Safeguarding, Prevent and AntiRadicalisation Policy
Policy Owner: Sue Gomer
Implementation Date 25/01/2021
Last Review Date 18/09/2023
Reviewer Sue Gomer
Next Review Date September 24
Current Version Number 1
SECTION A
We all have a statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of our learners and to maintain a professional attitude of “it could happen here” where safeguarding is concerned. Logistica Training & Consultancy is committed to safeguarding learners and promoting children’s welfare and expects all staff, governors, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment and maintain a vigilant and safe environment. Everyone has a responsibility to act without delay to protect learners by reporting anything that might suggest a child (or adult) is being abused or neglected. It is our willingness to work safely and challenge inappropriate behaviours that underpins this commitment, ensuring our approach is child-centered. Logistica Training & Consultancy seeks to work in partnership with families and other agencies to improve the outcomes for children who are vulnerable or in need.
All staff are encouraged to report any concerns that they have and not see these as insignificant. On occasions, a referral is justified by a single incident such as an injury or disclosure of abuse. More often however, concerns accumulate over a period of time and are evidenced by building up a picture of harm over time; this is particularly true in cases of emotional abuse and neglect. In these circumstances, it is crucial that staff record and pass on concerns in accordance with this policy to allow the Designated Safeguarding Lead to build up a picture and access support for the child at the earliest opportunity.
We maintain a professional attitude of “it could happen here” where safeguarding is concerned. When there are concerns about the welfare of a learner, staff members will always act in the best interests of the learner. This policy has been developed in-conjunction with our culture of prevention, protection and support and will be linked with all our policies e.g. anti-bullying, online safety, health and safety, anti-radicalisation.
We will continue to maintain an ethos where learners feel secure, are encouraged to talk, are listened to and feel safe. Learners at Logistica Training & Consultancy are encouraged to talk freely with any staff member, if they are worried or concerned about something. This includes any learners we are responsible for under subcontracting arrangements.
Additional online and e-safety guidance can also be found in the ICT Acceptable Use policy that is updated on an annual basis and shared with staff and learners via the relevant padlet, it is also available on the company CRM system for staff.
Sub-contractors undergo annual due diligence to ensure they have the necessary policies in place and contractually are obliged to meet all the necessary requirements including staff training.
Introduction
The aim of this policy is to clarify Logistica Training & Consultancy role in the safeguarding and protection of children and young people and adults at risk and to promote their welfare. The purpose is to bring about better outcomes for all learners by facilitating open communication channels and clear accountability in interagency working arrangements. By implementing the policy it will help all learners achieve the below outcomes:
• Are committed – developing a robust culture of vigilance
• Build resilience – raising awareness of safeguarding and child protection issues, and equipping children & young people (and adults) with the language and skills to keep themselves safe. An effective safeguarding curriculum is ran alongside the apprenticeship standards to ensure learners are fully aware of key safeguarding concerns and how to gain support if required
• Establish a safe environment – in which children & young people (and adults) can work and learn and develop within an ethos of openness and are taught to treat each other with respect, to feel safe, to have a voice and are listened to
• Support vulnerable learners – supporting learners who have been abused, have witnessed violence towards others or may be vulnerable to abuse
• Prevent unsuitable people – from working with children & young people by ensuring we practice safe recruitment in checking the suitability of staff and volunteers to work with our children. And to maintain an active vigilance thereafter
• Make a positive contribution – know and understand how to ensure those around our learners and in their care are safeguarded and how to report if there are concerns
This policy applies to the entire Logistica Training & Consultancy caseload including all young people aged 13-18 and vulnerable adults, who form part of our statutory responsibilities, specifically those young people who have a physical, sensory or learning disability. Throughout this document the generic phrase learners will be used where possible. Where the phrase “Child” or “Child Protection Procedure” applies these will also apply to Adults at risk. We recognise that any learner could potentially be a victim of abuse.
The aim is to follow the procedures set out by, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 by:
• Knowing that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners is everyone’s responsibility, and the voice of the learner is evident
• Protecting our learners from maltreatment
• Establishing a safe environment in which our learners can learn and develop within an ethos of openness
• Preventing impairment of our learner’s health or development
• Ensuring young people at Logistica Training & Consultancy grow up in circumstances consistent with the provisions of safe and effective care
• Learners experience a balanced curriculum including PHSE, healthy relationship education, online and digital safety
• Offering learners a balanced curriculum through online activities, enabling learners to know how to keep themselves safe, whilst understanding the risks
• Understanding that no single professional can have the full picture of a learner’s needs and circumstances. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their family has a role to play in identifying concerns, sharing information and taking prompt action
• Undertaking the role so as to enable learners at Logistica Training & Consultancy to have best outcomes
• Ensuring as a provider we have a clear understanding of our staff’s knowledge and understanding, and embedding safeguarding through clear systems of communication and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) so that safeguarding is a robust element of our provision
This policy provides guidance to all adults working within the business, whether paid or voluntary or directly employed by Logistica Training & Consultancy or a third party.
