How We Are Safeguarding Our Learners at Total People
Recruit, Recognise, Record, Reporting, Respond & Review.
How do Total People safeguard their learners?
As a learner you can be assured that staff have been fully trained in recognising and responding to safeguarding issues. We understand that talking about a concern is not always easy, especially if this is with someone who you are not so familiar with. We want to make this an easy process whereby staff are approachable and as a result are able to support learners in order to prevent harm and keep them safe. The following are ways in which a safeguarding concern can be reported:
- You can record the fact that you want to talk to someone on the safeguarding website by completing a simple form which is shown as the “Learner Concern Form.”
- You can talk to your Learning Mentor, who will have been trained in how to respond and record safeguarding matters and can raise a concern on your behalf. Your Learning Mentor will submit the information confidentially via the “Staff Concern Form”
- You can email the safeguarding team, safeguarding@totalpeople.co.uk or contact one of the designated safeguarding leads whose contact number is on the posters displayed in all classrooms.
All information submitted will be treated as confidential and will only be accessible to those people who are supporting you.
The 6Rs
Total People have a safeguarding strategy with the 6R’s framework which is relevant to all learners:
- Recruit
- Recognise
- Record
- Reporting
- Respond
- Review
Recruitment of staff
Total People recruit all staff safely. All employees working with learners will have a DBS check prior to taking up employment. References are also obtained from previous employers to ensure safe and relevant recruitment takes place. All the checks carried out are kept in a single central record which can be accessed by human resources staff.
As part of their job description new staff are given a contract which contains their safeguarding responsibilities. They also take part in induction training of which safeguarding is a part. All new staff are introduced to the Safeguarding Team and receive regular updates from them via monthly newsletters.
Recognise
We train all of our staff to recognise the key signs of abuse:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Neglect
- Bullying
Total People are committed to the Government’s PREVENT strategy. As a learner you will see that we embed British values in all of our courses. We aim to create safe spaces for learners to discuss sensitive issues and also have robust support mechanisms in place for those who might be vulnerable to radicalisation. All Staff are trained in the dangers of radicalisation and extremism and are therefore able to recognize the signs and prevent situations from escalating. Our safeguarding team have strong links with agencies who can provide relevant support.
Staff are trained in all aspects of the PREVENT strategy. There are regular updates of current trends and patterns in safeguarding issued to all staff.
We ask you to sign a learner agreement regarding appropriate use policies in place for internet use and procedures in place to monitor and restrict access to inappropriate websites. We also have strong anti-bullying and harassment policies covering behaviour both on and off our premises.
Record
Total People confidentially record concerns and will make sure that only those staff who need to know will be informed of any issues.
Reporting
Total People have well developed links with other support agencies and will be able to help you over a range of issues. We have clear and visible policies regarding information sharing, to ensure that only relevant information is shared with our partners.
Respond
Staff are trained to respond sensitively to concerns. All learner and staff concerns have the welfare of the person being paramount. Confidentiality is key, and breaches can be treated as a disciplinary matter.
Review
Total People’s safeguarding policy is reviewed annually and there are regular meetings to ensure that key people are kept up to date with current trends. The safeguarding team meet regularly to review ongoing concerns and discuss any learning points.
Our Values
As an organisation, we share a common set of values across everything we do these are;
Integrity
We are honest, trustworthy and open.
One Team
We collaborate, respect each other and contribute to team goals.
Always improving
We are forward-thinking, we innovate and take ownership.
Can do
We are positive, inclusive, flexible and proactive.
Sustainable
We take a long-term view; environmentally, financially and socially.
These values help to define who we are and how we behave and are linked to British values:
Respect & Tolerence
A culture built upon freedom and equality, where everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities.
Individual liberty
Understanding that we all don’t share the same beliefs and values. Respecting the values, ideas and beliefs of others whilst not imposing our own others.
Rule of Law
The need for rules to make a happy, safe and secure environment to live and work.
Democracy
Protection of your rights and the right of others you work with.
Total People have a dedicated team trained to support the designated safeguard lead
Sophie Hayes
Teaching and Learning Manager / Organisational Lead for Safeguarding
07796 993960 Email NowAdditional Welfare Support
At Total People we take the welfare of our learners very seriously. Learners are supported by coaches and any concerns are recorded on our secure welfare system that allows the Designated Safeguard Leads and managers to monitor your welfare. Please also view some key national organisations that may be able to assist you with regard to your welfare.
Every local authority will provide social care services for children and adults, as well as mental health services. Contact your local authority or NHS provision for this information. Learners should feel assured that systems and policies are in place to keep them safe from harm. If any learner has any concerns they should be able to raise them with the learning coach.
Safeguarding Newsletter
Discover our latest Safeguarding Newsletters and stay informed on important updates.