

• breaking bones

• drowning.

It's important to remember that physical abuse is any way of intentionally causing physical harm to a child or young person. It also includes making up the symptoms of an illness or causing a child to become unwell.

• Emotional or psychological: The intended act of mental or emotional anguish by threat, humiliation, intimidation or other abusive conduct. It may involve serious bullying (including cyberbullying)

• Domestic: Violence or other abuse by one person against another in a domestic setting, such as in marriage or cohabitation 

• Neglect: Includes withholding the necessities of life, such as: food, drink and love and shelter, and exposing them to unacceptable risk

• Self-neglect: A wide range of behaviour; neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour, such as: hoarding. This could be also be an indication into a developing mental health condition

• Sexual abuse: Is any form of non-consensual sexual contact. Sexual abuse can happen to men or women of any age

• Mental Health: Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. Where children have suffered abuse and neglect, or other potentially traumatic adverse childhood experiences, this can have a lasting impact throughout childhood, adolescence and into adulthood. 

• Child Criminal Exploitation:  Some specific forms of CCE can include children being forced or manipulated into transporting drugs or money through county lines, working in cannabis factories, shoplifting or pickpocketing. They can also be forced or manipulated into committing vehicle crime or threatening/committing serious violence to others.

• Child Sexual Exploitation: Is a form of child sexual abuse. Sexual abuse may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing, and touching outside clothing. It may include non-contact activities, such as involving children in the production of sexual images, forcing children to look at sexual images or watch sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways or grooming a child in preparation for abuse including via the internet. CSE can affect any child, who has been coerced into engaging in sexual activities. This includes 16 and 17 year olds who can legally consent to have sex. Some children may not realize they are being exploited e.g. they believe they are in a genuine romantic relationship.

Organisational: Neglect or poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting, such as a hospital or care home

• Financial and material: Improper use of an individual’s funds, property, or resources by another individual

• Radicalisation: Is defined as the process by which people come to support terrorism and extremism and, in some cases, to then participate in terrorist groups

• Extremism: Is vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism, calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas.

• Discriminatory: Forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment because of: race, gender, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion

• Peer on Peer: This is most likely to include, but may not be limited to: bullying (including cyberbullying); physical abuse, such as hitting, kicking, shaking, biting, hair pulling, or otherwise causing physical harm; sexual violence, sexual harassment and harmful sexualised behaviour; sexting (also known as youth produced sexual imagery); and initiation/ violence and rituals.

• Sexual Harassment and Peer-on-Peer Abuse: If anyone has any concerns over an individual regarding sexual violence or sexual harassment, they must report it to the DSL in the first instance, and in the absence of the DSL this will need to be reported to a member of the Safeguarding team.

• When responding to concerns and/or allegations of peer-on-peer abuse (which includes sexual violence and sexual assault), Elev8 Training Limited  will consult the relevant Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) for support and practice guidance. Elev8 Training Limited  adopts a *contextual safeguarding approach in preventing and responding to peer-on-peer abuse, one which focuses on all forms of peer-on-peer abuse and across a range of behaviour.

• Contextual safeguarding is an approach to understanding and responding to children’s experiences of significant harm beyond their families. It recognises that the different relationships that children form in their neighbourhoods, schools and online can feature violence and abuse. Parents and carers have little influence over these contexts, and children’s experiences of extra-familial abuse can undermine parent-child relationships.