• This policy is available on our website & within the resources section on our eportfolio and is available on request from Sue Gomer, sue.gomer@kstraininggroup.com• We also inform learners about this policy when they enrol in learning
• This policy will be reviewed in full by the Board on an annual basis or sooner should legislation/guidance change
• This policy sets out how Logistica Training & Consultancy discharges its statutory responsibilities relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners. Our policy applies to all staff; paid and unpaid
• The policy is provided to all staff (including freelance, temporary staff and volunteers) at induction, alongside our Staff code of conduct. In addition, all staff are provided with Part One & Annex A of Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022
• All new staff receive a safeguarding induction with the Safeguarding Lead and all staff have to complete the necessary mandatory training, this also includes a knowledge refresh assessment of the KCSiE updated policy requirements, via The Safeguarding Network
The revised interagency guidance is based on: (all links preserved — clickable when pasted into Elementor with auto-link recognition)
Keeping Children Safe in Education – updated September 2023
Inspecting Safeguarding in Early Years Education and Skills Settings – updated 23/07/2021
Sexual violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges – updated September 2021
Prevent Duty Guidance – updated 01/04/2021
CONTEST Strategy (Prevent)
Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015
Equality Act 2010 – updated 16/06/2015
Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) revised guidance 2012
Education Act 2011
Children Act 2004
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 – updated 01/06/2022
Human Rights Act 2010
GDPR Regulations 2018
All staff working with learners must be able to identify when someone may be likely to suffer significant harm through abuse or neglect and how to act upon concerns by referring them to Children’s or adults Social Care. In addition all staff must ensure that learners are supported with e-safety and are aware of threats surrounding this.
Recognising Harm, Local Safeguarding & Contacts
All staff working with learners must be able to identify when someone may be likely to suffer significant harm through abuse or neglect and how to act upon concerns by referring them to Children’s or adults Social Care. In addition all staff must ensure that learners are supported with e-safety and are aware of threats surrounding this.
For children or young people only:
We will work closely with Birmingham local safeguarding children’s board who will help and support us in instances relating to abuse. For anyone wanting to contact the local safeguarding children’s board, the contact details are: 0121 675 1669, this is the West Midlands Safeguarding board, it is worth noting that all regions will have their own local numbers.
https://www.lscpbirmingham.org.uk/lado
All agencies and their staff should be aware of internal arrangements consistent with the child and vulnerable adult’s protection procedures (Section B), and the roles of key staff within the organisation.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Safeguarding Leads & Staff Roles
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) takes lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection including Prevent. The DSL has the status and authority within Logistica Training & Consultancy to carry out the duties of the post including committing resources and, where appropriate, supporting and directing other staff.
The DSL and Deputy DSL’s will have undertaken the relevant Safeguarding and Prevent training and will update this training every 2 years. The DSL and Deputy DSL’s have also completed the Safer Recruitment Training.
All staff must understand their role in identifying concerns, sharing information and taking prompt action. All staff must read Part One and Annex A of Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023 and sign to confirm they understand their duties.
Key Responsibilities – All Staff
• Maintain an attitude of ‘it could happen here’
• Understand indicators of abuse, neglect, exploitation and risk of harm
• Report concerns immediately to the DSL
• Record all concerns factually and accurately
• Complete mandatory annual safeguarding training
• Promote an environment where learners feel safe and listened to
• Support Prevent Duty awareness and reporting procedures
Key Responsibilities – Senior Leaders
• Ensure safeguarding is embedded in all company processes and culture
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and updates
• Allocate resources and staff to ensure effective safeguarding
• Ensure subcontractors comply with safeguarding requirements
• Oversee training, DBS checks and safer recruitment practices
Key Responsibilities – Tutors, Coaches & Assessors
• Observe learners’ wellbeing, behaviour and appearance for concerns
• Deliver safeguarding and Prevent education in line with curriculum
• Report all concerns immediately — no delay, no filtering
• Maintain regular contact with employers (for apprentices) to ensure safe workplaces
Responsibility – Employers (Apprentices)
• Provide a safe and supportive environment for learners
• Report any safeguarding concerns to Logistica’s DSL immediately
• Comply with duty of care and legislative obligations
Raising a Concern / Making a Referral
Safeguarding concerns must be reported directly to the DSL immediately using the company reporting process. Any concern must be taken seriously — no concern is too small. Concerns must not be investigated by staff; this is for statutory agencies.
