The scope of our Safeguarding and Prevent policy and duties extend to Learners and Clients, Employees and Associates, Customers/Employers, Suppliers, Sub-contractors and External Stakeholders and visitors. By detailing the Safeguarding policy, KB also include the Prevent policy. A concern related to Prevent should be treated in the same way KB should treat a safeguarding concern. This means that any member of the groups is at risk of radicalisation regardless of whether they are classed as vulnerable or at-risk individuals.
Safeguarding is the term that describes the function of protecting all of our learners.
At present we have no learners who under the age of 18.
This includes the following:
It is an important priority and a key responsibility of KnowledgeBrief (KB) and its employees. All suspicions or allegations will be taken seriously. Employees should be aware that the needs of the those at risk are paramount.
Prevent is one element of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy. It aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. The Counter Terrorism and Security Act (2015) has placed a further statutory duty on all training providers to “have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. It also aims to promote British Values which include democracy, rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance.
KB’s mission is to deliver an outstanding experience to its learners and an excellent service to its clients.
As a provider of high-quality education, development, and qualification services, we have a clear duty of care to our clients and learners. As a provider of government funded schemes, we have an obligation to support the ethos and objectives of those schemes. In addition to these requirements, our research-based findings and insight confirm the importance of a psychologically safe environment to deliver high performances. We believe that a safe place for learning is essential for achieving the best possible results in business and in personal development.
For these reasons, the following principles are essential elements of KB’s culture:
What is abuse?
Abuse is any behaviour towards a learner that deliberately or unknowingly causes significant harm, endangers life or violates their rights. Abuse includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial, material, neglect, acts of omission, discriminatory and institutional abuse.
Significant harm is not only ill-treatment (including sexual abuse and forms of ill treatment which are not physical) but also the impairment of, or an avoidable deterioration in, physical or mental health, and the impairment of physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development.
Who is a vulnerable adult?
A vulnerable adult is defined as a person “who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation” (Department of Health 2000).
What is meant by Radicalisation?
Radicalisation is a process which somebody goes through in order to support or become involved in extremist activities or terrorism. An individual’s initial beliefs are not the primary indicator of potential radicalization. Individuals who initially have strong, moderate or no particular opinions can be radicalized. It can be a process that happens online or in meeting people, and their conversations and their opinions are gradually changed over time.
Democracy is the culture built upon freedom and equality where all opinions matter and where all voices and opinions count.
Rule of Law is about agreed rules and responsibilities which are fair and clear to ensure a safe, happy and secure place to live and work.
Individual Liberty involves the protection of your rights and the rights of others you work with.
Respect and Tolerance for all with different faiths and backgrounds and celebrating diversity.
On our KBPro platform we have a technique on British Values and its application in todays business world. When learners join the programme they are asked the read this technique and complete the associated insight question.
These values are exemplified at KB, and all relate with the Equality Act 2010.
Please see APPENDIX A.
A safe learning environment is one:
Occasionally we will use external speakers at our training days. We have an external speaker’s policy which all of our external speakers are required to read and sign.
This policy ensures that:
If an incident occurs where these standards have not been met then we ask that you contact your Skills Coach or the safeguarding team – [email protected] .
If you have a question or concern regarding safeguarding or prevent you can contact your Professional Learning Advisor (PLA) or the KnowledgeBrief safeguarding team: [email protected] .
If you have a question or concern regarding safeguarding or prevent you can contact your Skills Coach or the KnowledgeBrief safeguarding team: [email protected]
If you prefer to reach out to your Skills Coach, that is fine. They will then pass it onto KnowledgeBrief’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
If you yourself are going through a challenging time we can provide you with a number of organisations who may be able to help you. Please contact [email protected] or your Skills Coach.
