Safeguarding Policy 

Scope

RCG recognises that it has responsibilities for the safety and care of children under the Children Act 1989 and 2004. The organisation recognises and meets its responsibilities under Working Together 2023. It also recognises it responsibilities to safeguarding Adults at Risk of Harm under the Care Act 2014. The organisation will act in accordance with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and all relevant legislation.  

This policy applies to all staff and contractors of RCG who work with learners and apprentices. It covers all forms of abuse and neglect, including physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse, as well as neglect and exploitation. 

Policy Statement

RCG is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all learners and apprentices who engage with our organisation. We believe that everyone has the right to be protected from harm, and we are committed to preventing abuse and neglect in all its forms. 

We will take all reasonable steps to safeguard and protect learners and apprentices from harm, and we will work in partnership with our apprenticeship training providers, employers, and other relevant authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of all learners and apprentices. 

We recognise that safeguarding is a shared responsibility, and we expect all staff and contractors to share in this commitment. We will provide regular training and support to all staff and contractors to ensure that they are able to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect, and to respond appropriately to any safeguarding concerns. 

Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) within 24 hours of becoming aware of the concern. The DSL is responsible for assessing the concern and determining whether it needs to be escalated to the appropriate authorities. The DSL will be the primary point of contact for all safeguarding concerns, and staff and contractors will be made aware of who the DSL is. 

If the concern involves a member of staff, the DSL will report it to the Board of Directors. If the concern involves a learner or apprentice, the DSL will report it to the relevant apprenticeship training provider, employer, or other relevant authority, as required by law. 

Confidentiality

All safeguarding concerns will be handled confidentially and only shared with those who need to know in order to respond to the concern. Staff and contractors will be made aware of their responsibilities in maintaining confidentiality. 

Recruitment and Vetting

All staff and contractors who are likely to have contact with learners and apprentices will be subject to an enhanced DBS check before commencing their role. We will also obtain references for all staff and contractors before they commence their role. The DBS check will be reviewed every three years, or more frequently if deemed necessary. 

Safeguarding Training

All staff will receive a minimum of one hour of safeguarding training per year. The training will be tailored to the different roles and responsibilities within the organisation and will cover areas such as the types of abuse and neglect, signs and symptoms, and what to do if you suspect abuse or neglect. All new staff will receive safeguarding training during their induction period. 

Record Keeping

All safeguarding concerns will be recorded in writing, including the date, time, and nature of the concern, and any action taken. Records will be kept securely and in line with the organisation's data protection policy. Access to safeguarding records will be restricted to the DSL and other designated senior staff.