Adult Safeguarding and Prevent Policy 2025/26

Hull Training and Adult Education has a responsibility to safeguard all learners and adults entrusted to its care. The learner’s welfare is paramount, and Hull Training and Adult Education puts the learner at the heart of everything that we do.

This policy ensures that safeguarding concerns and referrals will be handled sensitively, professionally and in ways that support the needs of the learner. It aims to make explicit the service’s commitment to the development of good practice and sound internal service procedures.

The policy provides a clear direction to staff and learners about expected codes of behaviour in dealing with safeguarding adult issues.

Adults Only - 18+

Policy Statement

Hull Training and Adult Education is committed to safeguarding adults’ rights to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. This policy applies to all learners aged 18 and over.

Hull Training and Adult Education also maintains a separate Child Protection Policy for learners under 18, aligned with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and relevant legislation.

This policy applies to all adults (18+) engaging with Hull Training and Adult Education, including learners, apprentices, visitors, and staff. It covers concerns relating to abuse, neglect, exploitation, self-neglect, and other safeguarding risks.

Who is this policy for?

This policy is for all Hull Training and Adult Education staff and providers.

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding is about protecting the health, well-being, and human rights of individuals. These measures allow children, young people, and adults at risk to live free from abuse, harm and neglect.

Definitions

Adult at risk

A person aged 18 or over with care and support needs who may be unable to protect themselves.

Child

Anyone under 18. Post-16 learners aged 16 to 17 are protected under child safeguarding frameworks. See Hull Training and Adult Education Child Safeguarding Policy for further guidance/information.

Purpose of this policy

This policy aims to provide a clear framework for all staff within Hull Training and Adult Education to ensure that all policies, procedures, and practices relating to safeguarding are consistent. These guidelines and procedures are designed to -

  • Prevent the abuse and mistreatment of adults
  • Promote increased awareness and recognition of the issues surrounding the abuse and mistreatment of
  • Ensure that safeguarding and welfare are at the heart of planning and delivery
  • To support the development of a proactive team of experienced, trained safeguarding DSL/DDSL’S with strong links to external partners and agencies.

Hull Training and Adult Education will update this document annually as a minimum, but as safeguarding issues emerge and evolve, including lessons learned. This document is available publicly.

Hull Training and Adult Education takes the disclosure of abuse, in any form, seriously and never dismisses allegations of abuse. An allegation of abuse or neglect may lead to a criminal investigation. Decisions by staff as to whether to report concerns of abuse/mistreatment are not a matter of individual conscience but are considered a professional duty.

All suspected or alleged abuse should be reported immediately to Hull Training and Adult Education DSL via the Hull Training and Adult Education safeguarding reporting procedure

Hull Training and Adult Education Designated Safeguarding Officers

The DSLs have overall responsibility for safeguarding within Hull Training and Adult Education. However, all staff must be aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse.

Steps must be taken to ensure the immediate safety of those involved. Some adults at risk may reveal abuse by talking, drawing attention to physical signs or displaying certain gestures/actions. This may be their only means of communication. Concerns may be reported by third parties and should be acted upon. Any member of staff who has a concern regarding an adult at risk, however insignificant this might appear to be, has a duty of care to act by immediate referral to the designated safeguarding officer.

Links to other documents

The following documents and websites should be read and used in conjunction with this policy -

  • Hull Training and Adult Education Safeguarding Policy 2526
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
  • The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015
  • Hull City Council Whistleblowing Policy and Procedure Hull City Council Grievance Policy and Procedure
  • Hull City Council Disciplinary policy.docx
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 Action Counters Terrorism (ACT)
  • Care Act 2014 - Section 42
  • Care Act 2014 Part 1: Factsheets Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
  • Domestic Violence Crime and Victims Act 2004, Fraud Act 2006
  • Mental Capacity Act 2005 PREVENT - channel duty guidance Sexual Offences Act 2003
  • County Lines Toolkit for Professionals
  • Female Genital Mutilation - mandatory reporting, procedural information
  • Forced Marriage - information and practice guidelines for professionals
  • Gaining access to an adult suspected to be at risk of neglect or abuse: a guide for social workers and their managers in England
  • Handling cases of forced marriage
  • How to use legal powers to safeguard highly vulnerable dependent drinkers
  • Human Trafficking Foundation - trafficking survivor emergency support fund
  • Prevent Radicalisation and Extremism by Acting Early
  • Liberty Protection Safeguards Resources
  • Local Government Association - Safeguarding Resources
  • Understanding what constitutes a safeguarding concern and how to support effective outcomes.
  • Working together to safeguard children - GOV.UK

The Guiding Principles and Values of This Policy

It is every learner’s right to live free from abuse in accordance with the principals of respect, dignity, autonomy, privacy and equality.

The policy is applicable to all client groups whether living in a domestic setting, care home, social services or health setting or any community setting.

The policy and guidance are based upon commitment to equal opportunities and practice in respect of race, culture, religion, disability, gender, age or sexual orientation.

Who is a learner?

The term ‘learner’, for the purpose of this policy, covers Hull Training and Adult Education learners who study at Hull Training and Adult Education centres, online or at any outreach and community centres. The policy also covers those learners who are on a work placement as part of their course, Apprenticeships and Work Based Learning learners. It also covers learners on taster programs.

Who is an Adult at Risk?