Our approach is as follows:
KB’s 5 Ps
It is better to act before harm occurs. We help identify and report signs of concern, abuse (verbal or otherwise), radicalisation and extremism, and suspected criminal offences. In all our work, we consider how to make people safer. We prevent issues by utilising the onboarding calls and induction of learners to identify specific needs, safeguarding learner disclosure sheets allowing learners to disclose vulnerability so we can support them through their studies, informing clients and learners about KB Safeguarding services, having a KB Safeguarding area (Support Centre), and Support Teams and ongoing educating and training for KB employees to prevent issues from occurring.
Deliver a proportionate and least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented in order to protect the welfare of any potential vulnerable adult. We discuss with the individual and where appropriate, with partner agencies what to do where there is risk of significant harm before we take a decision. Risks are an element of many situations and should be part of any wider assessment. An appropriate response involves the DSLs, risk assessments, action plans, links with external agencies and intervention strategies.
To provide support and representation for those in greatest need, we have effective ways of assessing and managing risk. Our complaints and reporting arrangements for abuse and suspected criminal offences operate effectively and we promote active dialogue with KB employees. Effective communication and dialogue, identify and report to DSLs, lock away files, storage of sensitive data (pastoral log system/ format).
Finding local solutions through services working with communities. We encourage sharing information locally. Development of links and trust with the community and external agencies, e-bulletin, sharing of information and good practice from partners and KB.
Adopting accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding. The roles of all employees are clear, together with the lines of accountability. Staff are trained to understand what is expected of them and others, and recognise their responsibilities to each other, act upon them and accept collective responsibility for safeguarding arrangements. Have transparency of the DSL’s roles and your roles as KB staff and ensure you all know the correct procedures when raising a safeguarding issue.
KB has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), whose role is to:
All allegations against KB Employees will be immediately investigated by the DSL. If an allegation is made against the DSL then the Chief Executive will conduct the investigation.
KB employees should be aware that the needs of the adult or child at risk are paramount and must always act in the best interests of the adult or child at risk. If in doubt consult the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). Employees should always adhere to the Safeguarding policy and accept training offered to keep updated and informed. KB employees should work together to safeguard those they work with and know how to report a concern through the appropriate KB safeguarding reporting procedures. KB employees should remain aware about extremism and radicalisation threats on a local, national and international scale.
Disclosure of Abuse
Safeguarding has an impact on learners and clients because such issues may affect our clients’ employees – i.e. learners on our courses. Therefore, any issues arising will be handled sensitively and effectively with our customers will value our proactive approach. Learners will be supported with their studies and all KB employees will know how to deal with safeguarding concerns/ issues.
All staff who have substantial access to apprentices have been checked as to their suitability to work. This included verification of their identity and qualifications, satisfactory references, a satisfactory barred list check, an enhanced DBS check, a right to work in the UK check, and additional overseas checks for those who have lived or worked abroad.
Once the DBS checks are complete, the DBS will send a certificate (the DBS certificate) to the applicant. The applicant must show the original DBS certificate to their potential employer before they take up post or as soon as practicable afterwards. Where we allow an individual to start work in regulated activity before the DBS certificate is available, the College ensures that the individual is appropriately supervised and that all other checks, including a separate barred list check, have been completed.
A Single Central Record of employment checks is held by People Management and checked quarterly. The information that is recorded in respect of staff members is whether the following checks have been carried out or certificates obtained, and the date on which each check was completed/certificate obtained:
All individuals will receive an induction into their learning/employment and working environment. KB will make all parties aware of our commitment to equality and diversity, and how to make us aware of any dissatisfaction or concern.
KB will ensure continual Safeguarding training and regular updates from the Safeguarding Team. Regular training and workshops regarding other areas of safeguarding will be organised to ensure that policies and procedures are embedded within the culture and practice of KB.
We recognize that learners cannot be expected to raise concerns in an environment where staff fail to do so.
All staff are aware of their duty to raise concerns about the attitude or actions of colleagues and are regularly reminded of this. Staff are aware how to raise concerns and who to share these with. This is detailed in our Whistleblowing Policy which should be viewed alongside this policy.
