What is safeguarding?
The WEA provides a welcoming environment where everyone is:
- Respected,
- Valued,
- Can feel safe and secure.
This includes all:
- Learners,
- Staff,
- Members,
- Volunteers, and
- Individual visitors who access our facilities and services
What to do if I feel unsafe? What does this mean?
Safeguarding is keeping everyone safe and away from harm. At the WEA, your tutor will discuss this during your induction session and tell you how to report any concerns you may have. You may have concerns about the wellbeing of other individuals ( e.g. other learners, friends, or family members) which you can report.
What is Prevent? All educational organisations have a role to play in safeguarding learners or anyone you know from becoming radicalised and being drawn into terrorism.
Below are just some examples of safeguarding concerns:
- Bullying, including cyberbullying
- Domestic violence
- Drugs
- Faith abuse
- Forced marriage
- Gangs and youth violence
- Gender-based violence
- Homelessness
- Mental health issues
- Radicalisation and extremism
- Sexting
- Sexual harassment
Who can I talk to if I am feeling unsafe or have a concern?
Firstly, speak to your tutor, designated safeguarding officer or WEA member of staff. They will ensure you both have a confidential space to discuss the concern/s.
If you are unable to speak to your tutor or a WEA member of staff, you can contact the Safeguarding Team who will offer you information and advice whilst referring you to a designated safeguarding officer.
A SAFE1 form with your permission will be completed to record an account of the situation by the WEA member of staff you speak to.
The Designated Safeguarding Officer will contact you via phone, Teams or arrange a 1-1 meeting to discuss your concern. They will provide advice, support, referrals for specialised support (where required) and agree with you the action you have both agreed to in dealing with the concern. The Designated Safeguarding Officer will keep in touch with you on a regular basis to ensure you are ok and progress in dealing with the safeguarding concern.
Who to Contact
You can contact the Safeguarding team, Zee Elaheebux and Liz Andrew Turner (National Safeguarding Managers) to report a safeguarding concern by calling 0113 2001162 or email [email protected]. This service is available Monday- Friday, 9am-5pm.
For out of hours contact (5pm-10pm) please contact Preeya Searle on 07769 283923.
If your life or the person in question is in danger, then you must contact the police on 999, as a matter of urgency.
The WEA has a clear Safeguarding Policy, and procedures are reviewed each year. Staff are trained to maintain a culture of vigilance. All staff and tutors are required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
For more information on the WEA Safeguarding Policy and Prevent Policy, visit our policies webpage.