An Adult (a person aged 18 or over) who is or may need community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of themselves or to take steps to protect themselves from significant harm or exploitation.

In accordance with Section 42 of The Care Act 2014 it is important to obtain the views and wishes of the Adult when deciding how, if and what action should be taken. The Policy recognises that interpersonal relationships are complex and that an adult may exhibit ambivalence and be unclear and unrealistic about their personal circumstances.

Section 42 Enquiries

A Section 42 enquiry is the local authority’s duty to make enquiries, or cause others to do so, when -

  • The adult is 18 or over
  • Has care and support needs
  • Is experiencing, or at risk of abuse or neglect
  • As a result of those needs, they are unable to protect themselves

In accordance with The Children Act 1989, and therefore in accordance with the law, Hull Training and Adult Education regards any young person below the age of 18 as a child.

What is Abuse?

Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons. It may occur because of a failure to undertake action or appropriate tasks. It may be an act of neglect or an omission to act, or it may occur where an adult at risk is persuaded to either enter a financial or sexual transaction to which they have not, or cannot, consent. Abuse can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm to, or exploitation of, the individual.

Domestic abuse can encompass a wide range of behaviours and may be a single incident or a pattern of incidents. That abuse can be, but is not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or emotional. Children can be victims of domestic abuse.

They may see, hear, or experience the effects of abuse at home and/or suffer domestic abuse in their own intimate relationships (teenage relationship abuse). All of which can have a detrimental and long-term impact on children’s health, well-being, development and ability to learn.

Elder abuse is often defined as a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an elder (Action on Elder Abuse definition. Abuse may be a single act or repeated over a period.

Significant harm and serious exploitation are defined as any ill treatment that leads to the impairment of or avoidable deterioration in the individual’s physical or mental health; intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development. It may occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm to, or serious exploitation of, the person concerned.

If a member of staff finds themselves the subject of inappropriate affection or attention from a learner, member of staff or adult at risk, they should discuss this with their line manager and designated safeguarding lead immediately.

Duty of Care

The DSLs will identify the appropriate next steps and keep in contact with the adult at risk to ensure that the duty of care is fulfilled.

Designated safeguarding officers will support -

  • Parents or carers with young children at risk of harm
  • Any group or individuals presenting violent or extreme ideologies
  • Individuals in abusive or inappropriate relationships
  • Any form of abuse or neglect. This would include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation, neglect and coercive control
  • Any form of grooming (in person, online, by phone, etc.)
  • Any form of harassment
  • Any form of bullying, including cyber-bullying
  • Individuals who are self-harming or at-risk to self or others (mental health)
  • Individuals who have disclosed being a victim of upskirting
  • Individuals who may have committed a crime
  • Any form of exploitation, including sexual, financial, and criminal exploitation
  • Individuals who may be experiencing homelessness or are seeking refuge
  • Any form of victimisation and prejudice due to race, gender, sexuality, faith and belief or disability
  • Any form of substance / alcohol or drug misuse
  • Concerns linked to eating disorders
  • Honour-based violence, which will also include female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage
  • Sexual violence and sexual harassment between any person, under-18 learners and the court system or with family members in prison
  • Criminal exploitation such as county lines
  • Learners under 18 at-risk of homelessness
  • Learners at-risk through sections 2 or 3 of the Mental Health Act
  • Will put in place any additional safeguarding systems to support the vulnerabilities of any learner with SEND disabilities
  • The prevention of radicalisation or the prevention of people being drawn into terrorism (PREVENT)

Legal Framework

The Care Act 2014 placed a duty of care on local authorities and organisations to investigate situations where an adult or child is at risk of significant harm. Organisations have a legal obligation to work with investigating agencies acting on behalf of adults at risk.

The responsibility for making sure appropriate arrangements are in place lies with the Hull Training and Adult Education governing board. Staff members are responsible for carrying out their duties in compliance with the arrangements set out by the board. Hull Training and Adult Education is not an investigative agency. Investigations are led by local authority Social Services or other agencies with statutory powers.

Hull Training and Adult Education Safeguarding Policy

These guidelines and procedures are designed to -

  • Prevent the abuse and mistreatment of apprentices, adults, children, elderly learners, and learners with specific learning disabilities
  • Promote increased awareness and recognition of the issues surrounding the abuse and mistreatment of adults and children
  • Ensure that all staff working within Hull Training and Adult Education understand their responsibility to protect adults at risk from harm whenever they can do so
  • Enable staff to be aware of the possible signs and symptoms of abuse, such as unexplained bruising or injuries, a history of unexplained falls or minor injuries, unexplained changes in demeanour and behaviour, social withdrawal and isolation, uncharacteristic aggression or manipulation, poor physical condition, fearfulness and anxiety, loss of esteem
  • Ensure that when abuse/mistreatment is suspected, appropriate action is taken to safeguard learners from further harm and exploitation
  • Ensure that allegations about abuse/mistreatment are investigated thoroughly, efficiently, and consistently
  • Respect the rights of all people to live their chosen lifestyle with privacy, dignity, independence, choice, and fulfilment

Procedures, Practice and Responsibilities

Where it is believed that a learner is suffering from, or is at risk of, significant harm, we will follow the procedures set out in the Hull and East Riding Safeguarding Adult Protection Policies.

Their responsibility is to respond to safeguarding situations, concerns and queries as they arise. They will ensure that information is accurately recorded and stored, facilitate inter-agency liaison to seek advice and ensure Hull Training and Adult Education staff have access to the most current and relevant information.

The DSL will support all Hull Training and Adult Education staff in fulfilling their duties within the Safeguarding Agenda. This will specifically include supporting relevant, regular training for staff and ensuring new members of staff are made fully aware of their duties to Safeguarding and that they are aware of the Hull Training and Adult Education Safeguarding Policy and Guidance. Hull Training and

Adult Education staff will also be informed at Induction.

Confidentiality

A Disclosure is a term used when someone is reporting a suspicion of abuse. To this policy, confidentiality does not mean secrecy, and it is essential that the person making the disclosure be informed as soon as possible that the information given will be passed on to someone who may take a course of action. Disclosure may take place many years after the event for several reasons. This delay should not cast doubt on its truthfulness.

There may be some anxieties about legal or ethical restrictions on sharing information, particularly with other agencies. Managers should be aware of the law and should comply with codes of conduct or other guidance available to professional bodies. These rarely provide an absolute barrier to disclosure. Everyone should be prepared to exercise judgment and a duty of care. Failure to pass on information, which might have prevented a tragedy, could result in criticism both of individuals and organisations.

If a person does not wish for a course of action to be taken, whilst respecting their wishes, there is also a duty to report any concerns. Each set of circumstances should be assessed individually, as a referral may still need to be made to ensure that other adults and/or children are protected from harm.

A decision about whether to disclose information may be particularly difficult if it is considered that disclosure may damage a patient/client/learner relationship. Wherever possible, agreement should be sought from the person concerned and an explanation given should it be decided to act against a person’s wishes. Consideration of the wider issues of protection and safety of other adults and/or children may necessitate the sharing of information on a ’need to know’ basis.

Race, Ethnicity and Culture

All staff should be aware of prejudices to avoid perpetuating racial and cultural stereotypes and therefore avoid being diverted from safeguarding the adult.

All staff must be aware of differing models of family life that can vary according to race, culture, religion, class, ability and community. Each offers its own way of meeting a learner’s needs, has its own strengths, and must be respected in all aspects of safeguarding.

All staff must adopt an anti-discriminatory approach in safeguarding. Adopting an antidiscriminatory perspective in safeguarding does not mean legal issues or procedures should be undermined or ignored.

All staff should always support and promote British values. Hull Training and Adult Education is tolerant of all learners, staff and others regardless of their beliefs and faiths.

Attendance

Hull Training and Adult Education recognises that attendance is key to learners’ attainment, but can also be an early indication of safeguarding concerns. Therefore, staff will continue to monitor attendance closely, flag any concerns regarding attendance with line managers, and keep accurate records with the expectation of high levels of attendance from all learners in accordance with the Attendance Monitoring Policy.

Preventing Extremism and Radicalisation

Hull Training and Adult Education Senior Managers and Tutors will work to protect learners from radicalisation and extremism by example. Hull Training and Adult Education recognises that extremism and exposure to extremist materials and influences can lead to poor outcomes for learners and should be addressed as a safeguarding concern. It also recognises that failure to challenge extremist views would be failing to protect learners and staff. Staff will respond swiftly where learners are vulnerable to these issues.

Education is a powerful weapon against extremism, equipping learners with the knowledge, skills and critical thinking to challenge and debate in an informed way. Therefore, Hull Training and Adult Education aims to provide and support a broad and balanced programme, delivered by skilled professionals, so that our learners are enriched, understand and become tolerant of difference and diversity.

This allows the learner to thrive, feel valued and not marginalised. Senior Management and Tutors engage in high-quality Prevent Duty Training to develop vigilance, confidence and competency to challenge learners’ views and encourage debate.

This strategy aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It contains three key objectives -

  • Ideology - challenging the ideology that supports terrorism and those who promote it
  • Individuals - protecting people from being drawn into terrorism and ensuring that they are given appropriate advice and support
  • Institutions - supporting sectors and institutions where there are risks of radicalisation

What is the Prevent Duty?

The Prevent Duty is covered under Section 26 of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 and places a duty on certain bodies, including independent learning providers, to give “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.” What is Extremism?

The Government has defined extremism in the Prevent Duty as “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.” Extremism can be violent and non-violent.

For further information on Prevent Duty, please refer to -

  • Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015
  • Prevent Duty Guidance 2015
  • Guidance for further education providers on work-based learners and the Prevent statutory duty

Freedom of Speech

Freedom of Speech is recognised as a human right under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It means learners in an educational environment can enjoy healthy debate while developing respect and knowledge.

Radicalisation: Prevent and the Channel Panel

The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a legal duty on specified authorities to have "due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism". Prevent is about safeguarding people and communities from the threat of terrorism and is one of the four elements of CONTEST, the Government’s counterterrorism strategy. It aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism by -

  • Responding to the ideological challenge we face from terrorism and aspects of extremism, and the threat we face from those who promote these views
  • Providing practical help to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure they are given appropriate advice and support
  • Working with a wide range of sectors (including education, criminal justice, faith, charities, health) where there are risks of radicalisation that we need to deal with

Prevent covers all forms of terrorism and extremism and some aspects of non-violent extremism. The Home Office works with local authorities, a wide range of government departments, and community organisations to deliver the Prevent Strategy. The police also play a significant role in Prevent, in much the same way as they do when taking a preventative approach to other crimes.

Prevent uses a range of measures to challenge extremism, including -

  • Supporting people who are at risk of being drawn into terrorist or extremist activity through the Channel process
  • Working with and supporting community groups and social enterprise projects that provide services and support to vulnerable people
  • Working with faith groups and institutions to assist them in providing support and guidance to people who may be vulnerable
  • Supporting local schools, local industry and partner agencies through engagement, advice and training

Hull City Council Prevent Board/Channel

The channel provides support to those who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism. The overall aim is to provide early intervention to help and divert people away from the risk they may face. The process is a multi-agency approach with a wide range of agencies and local partners working together to provide support for individuals.

Channel works by partners jointly assessing the nature and the extent of the risk and, where necessary, providing an appropriate support package tailored to the individual’s needs.

The three key stages of Channel are -

  • Identify individuals at risk of being drawn into terrorism
  • Assess the nature and extent of that risk
  • Develop the most appropriate support plan for the individuals concerned

Assessing the nature and extent of the risk

Where necessary, referring cases to a multi-agency panel for development of the most appropriate support package to divert and support the individual at risk.

How do you identify those at risk?

Referrals come from those who have concerns about individuals who may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism.

Who makes the referrals?

Referrals can come from a wide range of individuals and partners and could include youth offending teams, social services, health, police, education and local communities. Hull Training and Adult Education, designated safeguarding lead, may make referrals.

Who sits on the multi-agency panel?

The panel is designed to work in the same way as other multi-agency structures that are used to safeguard individuals at risk - from drugs, knife and gun crime, gangs, etc. The panel is chaired by the local authority and consists of statutory partners and the Channel coordinator.

What kind of support is provided through Channel?

Examples of support provided could include mentoring, diversionary activities such as sport, and signposting to mainstream services such as education, employment or housing. Support is always tailored to the specific needs of the individual following assessment by the multi-agency panel.

If I refer an individual to Prevent, will this be traceable through checks in the future?

The Prevent referral system does not criminalise people for holding extreme views. It does not result in the person referred having a criminal record through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), formerly known as the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).

A crime will only be recorded if the individual has committed an actual crime that falls within the criminal justice system or under the Counter Terrorism Act. It operates as an early intervention process to protect from radicalisation with appropriate support.

Prevent and freedom of speech

The Counter Terrorism and Security Act acknowledges that, alongside the Prevent Duty, a specified authority must have particular regard to the duty to ensure freedom of speech.

It is important, especially in educational establishments, that enough time is provided for discussion, debate and respectful exchange of views around Prevent and extremism.

Everyone is entitled to their own political view or opinion, but no one should enforce one view over that of others.

Prevent and equality and diversity

The Prevent Duty states that action taken under the duty 'must not involve any covert activity against people or communities' and therefore individuals are to have due regard, as identified under the Public Sector Equality Duty, to the need to -

  • eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation
  • foster good relations between people who share differing views

The promotion of equality and diversity and British values is at the heart of the Prevent Duty. It should be demonstrated through all its practices in tackling any instances of discrimination and being alert to potential risks from radicalisation and extremism.

Run, Hide and Tell

The National Counter Terrorism Security Office publish advice and guidance to the public on the steps they can take to keep themselves safe in the rare event of a firearms or terrorist attack.

A short public information video called ‘Stay Safe: Firearms and Weapons Attack’, which sets out the key options for keeping safe should the worst happen. It advises those caught in an incident to "run, hide and tell" - guidance which can be applied in any place.

Physical Contact Code of Practice

Physical intervention should only be used when a learner is endangering themselves or others. Such events should be recorded on CPOMS, alerting the DSL.

Once a safeguarding concern has been identified, it may be necessary to complete a risk assessment. The DSL will provide appropriate support.

A learner, parent or observer may misconstrue physical contact, however well-intentioned. As a general principle, staff must not make gratuitous physical contact with their learners.

Physical contact may be a necessary part of teaching some learners, for example, those with profound and multiple difficulties. Staff should be aware of the limits within such contact.

There may be occasions where a distressed adult at risk needs comfort and reassurance, such as a carer would give. Staff should use their discretion in such cases to ensure that what is normal and natural does not become unnecessary and unjustified contact.

Allegations against a Member of Staff

Hull Training and Adult Education staff should take care not to place themselves in a vulnerable position in relation to safeguarding.

Any concerns that involve allegations against any member of staff should be referred immediately to the Hull Training and Adult Education Head of Service. This includes low-level concerns.

A low-level concern does not mean it is insignificant. A concern is any concern, no matter how small, that an adult working on behalf of Hull Training and Adult Education may have acted in a way that -

  • Is inconsistent with Hull Training and Adult Education Employee Code of Conduct, including inappropriate conduct outside of work
  • And does not meet the harm threshold or is otherwise not serious enough to consider a referral to Adult Safeguarding Partnership

Examples of such behaviour could include, but are not limited to -

  • being overly friendly with learners
  • having favourites
  • taking photographs of learners on their mobile phones
  • engaging with a one-to-one basis in a secluded area, or behind a closed door
  • humiliating learners

All staff should note that failure to report a concern about the conduct of a member of staff that could place a young person, elderly person or adult at risk could result in serious disciplinary action. When in doubt, consult a Hull Training and Adult Education DSL.

Allegations against outside organisations or individuals

Where an allegation is received relating to an incident that happens when an organisation or individual is using Hull Training and Adult Education premises for the purposes of running activities for young people, the Service will follow this policy and procedure.

Safe Recruitment Practice

Hull Training and Adult Education follows the safe recruitment procedures as laid down by Hull City Council. This includes conducting online searches of shortlisted applicants. This relates to specific guidance and training for safer recruitment, focusing on deterring unsuitable candidates for roles with vulnerable groups by using robust procedures like comprehensive application scrutiny, value-based recruitment, thorough reference checks (from senior staff), and ensuring interview panels have undertaken training in safe selection, all aimed at creating a safe environment and adhering to legal requirements.

Where to Find More Information

Hull City Council Staff Portal: Look for resources on their Learning and Development pages or internal policies for detailed procedures.

IT Usage

Hull Training and Adult Education IT usage is monitored, and websites are restricted in line with Hull City Council ICT policy and procedure and Hull Training and Adult Education e-Safety and Cyber Security Policies. The Hull Training and Adult Education Designated Safeguarding Lead has lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection and will investigate any concerns regarding online safety with the support of the IT Development Lead and the Hull Training and Adult Education/HCC ICT Department. All online safety concerns must be reported to a Designated Safeguarding Officer and recorded on CPOMS.

Staff will engage in annual online safety awareness training and ensure that online safety concepts are embedded into learning to ensure learners develop knowledge, behaviour and skills to keep themselves safe. This includes embedding elements of the four Cs associated with online safety -

  • Content - exposure to illegal, inappropriate, or harmful material. For example, pornography, fake news, misogyny, self-harm, suicide, racist or radical and extremist views
  • Contact - subject to harmful online interaction with other users. For example, commercial advertising and adults posing as children or young adults with the intention to groom or exploit them for sexual, criminal, financial or other purposes
  • Conduct - personal online behaviour that increases the likelihood of, or causes, harm. For example, making, sending and receiving explicit images, or online bullying
  • Commerce - risks such as online gambling, inappropriate advertising, phishing and or financial scams. Furthermore, staff will support learners to develop the skills to recognise misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy theories
  • Misinformation - is where false or misleading information is shared without intent to harm
  • Disinformation - false or misleading information is shared with the intention to deceive, obtain economic or political gain, cause harm or create polarisation
  • Conspiracy theories - the belief that events are being manipulated with negative intent, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (2022)

When learners or apprentices are loaned digital equipment to access learning, they must agree to an Acceptable Use Agreement.

Safeguarding Procedures - Guidance for Hull Training and Adult Education Staff

This Guidance has been devised to complement existing guidance to Hull Training and Adult Education staff.

What to do if someone makes a disclosure or report to you -

  • Stay calm
  • Listen
  • Take it seriously
  • Try not to show shock
  • Do not judge
  • Explain that you will need to share information
  • Confirm their version of events
  • Ask the person what they want to do
  • Reassure them and report to the appropriate person: Hull Training and Adult Education Designated Safeguarding Lead

What to do if you suspect abuse -

  • Always talk to the person in a safe and private space
  • Listen but be careful not to ask leading questions
  • Find out what the person wants to do
  • Do not discuss the subject with or challenge the alleged abuser
  • Do not repeatedly ask the victim to keep repeating the information given at disclosure as this is the responsibility of the investigating team.
  • Do not touch or tamper with any item that could be used in future evidence, particularly forensic evidence, even with the best intentions.
  • Remember, it is not your responsibility to handle the situation on your own. You only need to ask the following four questions:
  • What happened?
  • Where did it happen?
  • Who was involved/who was there?
  • When did it happen?

It is the Responsibility of the DSLs to Ask Further Questions

No attempts must be made to question the alleged perpetrator, the alleged victim, or any other witnesses other than to establish basic facts and to confirm that abuse may have occurred.

Discuss the situation with Hull Training and Adult Education DSL so a referral can be made as soon as possible. Do not commence your own investigation unless guided to do so by the social services agency, police or by a multi-agency planning meeting (in which you may be in attendance).

Recording allegations, incident and/or suspicion of abuse

You must record any incidents or suspicions of abuse. You must accurately record your conversation with the person who made the allegation or incident of possible abuse. If it is you who has witnessed an incident you suspect may constitute abuse, you must accurately record the facts following the Hull Training and Adult Education Safeguarding record-keeping guidance.

What to do if abuse is witnessed or is suspected

All those involved in the care of learners must provide appropriate care and support to prevent abuse from happening. If, however, there are concerns about abuse, it is essential to take steps to stop the abuse and prevent it from happening again.

  • Steps must be taken, if necessary, to ensure the immediate safety of the victim(s)
  • Concerns for a young person or adult at risk or elderly persons need to be disclosed and discussed with a Safeguarding Officer immediately. As soon as abuse is suspected or reported, this should be discussed with Hull Training and Adult Education DSL. This includes low-level concerns
  • If you believe your line manager is implicated in the suspected abuse, you may consult the police, social services or relevant regulatory authorities and discuss your concerns with them. You must discuss with Hull Training and Adult Education Head of Service in the first instance
  • Consider any complaints from service users or their family, as these may be regarded as disclosures of alleged abuse
  • Preserve forensic evidence - do not clean up or destroy evidence
  • Any discussions with DSL/DDSL’s will be recorded

Every staff member and volunteer in all agencies and services has a professional and moral duty to report any witnessed or suspected abuse to their line manager or to Social Services.

Referral

This includes family, formal or informal carers, social work and health professionals, volunteers and managers and staff in private and voluntary agencies, including care workers.

Referrals will be made via the Hull City Council website and the East Riding Council website.

It is your responsibility to ensure action is taken to ensure the adult’s welfare, even if others disagree with you.

Remember: Should you wish to talk through your concerns at any point, contact the Hull Training and Adult Education Designated Lead for Safeguarding. Contact details can be found at the end of the policy.

Throughout the whole process, document your discussions, who you spoke to, including the date and time, and clearly record the actions agreed.

Store all safeguarding information on the Hull Training and Adult Education reporting system, CPOMS.

Records should use clear, straightforward language, avoiding departmental abbreviations. They should be concise and factual, but also differentiate between opinion, judgment, and hypothesis. Any decisions made should be recorded, and the reasons for doing so should be clear.

In an emergency, contact the relevant emergency service directly.

A referral should be made when it is considered that an adult at risk has needs which cannot be met solely by the services or resources available within Hull Training and Adult Education, and where, following an assessment of the situation, it is believed coordinated intervention is required to promote, safeguard or protect the welfare of the learner.

The basic details that staff have a duty to record are vital to the information gathering process and do not constitute an investigation. It is essential that at the end of this process, everyone involved is clear as to whether a referral to social services is made. All referrals will be monitored and followed up on by the DSL.

Promotion and Engagement

The policy is shared with all staff.

  • Within the learner handbook, learners and apprentices have information on Safeguarding and Prevent, and the contact details of the DSL and other contact details of support services if they have concerns
  • The policy is published on the Hull Training and Adult Education website
  • Safeguarding, British Values and Prevent are discussed at apprentice and employer review meetings and in training and development
  • New staff are briefed on this policy and its implementation, and trained in Safeguarding and Prevent during induction
  • All Hull Training and Adult Education staff complete Prevent Terrorism e-learning
  • This policy is updated in response to changes in legislation, and existing staff are re-briefed on this policy and its implementation, and re-trained in Safeguarding and Prevent every three years
  • Training is monitored through the HCC learning and development dashboard and within the Performance and Development Review process
  • Staff with teaching and learning responsibilities are trained in embedding Safeguarding and Prevent into their practice and the content of their delivery with learners and apprentices
  • Safeguarding information and what to do if you have a Safeguarding concern are provided on noticeboards in each classroom
  • All learners, apprentices and staff are provided with the opportunity to develop their skills and confidence and to deal with Safeguarding and Prevent issues in a professional manner
  • Staff complete and observe internal training and events in line with organisational policies
  • Learners/apprentices complete British Values and Prevent training as part of their curriculum
  • Hull Training and Adult Education ensures that staff are aware of the issues of Safeguarding and Prevent, and other learners affected by Safeguarding concerns
  • Learners/apprentices are briefed on this policy and how to raise a related issue, and are trained in British Values and Prevent during induction

Appendix

Designated Person Safeguarding Roles and Responsibilities The Hull Training and Adult Education Designated Persons for Safeguarding will -

  • Make themselves available to colleagues wherever practical to discuss any concerns or queries, or to offer support before, during and after a Safeguarding Protection issue
  • Act as a conduit of information for Hull Training and Adult Education, and will direct their colleagues to those agencies that can offer the most appropriate advice
  • Be responsible for advising on the procedures for Safeguarding that are to be followed. The Designated Person is not responsible either for action taken by a colleague or for undertaking action on a colleague’s behalf, unless by prior agreement
  • Ensure, along with Hull Training and Adult Education Senior Managers, that they have the relevant level of training and that all information, guidance, and training is current and timely
  • Place Safeguarding as a standing Item on the agenda at all Hull Training and Adult Education management meetings
  • Circulate any relevant information to the Hull Training and Adult Education senior management team and governance board
  • Take advice, if necessary, from outside agencies to enable them to support colleagues competently and confidently
  • Will support colleagues to ensure all information of a safeguarding nature is stored securely and in compliance with Hull Training and Adult Education policy
  • Will keep colleagues up to date and share good practice on Safeguarding issues
  • Once a safeguarding concern has been identified, it may be necessary to complete and store a risk assessment. The DSL will support the manager/tutor/staff to do this

Record Keeping

Any information of a safeguarding nature needs to be recorded and stored securely in line with guidance Safeguarding record keeping update 2526.docx. This is to ensure work is accountable and focused. It is also an important part of multi-agency working and continuity when individual workers are unavailable or change.

Records are also an essential part of evidence for any investigations or inquiries. Staff always need to be aware that records may also be disclosed in court proceedings.

CPOMS is used to store the records of any Safeguarding incidents. Any subsequent documentation, such as referral forms, reports or minutes of meetings, must also be stored here. Notes following discussions with the Designated Lead or other agencies should also be included.

If necessary, the Hull Training and Adult Education Designated Safeguarding Officer will agree a timescale for a follow-up discussion with colleagues following a Safeguarding discussion. That date should be recorded and noted on CPOMS to act as an aide memoire.

At all times, staff should be aware that anything they write may be seen by parents, carers, learners and other agencies and or used as evidence in court. Therefore, information must be factual. Any expression of opinion must be clearly recorded as such and justifiable.

The Hull Training and Adult Education Designated Person for Safeguarding will support colleagues to ensure all information of a Safeguarding nature is stored securely and in line with Hull Training and Adult Education policy.

Distance Learning

Hull Training and Adult Education is committed to providing a high-quality and safe experience to our learners through distance learning. While guidelines about course design and structure, monitoring the quality of teaching and learning, staff and learner support and learner engagement are currently under development. There is an expectation that -

  • Learning materials are of a high standard, relate to the intended course learning outcomes and are inclusive, current and accessible to distance learners
  • Learning materials used, including pictures and videos, comply with copyright restrictions
  • Where possible, complex ideas are presented in more than one format and/or approach to support different learning styles
  • Activities consolidate learning and contribute to learners’ wider skills development
  • Further relevant reading and development opportunities are signposted
  • Tutors are mindful that not all learners will be able to afford or use the required technology
  • Learners and tutors must be mindful of what can be seen in the background when using webcams, and all must be appropriately dressed

Staying Safe Online

Staff and learners are recommended to read the advice and information for families and individuals on the National Cyber Security Centre website. This includes top tips for staying safe online and how to protect your data and devices. Staff must complete online safety training annually and embed online safety into lesson delivery to support learners stay safe in the classroom and beyond.

Learners

Learners are reminded that tutors are unable to provide individual live learning through online platforms. Learners must not record live classes, events, demonstrations or meetings.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Hull Training and Adult Education must ensure that it can demonstrate full compliance with the principles of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). All staff are required to be familiar with GDPR Data Protection. Any data breach or suspected data breach must be referred immediately to the HCC Information Governance Team.

Safeguarding - e-Safety Policy

This policy is intended for all Hull Training and Adult Education staff who work with learners and apprentices within Hull Training and Adult Education, whether paid or voluntary. It is also for tutors to raise their awareness of the issues around electronic communications that could affect their learners.

Rationale

As social media, mobile phones, emails and the internet are all efficient and easily accessible, we believe that it is important that safeguards are put in place by the Hull Training and Adult Education to ensure safety and accountability. Communications via electronic means should be professional and separate from private communications.

Vulnerable people often find it easier to communicate electronically rather than face-to-face, which could give them a false sense of security, and they could overshare more than if talking in person. As abusers know this, they often start with electronic communications to bully, groom or lure into an unprotected face-to-face meeting.

Hull Training and Adult Education is aware of these issues as part of safeguarding, and this policy has been adapted from KCSIE guidance to ensure that those who supervise and work with all learners (adults, Supported Learners and apprentices) know what to do or not do and to hold themselves accountable.

Potential Issues Cyberbullying

Bullying can now happen via text, social media and email. Tutors should be alert to the signs that this could be happening to any learner or vulnerable adult. The Learner could -

  • Become withdrawn, anxious, and diminishing in confidence
  • Become aggressive, abusive, disruptive or unreasonable
  • Change their routine
  • Start to bully others
  • Be afraid/reluctant to use the internet or mobile phone
  • Be nervous or ‘jumpy’ when a cyber-message is received

Texting

This is one of the most used methods of communication, but it is difficult to monitor. Tutors using this method of communication must be accountable for what is said.

  • Ideally, a work mobile phone should be used or messages sent via the Terms, Hull Training and Adult Education management information system
  • Texts should only be sent to learners within the hours of 8am to 6pm
  • All texts should be kept - nothing should be deleted - to provide clarity
  • Tutors should be aware that they might be asked to allow Hull Training and Adult Education Safeguarding Officer to see their texts to/from a learner on - whether this is on a work mobile phone or on their own personal phone - this is also to provide accountability
  • Where possible, send group texts or emails, rather than to individuals

Sexting

This has been defined as “the creating, sharing and forwarding of sexually suggestive nude, or nearly nude, images” (Lenhart 2009). So, this is taking a sexually explicit image and/or text and sharing it via a mobile phone with others.

Making, possessing or distributing an indecent image of a child (under 18) is a crime.

It is easy to distribute sexually explicit content using smartphones, the internet or social media. It is illegal, and it is seen as committing a criminal offence to -

  • make an indecent image of a child (themselves)
  • possess an indecent image of a child
  • distribute an indecent image of a child

Tutors and staff also need to be aware of other dangers and problems that can follow on from consensual and non-consensual sharing of nude and semi-nude images and/or videos:

Once sent, they have no control over further distribution of the images. They can be the target of cyberbullying.

They can be the subject of grooming by a sexual predator.

This can lead to serious mental health issues caused by fear of what might happen, leading to depression, self-harm and contemplating suicide.

Increased risk of sextortion, where intimate images and videos are recorded and used for financial exploitation and coercion.

It is important to be aware that technology can be used as a tool to facilitate domestic abuse, for example, coercive control, cyberstalking and threatening to share intimate images. Staff should recognise that the sharing of consensual and non-consensual images could be a safeguarding issue, and report concerns to a designated safeguarding officer.

Social media

These are online tools used to communicate and engage with other people, including -

  • Writing or commenting on blogs
  • Micro-blogging or vlogging
  • Personal profile pages on networking sites (LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+, Google Meet, Zoom, etc.)
  • Using specifically designed Apps (Snapchat, WhatsApp, Messenger, etc.)
  • Reviews of products or services on retailer sites/customer review sites
  • Taking part in online votes, polls or surveys
  • Taking part in conversations on both public and private web forums (message boards)
  • If staff use social media, great care must be taken to avoid crossing boundaries into the private lives of tutors or members of staff from Hull Training and Adult Education Council
  • Do not take or post images without the express written consent of the learner/staff/member of the public/carer, or care home. Unless explicit permission is given in writing for a particular purpose, do not share these on public forums. The learner must be happy to have the image posted and have the mental capacity to understand the consequences of this action
  • Ensure that privacy settings allow only approved friends (i.e., members of the group) to message or add people as a friend - these should also be members of the group
  • If WhatsApp is used to communicate with a group of learners, the Safeguarding Officer or Programme Manager should be included as a member of the group to ensure accountability

Visiting Speakers

We often welcome speakers from our wider communities into our Centres to speak to learners. This enriches their experience of learning, providing them with information that can help them to -

  • make decisions at different phases of their education
  • remain safe and gain a wider understanding of cultural, world and global issues
  • provide motivational inspiration through the sharing of a speaker’s experience

Our responsibility to our learners is to ensure that the information they receive aligns with the values of Hull Training and Adult Education and with British Values, which include democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

The ‘PREVENT’ statutory guidance (The Prevent Duty: Departmental advice for schools and childcare providers, DfE, June 2015) requires schools and colleges to have clear protocols for ensuring that any visiting speakers to the Service are suitable and appropriately supervised.

A risk assessment in accordance with the Visiting Speaker Policy must be undertaken and approved beforehand. For further information, please read the Hull Training and Adult Education Visiting Speaker and Organisation Policy.

External support agencies to address a range of needs include -

  • Housing
  • Substance use
  • Mental Health
  • Domestic violence and abuse
  • Anti-social behaviour
  • Modern Slavery
  • Female genital mutilation
  • Counter terrorism and security
  • Physical abuse
  • Psychological/emotional abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Self-neglect
  • Exploitation, including sexual, criminal and county lines
  • Forced marriage
  • Honour-based violence
  • Breast ironing
  • Prevent
  • Mental capacity

Principles

Hull Training and Adult Education follows the six principles of adult safeguarding under the Care Act: Empowerment, Prevention, Proportionality, Protection, Partnership, and Accountability.

Key Risks

Adults may face various safeguarding risks, including -

  • Domestic abuse
  • Financial exploitation, financial irregularities
  • Self-neglect
  • Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
  • Discriminatory abuse
  • Organisational abuse, unsafe organisational practices
  • Modern slavery
  • Radicalisation and extremism
  • Online abuse and cybercrime
  • Unexplained injuries
  • Fearfulness or withdrawal
  • Poor hygiene or hoarding
  • Isolation or intimidation
  • Signs of coercive control

Hull Training and Adult Education DSL/Centre DDSL’S will make any necessary external agency referrals.

Hull Training and Adult Education Safeguarding Reporting Procedure

Follow this procedure for any safeguarding concerns. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.

  1. Recognise and Respond - Ensure safety, listen, reassure, do not promise confidentiality. Follow Hull Training and Adult Education safeguarding reporting procedures
  2. Record - Write a factual account (who, what, when, where, exact words)
  3. Report - Inform DSL or Deputy DSL the same day using Hull Training and Adult Education Safeguarding reporting system, CPOMS. DSL Triage: DSL assesses risk and decides next steps; DSL assesses risk, consent, and capacity.
  4. Refer - DSL refers to Hull Adult Social Care (Section 42) or Children’s Social Care/MASH (Section 47) and police if needed.
  5. Follow-up - Maintain secure records and update CPOMS safeguarding log.
  6. Support - Offer pastoral care, advocacy, and signpost services.
  7. Review - Check safeguarding plan effectiveness and capture lessons learned. Maintain confidentiality and accurate records.

Quick Reference Flow

  1. Immediate danger
  2. Call 999
  3. Concern identified
  4. Ensure safety
  5. Record facts
  6. Inform DSL
  7. DSL triage
  8. Refer to Adult Social Care or Children’s Social Care
  9. Safeguarding plan
  10. Review and closure

Key local contacts

Emergencies -

  • In an emergency, call 999
  • Police
    • Emergency call 999
    • Non-emergency call 101
  • East Riding Adult Social Care - 01482 396 940
  • email - ersab@eastriding.gov.uk
  • Hull Adult Social Care - 01482 616 092
  • email - adultsafeguarding@hullcc.gov.uk
  • Hull Children’s Social Care/MASH: 01482 448 879

Designated Safeguarding Persons contact details

THE Hull Training and Adult Education Designated Persons for Safeguarding are -

  • Safeguarding Governor: Shirley Sloan
  • HR Governor: Sandra Humble
  • Head of Service: Louise Clubley
  • Hull Training and Adult Education Designated Safeguarding Lead: Vanessa Drax

Hull Training and Adult Education Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads -

  • The Avenues
    • Christine Jewitt
    • Sian Ward
    • Lee Crossland
  • Craven Park (BCD)
    • Lisa Shepherdson
  • TEC Engineering Centre
    • Natalie Gibson
    • Bev Johns
  • Construction Centre
    • Christine Jewitt
    • Lee Crossland
  • Freedom Centre, Preston Road
    • Donna Ackroyd