Safeguarding children and adults at risk
We are committed to providing a safe environment for all children and ‘at risk’ or vulnerable adults who are encountered through our teaching, research, outreach, access and other activities.
Our Safeguarding policy and procedures are designed to guide the University in its statutory and moral obligation to safeguard children and ‘at risk’/vulnerable adults who come into contact with the University community, and the staff working with children and ‘at risk’/vulnerable adults, to ensure there are clear guidelines and procedures for identifying risk and reporting concerns.
Guidance notes have also been produced to give staff, students and volunteers further information to carry out specific activities where safeguarding has particular application.
Key considerations
Safeguarding is the action that is taken to protect children (under 18 years) and adults at risk (because they are receiving care or other services – see policy for definition) from harm including abuse and maltreatment.
If you work with children (under 18) or adults at risk please ensure:
- You have read the policy, relevant guidance and completed relevant training - you need to be familiar with the Safeguarding policy and complete relevant training.
- A Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) is appointed and completes relevant training - if your area of work involves children or adults at work, you must ensure a DSO is nominated and completes the relevant training.
- Record and report any concerns - there is a duty to record and report any concerns about children and adults at risk. Doing nothing is not an option but you do not need to do this alone and can obtain advice from the relevant Designated Officer as well as the University Principle and Lead Safeguarding Officers who are listed in the policy
- Check if you require a DBS check - some staff and volunteers regularly working with children or adults at risk may need to have a police check (DBS check) - please check the policy and consult with Human Resources.
- Always act appropriately - staff, students and contractors should take steps to ensure that they do not accidentally put themselves in a position where an allegation of abuse or neglect can be made against them and must always act in an appropriate manner towards children and adults at risk with whom they come into contact. This includes appropriate behaviour in relation to physical contact, sexually suggestive comments and social media. Further guidance can be found in the Safeguarding policy.
We take all safeguarding concerns including suspicions and allegations of exploitation, harm or abuse (including radicalisation) seriously and will report concerns promptly.
Our Safeguarding Policy
If you have any queries in regard to the guidance found on this page or the linked documents, please contact Compliance and Risk