Safeguarding & PREVENT Policy | Professional Academy

Safeguarding & PREVENT Policy

Reviewed: September 2024 by Hazel Lott-Canning

Purpose & Scope of These Policies

This policy outlines the commitment of Cambridge Professional Academy Ltd. to safeguarding apprentices, learners, staff, their families, and all stakeholders against abuse, neglect, or undue pressure. It prioritises personal dignity, mental health, emotional wellbeing, control over daily life, active participation in work and education, and contribution to society. Additionally, it promotes awareness and prevention of terrorist threats.
 

The directors and staff are dedicated to ensuring all individuals are respected, protected, and supported throughout their learning journey.

Legal Framework

The policy is aligned with the following key legislative documents and guidance:

• Keeping Children Safe in Education 2022 (and 2023 updates effective from September 2023)

• Sexual Harassment between children in schools and colleges 2021

• Children Act 1989 and 2004

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

• Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015

• Equality Act 2010

Commitment to Safeguarding

Cambridge Professional Academy is committed to:

• Valuing, respecting, and listening to apprentices, learners, and staff.

• Staff training: Initial training at induction followed by mandatory annual refresher courses. This training is tracked as part of continuous professional development.

• Serious response to all concerns and allegations of abuse (physical, mental, or emotional), ensuring they are reported to the Designated Safeguarding Officer or Social Care Services.

•  Providing equal learning opportunities, tailored to individual needs.

•  Preventing extremism and radicalisation, with any concerns reported to the Safeguarding Officer or relevant authorities.

Code of Conduct and E-Learning Platform

The company operates a strict Code of Conduct for all users of the eLearning platform:

• Passwords are encrypted, and access to the Learning Management System (LMS) is regularly monitored.

• Staff receive training and support in monitoring usage and ensuring learners’ safety online.

• The company implements and adheres to data protection guidelines, following GDPR standards.

Reporting Procedure

All safeguarding or Prevent-related concerns should be reported as follows:

1. Raise the concern with the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Safeguarding Officer.

2. Document the concern: Record the details in the central safeguarding log and learner management system.

3. Investigate and refer: If necessary, the case will be referred to local safeguarding authorities or Prevent contacts.

 

Prevent Duty

The company complies with Section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act (2015), which mandates the need to prevent individuals from being drawn into terrorism.
 

• Staff are trained to identify ideological challenges and report concerns to prevent individuals from engaging in terrorism.

• Awareness of the Prevent Duty Guidelines for England and Wales is reinforced in staff training.

• Prevent is a key element of safeguarding, integrated into staff and apprentice training to promote resilience against extremist narratives.

Promoting British Values

The company actively promotes fundamental British values, which include:

• Democracy

•  Rule of Law

• Individual Liberty

• Mutual Respect

• Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs

Staff are encouraged to challenge views that contradict these values, ensuring a safe environment for discussion and learning.

Staff Responsibilities

All staff have a shared responsibility to adopt, support, and promote this Safeguarding and Prevent policy. Specific responsibilities include:

• Empowerment to report any concerns.

• Adherence to reporting procedures as set out in training.

• Proportionality in interventions, ensuring they are appropriate to the situation.

• Continuous improvement: Safeguarding issues are reviewed, and lessons learned are shared with the wider team.

Reporting Contacts

To report a Safeguarding or Prevent concern, contact:

• Designated Safeguarding telephone number: 07976 839764

• Designated Safeguarding Lead: Hazel Lott-Canning (hazel.lott-canning@professionalacademy.com)

• Deputy Safeguarding Officer: Philip Knowles (philip.knowles@professionalacademy.com)

• Prevent Officer: Hazel Lott-Canning (hazel.lott-canning@professionalacademy.com)

Monitoring and Oversight

The safeguarding team, supported by senior management, reviews all safeguarding and Prevent cases on a case-by-case basis. Lessons learned are anonymised where appropriate and shared within the organisation to ensure continuous improvement. This process is overseen by a sub-group of the Governance Board.

Signs of Abuse or Radicalisation

Staff are trained to recognise the following indicators of abuse, neglect, or radicalisation:

• Withdrawal from social groups, or sudden changes in friendships.

• Displaying extremist ideologies or hostility toward others.

• Using extremist language or rhetoric.

• Showing increased levels of anger or secretive behaviour, particularly online.

Appendices

Appendix 1 - Glossary

Term	Meaning
Having due regard	Placing an appropriate emphasis on preventing terrorism while carrying out regular duties.
Extremism	Active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy and tolerance.
Interventions	Programs designed to divert individuals from terrorist activity or support.
Non-violent extremism	Extremism that is not accompanied by violence.
Prevention	Reducing or eliminating the risk of individuals becoming involved in terrorism.
Radicalisation	Process by which a person supports terrorism and extremist ideologies.
Safeguarding	Protecting vulnerable people from crime, abuse, or being drawn into terrorism.
Terrorism	Actions that cause harm or violence for political, religious, or ideological purposes.
Vulnerability	Susceptibility to being drawn into extremism or radicalisation.

Appendix 2 - Prevent Duty

In accordance with Section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act (2015), the company has a duty to prevent individuals from being drawn into terrorism. The Prevent Duty is about safeguarding adults, enabling discussions on sensitive issues, and promoting resilience to extremist views.

Review Cycle

This policy will be reviewed annually, with the next review scheduled for August 2024, or sooner if necessary to reflect legislative changes or emerging safeguarding concerns.

This version incorporates the updated information, keeping the policy in compliance with UK safeguarding and Prevent requirements for an apprenticeship training provider.