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Sue Gomer
Email: sue.gomer@kstraininggroup.com
Telephone: 07850 894 643
Deputy DSL: Katie Spring
Email: katie.spring@kstraininggroup.com
Telephone: 07494 013 813
Deputy DSL: Kate Smith
Email: kate.smith@kstraininggroup.com
Telephone: 07896 982 529
Emergency / Out of Hours
If a learner is at immediate risk of harm — call 999.
If a referral is required outside business hours — contact the local authority emergency duty team.
Staff must still notify the DSL as soon as possible.
SECTION B — CATEGORIES OF ABUSE AND SAFEGUARDING RISKS
Categories of Abuse
Abuse is a form of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family, institutional or community setting, by those known to them or, more rarely, by others. Abuse can be inflicted by an adult or adults or by another child or children.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child. Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on the child’s emotional development. It may involve conveying to children that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued only insofar as they meet the needs of another person. It may involve not giving the child opportunities to express their views, deliberately silencing them or making fun of how they communicate. It may feature age or developmentally inappropriate expectations being imposed on children. These may include interactions that are beyond the child’s developmental capability, as well as overprotection and limitation of exploration and learning, or preventing the child participating in normal social interaction. It may involve seeing or hearing the ill-treatment of another. It may involve serious bullying (including cyberbullying), causing children frequently to feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of children. Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of maltreatment of a child, although it may occur alone.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet). Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.
Neglect
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the child’s health or development. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal substance misuse. Once a child is born, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to provide adequate food, clothing and shelter (including exclusion from home or abandonment); failing to protect a child from physical and emotional harm or danger; failing to ensure adequate supervision (including the use of inadequate caretakers); or failing to ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment. It may also include neglect of, or unresponsiveness to, a child’s basic emotional needs.
Child-on-Child Abuse (Peer-on-Peer)
All staff should recognise that children are capable of abusing their peers. This can include (but is not limited to) bullying, physical abuse, sexual violence and harassment, upskirting, sexting and initiation/hazing type violence and rituals. We do not tolerate any form of peer abuse.
Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment
All staff must recognise the importance of:
• Making clear that sexual violence and harassment is unacceptable
• Challenging inappropriate conduct immediately
• Supporting victims in a consistent, protected, and trauma-informed way
• Never normalising harmful sexual behaviour
Grooming
Grooming may take place online or offline, and can occur over a short or long period of time. Grooming is where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child into sexual activity.
CRIMINAL EXPLOITATION – CCE/County Lines
Criminal exploitation of children is a geographically widespread form of harm that is a typical feature of county lines criminal activity. It can include drug networks, forced theft, financial exploitation, violence and intimidation.
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a form of sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity in exchange for something the victim needs or wants.
Extremism & Radicalisation — PREVENT Duty
Gov guidance link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance
Extremism – vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values
Radicalisation – a process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies
All staff have a statutory duty to have due regard to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. Staff must report concerns immediately to the DSL.
Online Safety Risks
• Grooming
• Cyber-bullying
• Sharing indecent images
• Radicalisation online
• Exposure to harmful content
• Fraud and identity risk
Learners must be taught how to report online concerns.
Reporting Concerns & Escalation
How to Report a Concern
Any safeguarding or Prevent concern must be reported to the DSL immediately. Concerns must be recorded factually and submitted using the company reporting process. Staff should not investigate concerns or attempt to resolve them directly with the learner.
If a learner is at immediate risk of harm
Staff must contact emergency services on 999 without delay. After doing so, staff must notify the DSL at the earliest opportunity.
Whistleblowing
Staff must feel able to raise concerns about poor or unsafe safeguarding practices and that such concerns will be taken seriously. Whistleblowing procedures are in place to support reporting concerns about colleagues. This includes concerns about the DSL.
Whistleblowing guidance reference (Gov.uk): https://www.gov.uk/whistleblowing
Confidentiality & Information Sharing
Information sharing is vital to safeguarding. Staff must never promise confidentiality to a learner. Safeguarding information must be shared with the DSL and, where necessary, statutory agencies, following GDPR requirements.
GDPR guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/data-protection
Record Keeping
Records must be written in factual, objective language. All records must be stored securely within the organisation’s safeguarding system and retained according to statutory guidance.
SPECIFIC SAFEGUARDING RISKS
FGM – Female Genital Mutilation
Gov guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/female-genital-mutilation-guidelines
FGM is illegal in the UK. Teachers and those in teaching roles have a mandatory duty to report known cases of FGM to the police. Signs may include talk of “special ceremonies”, travel abroad, or girls being removed from education for extended periods.
Immediate police reporting required under the Serious Crime Act 2015.
Forced Marriage
Guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/forced-marriage
Forced marriage is illegal. Staff must report concerns immediately to the DSL.
Honour-Based Abuse
Violence or abuse committed to protect perceived family or community “honour”. Must be treated as a safeguarding concern and reported immediately.
Missing Learners
Unexplained absence or withdrawal may be a safeguarding concern. Any patterns of non-engagement or missing sessions must be reported to the DSL for follow-up with the learner and employer (if applicable).
Mental Health Concerns
While not all mental health challenges are safeguarding concerns, prolonged or severe issues may place a learner at risk. Staff must be alert to changes in behaviour, emotional state or performance and raise concerns with the DSL.
Training Requirements
All staff must:
• Complete safeguarding and Prevent induction training
• Read KCSiE Part One & Annex A annually and sign to confirm compliance
• Complete annual safeguarding update training
• Attend specialist training where their roles require it
Training Requirements
All staff must:
• Complete safeguarding and Prevent induction training
• Read KCSiE Part One & Annex A annually and sign to confirm compliance
• Complete annual safeguarding update training
• Attend specialist training where their roles require it
Training is tracked and reviewed as part of staff compliance records.
Safer Recruitment
Gov guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education–2
We are committed to preventing unsuitable people from working with learners. We:
• Conduct DBS checks at the appropriate level
• Verify identity, employment history and qualifications
• Take up professional references
• Maintain a single central record of recruitment checks
• Ensure ongoing vigilance throughout employment
Allegations Against Staff
All allegations or concerns about staff conduct towards learners must be reported to the Managing Director and DSL immediately. We will follow statutory processes and liaise with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) where required.
LADO contact (Birmingham):
https://www.lscpbirmingham.org.uk/lado
Digital Safety & ICT Acceptable Use
Staff and learners must follow the organisation’s ICT Acceptable Use Policy. Misuse of technology may lead to disciplinary or safeguarding action.
Prevent & Anti-Radicalisation Policy
Purpose
We have a statutory duty to prevent learners from being drawn into terrorism or extremism. Prevent is embedded within our safeguarding processes. We adopt an early-intervention approach and work with partners to reduce radicalisation risk.
Key Terms
Ideology: A set of beliefs.
Radicalisation: The process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies.
Extremism: Opposition to fundamental British values including democracy, rule of law, liberty, respect and tolerance.
Terrorism: Violence or intimidation intended to advance a political, religious or ideological cause.
Vulnerability: Characteristics that increase susceptibility to radicalisation.
Risk Indicators
• Increased time spent with extremist individuals
• Sudden change in appearance or identity
• Loss of interest in activities not linked to ideology
• Possession of extremist material
• Attempts to influence others to adopt the ideology
• Bigoted, hostile or hateful language toward others
• Prejudice-based incidents and behaviour
Prevent Reporting Procedure
- Concern identified — any staff member
- Concern reported immediately to:
• DSL (Prevent Lead): Sue Gomer
• Deputy: Vickey Devlin - DSL gathers information and assesses risk
- DSL consults Prevent Police/LA if required
- Channel referral considered where risk confirmed
Channel information:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/channel-guidance
Prevent Co-ordinators – Regional Contacts
North West – Nigel Lund
Email: nigel.lund@education.gov.uk
IT & Cyber Safeguarding
Gov guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education–2
• Web filtering and firewalls prevent access to extremist or harmful content
• Misuse triggers monitoring alerts
• Use of personal devices on Wi-Fi is subject to the same safeguards
Physical & Site Security
• Visitor access is monitored at all times
• ID checks are enforced where required
• Hazardous items stored securely
• Printed and digital messaging on-site must be authorised
Working With Employers & Sub-Contractors
Sub-contractors must adhere to our safeguarding policy and reporting process. Employer settings are reviewed to ensure safe working environments. Any safeguarding concern within an employer setting must be escalated to the DSL immediately.
