Purpose
The Safeguarding Mechanism establishes the framework through which Welfare Academy protects students, staff, learners, vulnerable adults, apprentices, and associated individuals from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, harassment, radicalisation, discrimination, victimisation, and other safeguarding risks.
Scope
This mechanism applies to students, staff members, tutors, assessors, contractors, placement providers, volunteers, visitors, and third parties engaged with Welfare Academy. It applies to safeguarding concerns arising on institutional premises, online learning environments, placements, institutional events, digital communication, and situations affecting safety or wellbeing.
Institutional Safeguarding Commitment
Welfare Academy is committed to:
• Promoting student welfare and safety
• Protecting individuals from harm and abuse
• Maintaining a trauma-informed safeguarding culture
• Providing accessible safeguarding reporting routes
• Responding promptly to safeguarding concerns
• Supporting vulnerable individuals
• Preventing discrimination and victimisation
Definition of Safeguarding
Safeguarding concerns may include:
• Physical abuse
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse or exploitation
• Domestic abuse
• Bullying or harassment
• Neglect
• Self-harm concerns
• Suicide risk
• Radicalisation concerns
• Financial exploitation
• Online abuse or grooming
• Coercive control
• Modern slavery concerns
• Substance misuse creating safeguarding risk
Safeguarding Principles
The institution shall operate according to the following safeguarding principles:
• Protection from harm
• Early intervention
• Prevention
• Inclusion and equality
• Student-centred support
• Trauma-informed practice
• Confidentiality
• Accountability
• Respect and dignity
Safeguarding Reporting Channels
Student Welfare and Safeguarding Email:
support@welfarehs.co.uk
Safeguarding Contact Number:
020 3983 0282
WhatsApp Welfare and Safeguarding Reporting:
020 3983 0282
Anonymous and third-party safeguarding reports may also be accepted where appropriate.
Immediate Safeguarding Risk and Emergency Response
Emergency Services – 999
Police Non-Emergency – 101
NHS Support – NHS 111
Local Authority Safeguarding Teams where required
Immediate safeguarding action shall take priority where life or safety is at risk.
Safeguarding Structure and Responsibilities
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Oversight of safeguarding concerns
• Risk management
• External safeguarding referrals
• Serious incident management
Student Welfare Team
• Welfare support coordination
• Referral management
• Follow-up monitoring
Tutors and Assessors
• Recognise safeguarding indicators
• Escalate concerns immediately
• Maintain confidentiality appropriately
Safeguarding Risk Assessment
All safeguarding concerns shall be risk assessed.
Risk Levels:
• Low Risk – Welfare concern requiring monitoring
• Medium Risk – Significant safeguarding concern
• High Risk – Serious risk of harm
• Critical Risk – Immediate danger to life or safety
Safeguarding Response Procedure
Stage 1 — Initial Disclosure or Concern
• Listen calmly and appropriately
• Record factual information only
• Assess immediate risk indicators
Stage 2 — Safeguarding Review
• Conduct risk assessment
• Determine safeguarding actions
• Consider referral obligations
Stage 3 — Intervention and Support
• Welfare support
• Safety planning
• Academic adjustments
• External referrals
• Emergency intervention
Prevent Duty
Concerns involving radicalisation vulnerability or extremist influence shall be managed in accordance with the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 and applicable Prevent Duty guidance.
Vulnerable Adults
Additional safeguarding considerations shall apply where students are identified as vulnerable adults. Safeguarding interventions shall consider principles associated with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 where relevant.
Online and Digital Safeguarding
Digital safeguarding risks may include:
• Cyberbullying
• Online harassment
• Grooming
• Exploitative communication
• Radicalising material
• Online stalking
• Misuse of institutional systems
Confidentiality and Information Sharing
Safeguarding information shall be managed in accordance with:
• UK GDPR
• Data Protection Act 2018
• Safeguarding obligations
Confidentiality may be overridden where there is risk to life, safeguarding concerns, or legal obligations requiring disclosure.
Equality, Inclusion, and Non-Discrimination
This mechanism operates in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. Safeguarding support shall be inclusive, accessible, non-discriminatory, and trauma-informed.
Staff Training
Relevant staff shall receive safeguarding training including:
• Safeguarding awareness
• Prevent Duty awareness
• Mental health awareness
• Suicide awareness
• Trauma-informed practice
• Online safeguarding
• Confidentiality and GDPR
Documentation and Record Keeping
All safeguarding concerns, risk assessments, actions taken, referrals, safeguarding interventions, and follow-up actions shall be securely documented and maintained with restricted access.
Out-of-Hours Safeguarding Support
Students requiring urgent support outside operational hours shall be directed to:
• Emergency Services – 999
• Police Non-Emergency – 101
• NHS 111
• Samaritans – 116 123
Governance and Compliance
This mechanism shall be reviewed annually and aligned with:
• Office for Students expectations
• Equality Act 2010
• Data Protection Act 2018
• Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015
• UK GDPR
• Prevent Duty guidance
• Safeguarding legislation