safeguarding policy

Introduction 

At TechSwitch, our goal is to foster a safe and inclusive learning environment where all Learners can thrive and make the most of their educational journey. 

Purpose 

The purpose of this safeguarding policy is to: 

• Ensure the safety, welfare, and well-being of all individuals associated with TechSwitch. 
• Provide guidelines and procedures for preventing and responding to safeguarding concerns. 
• Promote a culture of respect, dignity, and inclusivity within our organisation. 

Scope and Application 

This policy applies to the entirety of TechSwitch and extends to all staff, contractors, and representatives in their interactions with students. 
 
TechSwitch is dedicated to providing a safeguarded and inclusive environment, ensuring the rights of all individuals who engage with our services are respected, and protecting them from discrimination, abuse, and neglect. 

Code of Conduct 

TechSwitch expects all individuals associated with our organisation to adhere to a code of conduct that promotes respect, professionalism, and ethical behaviour. This includes: 

• Treating others with dignity, respect, and kindness. 
• Maintaining appropriate boundaries and avoiding behaviour that could be perceived as harassing, discriminatory, or abusive. 
• Respecting the privacy and confidentiality of others. 

Definition of Vulnerable Adult  

A vulnerable adult refers to someone who is aged 18 or over who receives or may need community care services because of a disability, age or illness, rendering them unable to care for themselves or protect against significant harm or exploitation. This encompasses physical, mental, or psychological well-being and susceptibility to various forms of exploitation and abuse. 
 
Risk factors for vulnerability may include:  

• Having particular learning needs because of their age 
• Having a disability 

• Having a physical or mental health difficulty 
• Being detained in custody 
• Receiving community services based on age, health or disability 
• Living in sheltered accommodation or in a residential care home 

Adults fulfilling the above criteria may not necessarily be at risk all of the time or at all. They may be at risk when they are not able to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation. 
 
Adults may also face risks such as physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, discrimination, institutional abuse, modern slavery, and self-neglect. 

Concerns, risks and responses 

Welfare concerns encompass but are not limited to risk of suicide, self-harm, untreated mental health needs, going missing, domestic abuse, exploitation, serious self-neglect, risk of homelessness, or sexual abuse. 
 
TechSwitch acknowledges its duty to safeguard the well-being and safety of vulnerable adults participating in our activities, whether conducted in-person or online. Furthermore, disabled students must receive fair treatment without discrimination and reasonable adjustments as necessary. 

In cases of immediate danger or risk to oneself or others, emergency services should be contacted on 999, followed by adherence to reporting procedures outlined below in. 

Guidance for staff in contact with at risk or vulnerable adults 

TechSwitch recognises its responsibility to safeguard the well-being and safety of at-risk or vulnerable adults engaged in our activities. The following provides guidance to staff members in regular contact with such individuals. 

The term "safeguarding" denotes a comprehensive preventive approach aimed at protecting vulnerable Learners from potential harm. 

Different types of Abuse 

The below list is intended to inform staff of the variety of potential abuse that vulnerable Learners may be exposed to. It is important to keep in mind that different types of abuse may be occur concurrently and any intervention should be considered carefully before action is taken.  

• Physical abuse – including hitting, slapping, pushing, shaking, kicking, misuse of restraint or inappropriate sanctions. This also includes female genital mutilation (FGM). 
• Sexual abuse – including inappropriate touching, grooming, sexual assault, or acts to which the child or adult did not or could not consent. 
• Psychological abuse – including emotional abuse, threats, deprivation of contact, mocking, humiliation, bullying, harassment, intimidation, coercion, verbal abuse, isolation, deprivation, or withdrawal of services. 
• Neglect or acts of omission – including ignoring medical or physical care needs, withholding of medication or adequate nutrition and failure to provide access to appropriate health, social care, or educational services. This definition has recently been expanded to include inadequate parenting or supervision of children. 
• Financial or material abuse – including unauthorised withdrawal from a vulnerable adult's account, theft, fraud (or attempted theft or fraud), exploitation and pressure in connection to wills, property, inheritance, or financial transactions. 
• Discriminatory abuse – including discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, religion, age, and any other protected characteristics covered under the Equality Act 2010. 
• Environmental abuse – including safeguarding against accidents, lack of supervision in the workplace or home, and also including housing/homelessness issues which can increase the risk of an unsuitable living environment. 

• Self-abuse – including self-harm, wilful acts of neglect upon oneself, risk of serious injury or suicide. 
• Immigration related problems – including exploitation of individuals due to immigration status, forced marriage. 
• Radicalisation – including exploitation of individuals to become involved in or to carry out an act of terrorism. 
  

Safeguarding Roles and Responsibilities 

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for: 

• Serving as the primary contact for safeguarding concerns, providing support to reporting staff and affected individuals 
• Arranging training for relevant staff  
• Monitoring, promoting, and reviewing safeguarding policies and resources 
• Ensuring the dissemination of the policy to all TechSwitch staff  
• Providing support to, and dealing with any queries from, students or members of staff who have been accused of misconduct related to a safeguarding issue 
• Maintaining accurate records of safeguarding referrals and outcomes 
   

All staff interacting with learners are responsible for: 

• Familiarising themselves with relevant safeguarding policies  
• Reporting safeguarding concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead 

Guidance for when a concern is raised 

If someone tells you directly about a safety concern for themselves or others you should: 

• Remain calm and provide reassurance that they have done the right thing in telling you 
• Listen attentively and show you are taking what you are being told seriously 
• Where possible gain the consent of the person before sharing any information.  
• Even if the conversation has been in confidence, where there is a safeguarding concern there may be justification to share the information without consent (see confidentiality guidance below) 

• Explain the next steps clearly
  

Do not: 

• Interrupt or stop them from speaking  
• React strongly, for example with shock or outrage 
• Draw your own conclusions about what is happening 
• Ask leading questions; you could ask clarifying questions using their own words, for example “Are you telling me that…?”  
• Promise confidentiality 
  

Recording concerns 

Upon noticing or being informed of a concern, individuals must: 

• Record of the concern via email to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, providing as much detail as possible 
• Provide precise information, using their own words as much as you can. If you do include any options ensure these are clearly noted as opinion 
• Include an accurate date and time 

Do not: 

• Discuss the concern with anyone other than the Programme Manager and the Designated Safeguarding Lead 
• Investigate any allegations yourself 

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will let you know the next steps. They may take various actions, including offering support, referrals, or contacting emergency services or authorities as needed. 

Record Keeping 

TechSwitch will maintain secure records of safeguarding concerns, including resolutions and decision-making processes. 

Confidentiality and Information Sharing 

Information sharing with other agencies in order to safeguard individuals will be conducted with consent where possible. However, information may be shared without consent if deemed necessary to ensure the safeguarding of an adult at risk in a timely manner.  
 
All cases where information has been shared will be documented and where this is without consent records will clearly describe the circumstances, discussion and decision making that prompted this outcome.  
 
Information should be shared on a need-to-know basis, decided by the Designated Safeguarding Lead with guidance from TechSwitch’s legal team. 

Reviewing and Monitoring 

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Any updates or revisions will be shared and updated on our policy pages.  

Contact Information 

For any safeguarding concerns or enquiries regarding this policy, please contact: 

Sasha Burgoyne - Designated Safeguarding Lead (Head of TechSwitch) - sasha@techswitch.uk  

Or 

Erif Petch (Programme Manager) - erif@techswitch.co.uk