A Brief Guide to University Safeguarding Policies

A Brief Guide to University Safeguarding Policies

Ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors is a top priority for universities. A robust safeguarding policy outlines the institution’s commitment to protecting individuals from harm, abuse, and neglect, while fostering a secure and inclusive environment. It is also required that a robust policy is in place under some regulators in the sector, which can create challenges due to differences in expectations.

A safeguarding policy defines the university’s responsibilities and ensures compliance with key legislation, such as the Children Act 1989 and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. It applies to students, apprentices, staff, volunteers, contractors, and visitors, promoting a culture of safety and awareness.

Core Principles of Safeguarding

• Zero Tolerance: Any form of abuse or neglect is unacceptable.

• Inclusivity: A commitment to equality, diversity, and a safe learning space.

• Proactive Approach: Education and training to prevent safeguarding issues.

• Accountability: Clear roles and responsibilities for safeguarding.

Recognising and Reporting Concerns

Universities must establish clear procedures for identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns. Staff and students should be aware of:

• The signs of abuse or neglect through induction, e-Learnings or training.

• Confidential reporting mechanisms that are outlined within Policy

• The role of Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSOs) (or equivalent) in handling concerns.

• Escalation procedures for serious cases, involving social services or the police.

Training and Safe Recruitment

Regular safeguarding training is essential for staff and students. Additionally, universities are encouraged to implement safer recruitment practices, including DBS checks for relevant staff.

The Nances of Higher Education

Each institution is different. A challenge for a regulator, a massive selling point for UK study. However, this may impact policy drafting as you will likely need to consider additional areas to cover within your Safeguarding Policy. These may include:

·         Sports Facilities and changing rooms where staff and students may mix

·         Whether your Prevent Policy is separate to your Safeguarding Policy or combined

·         Summer Schools, Hotel Lets in Accommodation, Shared Campuses

·         Whether you have programmes that are regulated by Ofsted, British Council, etc.

·         Your locality - are there particular risks / supporting organisations locally

Data Protection and Policy Review

Safeguarding records must comply with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, ensuring secure and responsible data management. Policies should be reviewed regularly, incorporating feedback and audits to maintain effectiveness. However, Article 9 of GDPR outlines where confidentiality can be extended for the purposes of protecting of preserving “vital interests”, for example.

Ultimately…

A strong safeguarding policy creates a secure university environment where everyone can thrive. By prioritising safety, institutions can support the wellbeing of their community and uphold best practices in safeguarding.

For support in establishing a strong Safeguarding Policy, or navigating the complexity of your regulatory requirements and / or organisation, contact Safeguarding HE and ask about our Policy Review services.

View and download a template Policy here. A Microsoft Word version of the document can also be downloaded here.