Statement of Policy
The University has a duty, both in law and as a responsible organisation, to take reasonable care of children and adults at risk coming onto its premises. The University aims to adopt the highest possible standards and take all reasonable steps in relation to the safety and welfare of children and adults at risk. The University encounters children and adults at risk in a variety of settings, including through its teaching and research activities, as well as through its outreach programs.
The Policy states the University's position on preventing and reducing harm to children and adults at risk when they are in contact with University staff, workers, volunteers, apprentices or students. The policy aims to:
- Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and adults at risk;
- Raise awareness that everyone who comes into contact with children/adults at risk (and their families) has a role to play. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, all practitioners should make sure their approach is centred around the vulnerable individual. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child and/or the adult at risk.
- Provide assurance to parents, carers and other parties that the University takes reasonable steps to manage risks and keep children and adults at risk safe;
- Ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with the necessary information, training and support on safeguarding matters;
- Put in place proportionate safeguards to prevent the employment of individuals in work with children and/or adults at risk where they have been barred by the DBS or are deemed by the University to pose an unacceptable risk to vulnerable groups;
- Ensure that appropriate action is taken in the event of any allegations or suspicions regarding harm to children or adults at risk arising from contact with University staff, students, apprentices or volunteers, whether the harm has taken place on University premises or not.
This policy requires that any suspicions and allegations involving harm to children and/or adults at risk are referred to the designated safeguarding lead, or their deputy, to determine what action, if any, must be taken. This will enable each situation to be investigated thoroughly, whilst treating the parties involved fairly and sensitively. It will also ensure that appropriate steps are taken as a result of any investigations, which may include contacting the police, social services and/or fulfilling the legal duty to refer information to the DBS as required.
The procedure for managing suspicions and allegations aims to strike a balance between the need to protect children and adults at risk from abuse and the need to protect staff, students, apprentices and volunteers from false or unfounded accusations. Any individual who raises a child protection concern will not be subject to any adverse or detrimental treatment.
Please find below a printable version of the policy: