Ref Number: FXU-BOT-216
Board of Trustees Meeting: 15/01/2016(reviewed April 2017)
Confidentiality: Not confidential
Title of document: Safeguarding Policy
Submitted by: Hanna Brixton
Action Required – For Approval
Document / Safeguarding Policy and Procedure – StudentsVersion / Version b
Subject to Approval By / FXU Board
Approved / January 2016(reviewed April 2017)
Subject to review / No more than 2 years
Next review Date / January 2018
Signed
Introduction
FXU is committed to supporting and promoting the welfare of its students and staff and to the promotion of a positive student experience. The Universities are also committed to seeking to ensure that students who are children are in a safe environment. The Universities admit a small number of students each year who are under 18 years of age on entry and recognises that there are times when its students may be defined as vulnerable adults (see definition at section 2.1).
FXU also recognises that within the course of its activities its students and staff may come into contact with children or vulnerable adults who are not members of the University, e.g. in respect of undertaking volunteering or sporting activities.
FXU wishes to ensure that it maintains the highest possible standards to meet its social, moral and legal responsibilities to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and vulnerable adults with whom the FXU’s work brings it into contact. FXU is committed to promoting good practice in relation to safeguarding.
In the management of its community, the discharge of its functions, and in implementing this Policy and Procedure, FXU will remain mindful of its duty of care and other legal obligations such as those it owes under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Data Protection Act 1998, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, the Equality Act 2010 and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012.
This Policy and Procedure is designed to assist FXU to achieve the commitments set out above and to take reasonable steps to safeguard those who are vulnerable and who come into contact with FXU. It aims to provide clear guidelines and procedures for identifying risks, reporting concerns and ensuring that appropriate action is taken.
Examples of areas where FXU may have contact with children or vulnerable adults include (this is not an exhaustive list):
•Officer support of students
•Summer schools, school visits, and other open day events
•Volunteering or widening participation activities taking place on or off campus
•Taking part in sports activities or societies as part of a club.
•Children accompanying student parents to work.
•Other social activities at the University.
This Policy and Procedure sets out how FXU will deal with safeguarding issues and the type of action that the FXU may take to manage matters and provide support. Examples of the type of situations which will result in FXU implementing this Policy and Procedure may include where:
•a child or adult raises an allegation of abuse or harm or other inappropriate behaviour;
•there are suspicions or indicators that a child or adult is being abused or harmed or is at risk of abuse or harm;
•there are observable changes in a child or adult’s behaviour or appearance that may indicate abuse or harm or risk thereof;
•a concern is raised that an individual presents a risk of abuse or harm towards a child or adult, e.g. in relation to criminal convictions or downloading or possession of inappropriate images;
•concerns regarding signs or behaviours which may suggest a risk of abuse or risk of harm.
FXU will take all safeguarding concerns including suspicions and allegations of abuse or harm seriously and will report concerns promptly (see section below).
FXU and Falmouth University has processes in place to check the suitability of staff whose duties and responsibilities involve regular contact or supervision of children. Both are committed to seeking to ensure that appropriate suitability checks are carried out in relation to staff, including criminal record checks and other checks where appropriate.
FXU staff dealing with students who are children or vulnerable adults, will consider what support may be offered to them both from within the University (for example, FX Plus Student Support Services) and externally (for example, directing or referring students to local GPs or mental health services). These students will be encouraged to seek support and will be reminded of the services provided by FX Plus through Student Support Services.
Scope
For the purposes of this Policy and Procedure FXU defines a vulnerable adult as a person aged 18 or over who is, or may be, in need of 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, abuse or exploitation. The focus is on the activities required by the adult and not on the setting in which the activity is received, nor the personal characteristics or circumstances of the adult.
For the purposes of this Policy and Procedure FXU defines a child as a person who is under the age of 18 (“Child”). The fact that a Child has reached 16 years of age, is living independently and is in Higher Education does not change his or her status for the purpose of this Policy and Procedure.
For the purposes of this Policy and Procedure the term “FXU” is deemed not to include the Universities or FX Plus. However, the Universities, FX Plus and the Students’ Union are committed to working together and sharing information in order to safeguard the interests and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults, e.g. in relation to individuals and activities with student societies and volunteering.
Designated Safeguarding Officers
The FXU CEO is the Safeguarding Officer for FXU only. FX Plus have their own Designated Safeguarding Officers.
Student Support Services responsibilities generally include:
•Undertaking relevant training in safeguarding procedures and ensure that their knowledge is kept up to date;
•Acting as a point of contact for those who have safeguarding concerns, receiving information and recording those concerns;
•Acting upon concerns as appropriate in the circumstances, e.g. by making external referrals to Social Services or Police;
For more, information visit:
•
•Penryn Campus – in the Tremough House Annexe, Level 1
•Falmouth Campus – The Hub
•Call on 01326 370460 (Penryn) or 01326 213735 (Falmouth)
•Email at
Dealing with Safeguarding Concerns
It is the remit of Social Services and/or the Police and not anyone connected with the FXU to investigate safeguarding concerns. Safeguarding concerns may include concerns regarding a child or an adult’s welfare, health or safety, or concerns that the child or adult is being abused or harmed or is at risk of abuse or harm (“safeguarding concerns”). Further detail of the types of abuse or harm that may be experienced is set out at Appendix 2.
If a child or adult raises a safeguarding concern, e.g. that they are being abused or harmed, or any individual raises such a concern, thematter should be reported to the Student Support Services team without delay. If in any doubt as to whether a safeguarding concern should be reported, a report should be made to the Student Support Services team in any event. Some useful advice is set out in Appendix 4. For more information please read HELPING VULNERABLE AND DISTRESSED STUDENTS
If any student or member of staff other than the Safeguarding Officer makes a referral to Social Services or the Police, then they must notify the Safeguarding Officer and Student Support Services that a referral has been made as soon as reasonably practicable.
Dealing with matters where students are considered to pose a safeguarding risk
FXU will not investigate allegations of abuse but will report them to Student Support Services team, Social Services or the Police. Circumstances may arise in which FXU is concerned that registered students may pose a risk to the welfare, health and/or safety of children or vulnerable adults. A formal written record of all referrals to Student Support Services, Social Services or the Police must be kept and stored securely with the FXU Advice Team.
Confidentiality
As a general guide FXU will not disclose personal information about students to anyone outside the University without the express permission of the student. In exceptional circumstances, it may be deemed necessary and appropriate to breach confidentiality. This will only occur when it is believed that there is a serious risk of harm posed to the individual or other person(s). For more information, a copy of our confidentiality policy is available on request.
Training
All staff and students whose roles and responsibilities include regular contact with children or adults who are potentially vulnerable will receive regular training and guidance appropriate to their role.
Supporting Staff
Dealing with a safeguarding issue can sometimes be difficult to cope with, Falmouth University also provides its employees and FXU staff with the opportunity to access staff counselling and support completely confidentially and free of charge.The service is provided by Relate through two local offices in St Austell and Truro. The service offers help to staff that may be experiencing difficult and stressful problems whether in their personal or professional lives. If you are not on a Falmouth contract, or the Relate option is not suitable for yourneeds we are able to offer other providers depending on your needs so we would recommend looking at each of them below to make an informed decision on which one you think would suit your needs best.
Relate Procedure
The University provides its employees with the opportunity to access the counselling services of Relate completely confidentially and free of charge.
Relate may wish to establish that you are an employee of the University by asking to see some form of identification.
Relate offer a confidential service. The University is informed only of the number of staff attending, how many sessions and whether the issue is work, home or both. This is done for invoicing and statistical purposes.
Staff can contact Relate via or on 01726 74128.
Alternatively, we have a couple of other options specifically for FXU contracted staff but Falmouth contracted staff are also welcome to try these if they prefer the services over Relate.
Outlook SW
Outlook SW provide counselling services across the South West. These include: one-to-one sessions, group therapy, telephone or online therapy. To find out more about how they can help you, click on the Our Therapies section of their website.
To start getting help from their services, you can register by clicking on the Register Online page.
Alternatively, you can call for an appointment on 01208 871905
Another option may be:
Private therapists
If you do not think one of the options above is suitable for your needs and would like to explore the option of FXU funding private counsellor sessions, then please speak to a member of SMT.
Review of Policy and Procedure
The FXU CEO is responsible for overseeing and updating this Policy and Procedure particularly with respect
to the legal obligations and other external requirements. In the event of no external changes, this Policy and Procedure will be reviewed initially after no more than 2 years of operation and thereafter every two years.
Appendix 1 - Guidance for Staff Working with Students Under the Age of 18 Years
All staff that have one-to-one contact with students who are under the age of 18 should adhere to the following guidance to ensure safety both for themselves and the young person.
General Guidelines
Respect all individuals whatever their age.
Place the safety and wellbeing of the young person first. It must be placed before any personal or organisational goals and before loyalty to friends and colleagues.
Form appropriate relationships with young people. These should be based on mutual trust and respect.
Be aware of the relative powerlessness of young people compared to staff members.
Be committed to actively preventing the exploitation and abuse of children and young people.
Guidelines for working students under the age of 18 years
Officers and general staff should conduct meetings with the student either with another staff member present or in an open environment (e.g. leave the office door open and do not hold meetings when lone working). Advisors may be exempt from this but only to provide a confidential advice service as part of their normal duties.
If staff have a concern about a student which specifically relates to the age of an under 18 year old student, they can contact the Head of Student Support Services and/or refer to the Safeguarding Policy and Procedure.
FXU staff should follow guidance on signposting, consultation and referral to appropriate services if they have concerns about individual students.
If physical contact is necessary, e.g. for demonstration purposes, ensure it takes place only with the full consent of the student and that its purpose is clear.
Do not use touch as a form of communication, even to comfort a student who is distressed.
Consider implications of transporting students in your own vehicle, offer alternatives when possible so the student travels with peers.
Consider your expected behaviour in certain situations and what might be considered unacceptable, e.g. sexually suggestive comments, inappropriate language.
Be mindful that it is a criminal offence for any person in a position of trust to engage in sexual activity with someone who is under 18.
Remember that it is not legal for students who are under 18 to buy alcohol, and that it would not be appropriate to offer them alcohol. Planning and organisation of events involving students should take this into account.
Appendix 2 - Types of Abuse or Harm that may be experienced by a Child or Adult who is Vulnerable
Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons and may result in significant harm to, or exploitation of, the person subjected to the abuse. The following list is an example of the types of abuse or harm children or adults may encounter (this list is not exhaustive):
•Physical abuse or violence, including hitting, shaking, throwing, slapping, pushing, kicking, poisoning or the giving or supply of illegal drugs, misuse of medication, burning, scalding, drowning, suffocating, restraint or otherwise causing physical harm, or inappropriate sanctions.
•Sexual abuse, including grooming, rape and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the child or adult has not consented, or could not consent or was pressured into consenting; the activities may be physical or non-physical for example involving children or adults in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images.
•Psychological abuse, including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks.
•Financial abuse, including theft, fraud, exploitation, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.
•Physical or emotional neglect and acts of omission, including ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to protect a child or adult from physical or emotional danger or to ensure adequate supervision, failure to provide access to social care health, or educational services, the withholding of necessities such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating, and benefits.
•Discriminatory abuse, including racist, sexist, faith, and ageist abuse based on a person’s disability, and other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment.
•Internet/electronic abuse, the use of modern communication technologies (e.g. internet, text or video messaging, e-mail, chatrooms, social media networking sites) to embarrass, humiliate, threaten, intimidate or bully an individual in an attempt to gain power and control over them.
•Radicalisation is a process by which an individual or group comes to adopt increasingly extreme political, social, or religious ideals and aspirations that (1) reject or undermine the status quo or (2) reject and/or undermine contemporary ideas and expressions of freedom of choice. For example, radicalism can originate from a broad social consensus against progressive changes in society. Radicalisation can be both violent and nonviolent.
It is important to note that abuse can:
•Consist of a single act or repeated acts;
•Be intentional or unintentional or result from a lack of knowledge;
•Be an act of neglect, an omission or a failure to act;
•Cause harm temporarily or over a period of time;
•Occur in any relationship;
•Be perpetrated by anyone, individually or as part of a group or organisation;
•Often constitute a crime, i.e. physical, sexual abuse, e.g. downloading or using pornographic images of children and/or storing them on University computers or equipment.
The following may indicate that abuse is taking place (this list is not exhaustive):
•Unexplained or suspicious injuries, particularly if such an injury is unlikely to have occurred accidentally;
•An injury for which the adult’s or carer’s explanation appears inconsistent;
•The adult describes an abusive act or situation;
•Unexplained changes in behaviour;
•The display of inappropriate behaviour (sexual or otherwise);
•Apparent mistrust of others;
•The adult appears increasingly unkempt.
Appendix 3 - Safeguarding Concern Form
Name of child/vulnerable adult:Date of birth (of child): / Gender: (M/F)
The vulnerable adult’s account:
Time, location, date or other relevant information:
Description of any visible bruising or other injuries:
Any other observations/information:
Action taken:
Name (print): / Signed:
Position: / Date:
Please continue onto another page if necessary, ensuring it is securely attached to the safety concern form. Please pass this form to Student Support Services to action.
Appendix 4
The following list of useful dos and don’ts is based on those included in the Safeguarding Children: Guidance for English Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) – Department for Innovation Universities and Skills (December 2007)
If a child or adult discloses that they are experiencing abuse or harm or if there are suspicions a child or adult is at risk of abuse or harm consider the following:
DO / DO NOTBe supportive / Panic
Take what the child or vulnerable adult says seriously / Delay
Remain calm / Promise to keep secrets.
Reassure them that it was right to tell someone / Ask leading questions
Use language they understand / Ask them to repeat the story unnecessarily.
Explain what will happen next, i.e. that disclosure of relevant information may need to be made to the Designated Safeguarding Officer / Express any opinions about what you are told.
Write down verbatim immediately afterwards what was said, including the time, place and any other observations: sign and date the record. / Discuss the disclosure with anyone other than the Designated Safeguarding Officer and other relevant personnel.
Pass the report to the Student Support Services / Start to investigate.
Remember that you may need support. Seek advice and support for yourself from the FXU Advice team to Student Support Services.