Safeguarding and PREVENT Policy in Accordance with CIMSPA Standards

1. Policy Statement

OriGym Centre of Excellence is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all. We fully uphold the expectations set by CIMSPA and strictly adhere to key safeguarding legislation, including Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), the Care Act 2014, and the Prevent Duty (2015).

2. Scope

This policy is applicable to all individuals engaged with OriGym, including learners, staff, tutors, assessors, contractors, and visitors. It covers all OriGym learning environments, whether online, in-person, or during placements.

3. Definitions

• Safeguarding: The act of protecting individuals’ well-being and preventing harm, abuse, or neglect.
• Adults at Risk: Persons aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
• PREVENT: A government strategy aimed at safeguarding individuals from radicalisation or extremist influence.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): The DSL is responsible for leading safeguarding within the organisation, managing referrals, maintaining records, and delivering safeguarding training.
• Deputy DSL: Assists and supports the DSL in all safeguarding matters.
• Staff: All staff members are required to report any safeguarding concerns immediately, complete mandatory training, and maintain professional boundaries at all times.

5. Safeguarding Principles

OriGym adheres to the principles of learner-centred support, proportionality, transparency, partnership working, and early intervention to ensure effective safeguarding for all.

6. Types of Abuse

The organisation recognises and seeks to prevent various forms of abuse, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, exploitation, cyberbullying, financial abuse, discriminatory abuse, domestic abuse, grooming, self-harm, and radicalisation.

7. Responding to Concerns

If there is an immediate danger to an individual, staff should call 999 without delay. All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the DSL within two hours. When reporting, only factual information should be recorded. The DSL will assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.

8. PREVENT Duty

OriGym is committed to promoting British Values and identifying early indicators of vulnerability to radicalisation. Staff are trained to recognise concerns and report them to the DSL, who may escalate the matter to the Local PREVENT team or Channel Panel as appropriate.

9. E-Safety

OriGym ensures that digital learning environments are safe and secure. Platforms are monitored, and any online risks, including cyberbullying, are addressed promptly to protect learners and staff.

10. Safe Recruitment

All recruitment processes at OriGym include comprehensive safeguarding measures, such as Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, identity verification, qualification checks, reference checks, and induction training. These steps align with CIMSPA expectations to ensure only suitable individuals are engaged by the organisation.

11. Training Requirements

All staff members are required to complete annual CPD training in Safeguarding and PREVENT. The DSL and Deputy DSL must undertake enhanced safeguarding training to fulfil their responsibilities effectively.

12. Confidentiality

Information related to safeguarding is shared strictly on a need-to-know basis. OriGym upholds GDPR requirements, except in situations where immediate risk to an individual overrides confidentiality considerations.

13. Whistleblowing

Both staff and learners are encouraged to report unsafe practices or concerns without fear of retaliation. The organisation is committed to ensuring that whistleblowers are protected.

14. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in relevant legislation to ensure ongoing compliance and effectiveness.

15. Contact Details

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Chloe Cornwall
• Deputy DSL: Robson Henry and Ian Rice
• Local Authority Safeguarding Team:
  • Children’s social care team: Liverpool
  • http://www.liverpoolscb.org/reporting_concerns.html
  • Telephone: 015 1233 3700 (24 hour)
• PREVENT/Channel Contact:

Merseyside Police Prevent Team: 0151 777 8321