Whistleblowing concerns about the CEO or any other senior manager in relation to the abuse of apprentices should be in writing to the Board Director.
Where a staff member feels unable to raise an issue with their employer or feels their genuine concerns are not being addressed, other whistleblowing channels may be open to them.
The NSPCC whistleblowing helpline is available for staff who do not feel able to raise concerns regarding child protection failures internally.
Staff can call: 0800 028 0285 – line is available from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday to Friday and Email: [email protected].
As a blended learning provider, the vast majority of our programme is administered and accessed online by both learners and staff. Therefore, it is important for all parties to understand how to stay safe online.
We recommend reading the NCSC Stay Safe Online Guidance created by the UK government. This detailed guidance and advice, as well as top tips, on how to stay safe online.
How does KB support learners in staying safe online?
| Action | Results |
|---|---|
| Robust safeguarding policy. | Appropriate understanding and steps are taken with online safety by both apprentices, staff and the business more broadly. |
| Visible information, contact and reporting mechanisms on KBProfessional. | Learners can see information whilst online about how to recognise and report any issues. |
| Password protected and ringfenced learning platforms for each client. | Only learners form the specific client can access their individualised URL. |
| Password protected platforms. | No non-learners are able to access the platform. |
| Training sessions: Zoom links are only accessible through the KBProfessional platform. | Only learners with active passwords are able to attend sessions. |
| Training sessions on Zoom have a password and waiting room. | Access is only granted to recognised and registered attendees. |
| Training sessions undertaken and facilitated carefully by KnowledgeBrief staff with appropriate safeguarding training and knowledge. | Learners are guided through the sessions effectively and interactions are facilitated to ensure they are appropriate. |
| Learners are taught about the appropriate way to deal with data security, working from home and professional online interactions in their programme. | This ensures everyone regardless of previous experience understands what is required to keep themselves and others safe online. |
| Online discussion centres on platforms are checked regularly by KnowledgeBrief employees. | Any inappropriate language or sentiment is picked up and removed and relevant action taken with the apprentice. |
| Cyber essentials accredited. | Ensures we are meeting relevant online and data safety. |
Protocol for online meetings and 1:1s with learners to keep everyone safe and interactions professional.
Do:
Don't:
Useful further guidance:
https://www.tes.com/news/coronavirus-10-safeguarding-rules-teachers-home
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/news/2020/march/undertaking-remote-teaching-safely/
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/internet-connected-devices/
Safeguarding Policy
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ofsted-safeguarding-policy
Safeguarding and Radicalisation
Prevent guidance
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance
Keeping Children Safe in Education (2020)
This policy has been remotely approved by our Board and is available on our website.
KB Techniques:
See:
This policy links to the following policies which make up part of the KB Business Process Handbook:
APPENDIX A
|
British Value |
How does KB exemplify these? |
|---|---|
|
Democracy |
Freedom to choose which training days to attend. Learner feedback surveys Learners have freedom to express their thoughts at sessions through open and collective discussions The majority of level 5 learners select their own study units based on preference Discussion boards SCAN publications discussions ILJ flexibility and freedom Curriculum/ resources/ PLA equal opportunity Catered approach for special needs |
|
The Rule of Law |
Safeguarding GDPR Harassment and bullying SEN Health and safety Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Complaints Email privacy policy Conflict of interest policy Social media policy Working at home policy External Speakers Policy and Training day procedures Curriculum- Techniques on the platform |
|
Individual Liberty |
Working at home policy Flexible working SEN adjustments Safeguarding policy |
|
Mutual Respect and Tolerance |
KB employees come from different faiths and backgrounds Learners and clients come from different sectors, abilities, SEN learners are welcome on our programmes Support team assists learners with mental health, learning support needs. |
KB Safeguarding Policy, 01/03/2021, VERSION 1.8