Policy Links
• ICT Acceptable Use
• Equality & Diversity
• Complaints
• Lone Worker
• Domestic Abuse Pledge
• Recruitment & Retention
• Health & Wellbeing
• Sharing Information
• Non-Attendance
COVID-19 Annex (Safeguarding Adaptations)
Gov guidance:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-safeguarding-in-schools-colleges-and-other-providers
Safeguarding responsibilities remain unchanged. The DSL or Deputy must always be contactable. Remote learning environments must maintain the same vigilance and reporting standards. Visitors and learners attending the site must follow updated health & safety controls.
Emergency Contacting DSL
If urgent safeguarding concern:
📞 07907 574407 – DSL
📧 Email subject line must include: “URGENT – Safeguarding”
Prevent Action Plan
| No. | Vulnerability / Risk Area | Risk (Y/N) | Action Taken / Already in Place | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leadership / Awareness Do Board, SLT, staff, safeguarding team, associates and subcontractors understand their Prevent responsibilities? | Y | Board fully aware and trained annually. Deputy Safeguarding Lead is a board member. All staff/associates complete annual Prevent/Safeguarding/Channel/E&D training. New staff complete within first 2 weeks. Prevent reinforced via SLT and standard agenda. TLA observers check Prevent delivery. Covid-related risk awareness maintained. | SG / VD | Low |
| 2 | Partnership | Y | Prevent embedded in monthly management agenda. CEO/Prevent Lead present in meetings. Single Point of Contact: Safeguarding Lead (Sue Gomer). | SG / VD | Low |
| 3 | Staff Training | Y | Staff training annually on: • British Values • Radicalisation risks • Reporting process TLA process checks embedding. Regular updates shared. | SG / VD | Medium (ongoing) |
| 4 | Welfare / Pastoral Support | N/A | Not applicable (workplace delivery). Pastoral support provided by safeguarding team. | — | — |
| 5 | Speakers & Events | N/A | Not applicable (no onsite events). Policy exists if required. Risk assessment required for external speakers. | — | — |
| 6 | Online Safety & ICT | Yes | ICT policy covers Prevent. External IT provider + firewalls block extremist content. Visitors connecting to Wi-Fi covered by filtering. Cyber Essentials accredited. | SG | Low |
| 7 | Prayer & Faith Facilities | N/A | Workplace delivery – space can be provided if needed. | — | — |
| 8 | Site Security | Yes | Visitors monitored and logged. Fingerprint entry for staff. Staff ID in place. Hazardous products locked. Marketing material must be approved. Provider would intervene in off-site concerns. | SG / VD | Low |
| 9 | Safeguarding | Yes | Anti-radicalisation linked to safeguarding. Policies updated annually. Channel referrals via DSL / Deputy only. | SG / VD | Low |
| 10 | Communications | Yes | Prevent Lead and process widely communicated. Policies shared with learners. Information shared with partners where relevant. | SG / VD | Low |
| 11 | Staff & Volunteers | Yes | No subcontracted staff or volunteers currently. Mandatory training would apply if this changes. | — | — |
| 12 | Freedom of Expression | Yes | Policy in place with external speaker risk process. Protection of vulnerable included. | SG / VD | Low |
| 13 | Literature / Posters | Yes | Materials require Managing Director approval. Staff aware of extremist content signs. Reactive measures in place. | SG / VD | Low |
| 14 | Funding & Resources | Yes | ESFA funds only. No funding to external groups. Rooms not hired to external users. | SG / VD | Low |
| 15 | Safe Discussion Environment | Yes | Staff trained to manage debates. Prevent discussion embedded through TLA. External speakers possible with approval. | SG / VD | Low |
| 16 | Policies & Procedures | Yes | All relevant policies updated to include Prevent. Reviewed annually or sooner if required. | SG / VD | Low |
| 17 | Information Sharing | Yes | Protocols in place. Police know Prevent Lead contact. Staff know reporting route. Local authority links established. | SG / VD | Low |
| 18 | Local Prevent Structures | Yes | Member of relevant provider networks. Local Prevent leads identified. | SG / VD | Low |
| 19 | Tensions | No | No tensions identified within learner body at present. | — | — |
| 20 | Prevent Messaging | Yes | Delivered through curriculum, policy, and OneFile updates. | SG / VD | High |
| 21 | Incident Management | Yes | Prevent Lead manages responses. Police comms handled as needed. No comment policy for press. Coordination with other FE providers if required. | SG / VD | Low |
