Everyone at Surrey Adult Learning (SAL) aims to provide the safest and best learning environment possible so all our learners can succeed and everyone feels safe and secure.
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Safeguarding including the Prevent Duty
Safeguarding is everybody's responsibility.
Safeguarding is intended to promote the welfare of our learners, especially those who are most vulnerable, by helping to protect them from bullying, harassment, abuse of any kind, discrimination or victimisation.
Under the Prevent Duty this also includes supporting any learners who are at risk or being radicalised or drawn into terrorism by challenging the spread of terrorist ideology and providing early intervention designed to divert people away from terrorist activity. This does not mean we discourage our learners from having political or religious view and concerns but rather it is about supporting learners to act upon concerns in non-extremist ways.
If you feel that you have been subject to, or have witnessed, any of the above, you are encouraged to let us know. We promise to take anything you tell us seriously.
You should report any safeguarding issues to one of the SAL safeguarding team below:
- Sarah French, 07977 425168 or by email sarah.french@surreycc.gov.uk
- Chrissie Walsh, 07968 833357 or by email christine.walsh@surreycc.gov.uk
- Louise Williamson, 07970 276055 or by email louise.williamson@surreycc.gov.uk
- Lisa Woodward, 07968 832445 or by email lisa.woodward@surreycc.gov.uk
If you have an urgent concern and none of the SAL Safeguarding team are available you should contact:
- For an adult - the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0300 470 9100 or complete the Adult Safeguarding referral form
- For a child – please contact the Childrens' Single Point of Access (C-SPA) on 0300 470 9100 or email cspa@surreycc.gov.uk
In an emergency situation always call 999.
Safeguarding children
According to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), 1 in 10 children in the UK have experienced neglect. You may have seen the new Surrey campaign to raise awareness about child neglect on social media and in community spaces such as libraries. If you have any concerns about a child or young person's safety or wellbeing, contact the Children's Single Point of Access (C-SPA) on 0300 470 9100 during usual office hours or 01483 517898 to speak to the emergency duty team.
Online safety
As technology becomes more sophisticated and attackers become more savvy the fundamentals of keeping yourself protected online remain the same. Just the following 4 top things can make a difference when it comes to keeping your personal information safe online.
Passwords
Passwords are like keys to your house. If someone has access to your password, they ultimately can break into your accounts and have free access to your personal information. Remember the following:
- Never tell anyone your password or give anyone access to your accounts
- Passwords are harder to crack the longer they are (14+ characters)
- Use different passwords for different accounts
Security software
Devices are wonderful things, but they need extra layers of armour in order to stay protected. Security software is there to protect your device from harmful viruses that try and attack your device every single day. Without it, your computer is quite literally 'exposed' and left vulnerable to harm. Remember the following:
- Ensure devices are protected with verified security software.
- Make sure you update your devices with the latest software updates and patches including web browsers and phone systems.
- Check the extent of how wide your security software is deployed; does it cover all your devices?
Keep your guard up
A lot of cyber criminals rely on human error to get what they want which is why it's so important to remain cautious when protecting our data. Remember the following:
- Do not open suspicious links, attachments or files from untrustworthy sources
- Don't leave devices unattended; lock your device whenever away from your screen.
- Consistently check email addresses; never assume people are who they say they are when asking for information.
- Don't fall for scare tactics or time pressures; carefully review information before acting any further.
Backup your data
If attacks do happen, you need to ensure you can still access your data. If you regularly backup, then your data is stored separately as a copy. This can mean that the impact of a security incident is lessened as data can be restored if managed correctly. Please remember the following:
- Backup your data regularly.
- Store it in a separate location and not on an online network.
- Regularly test your backups once they are in place.
Do you need information and advice about domestic abuse? Find local support with domestic abuse here
Modern slavery is closer than you think. To find out more visit the anti slavery website
For a brief explanation about different types of abuse or harm take a look at our 'Are you concerned?' resource.
Visit the Surrey Safeguarding Adults Board website for further information about safeguarding including:
- why some people may have care and support needs that make it difficult for them to protect themselves from abuse and neglect
- information guides written to improve public knowledge on the different types of risks faced by adults with care and support needs in Surrey.
To find out more information and advice about safeguarding children visit the Surrey Safeguarding Adults Board website.
The Prevent programme aims to stop people being drawn into terrorist activity. Find out more about the Prevent programme, who deals with prevent and other ways you can report concerns.
- For more information on how to play your part in helping to tackle the terrorist threat facing the UK visit the Action Counters Terrorism Early website or the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) website.
British values
Our Learner Charter tells you what we value, what we ask of you and what you should expect from us. It outlines our commitment to equality and promoting British values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs to all our learners as part of their learning experience.
In your class your tutor will make sure that individual views are heard and valued; discussion and debate is encouraged and opportunities are taken to explain rights and responsibilities. We encourage and support all our tutors to use every opportunity to make sure that all learners respect and reinforce British values whilst creating a safe space for debate and conversations.
SAL actively promotes British values, defined by the government as:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect and tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
This includes challenging learners, staff, volunteers and other service users if they may express opinions that are contrary to these values including extremist views.
By actively promoting these values, we aim to:
- Keep you safe; all members of our staff and our volunteers are required to complete Safeguarding training including training on radicalisation;
- Promote respect and tolerance, regardless of background;
- Celebrate difference and promote diversity;
- Encourage an understanding of the difficulties other cultures face where such values are not respected.
In order to do this we:
- Provide staff development and training;
- Ensure learners have a voice that is listened to and valued;
- Encourage learners to become responsible learners, critical thinkers and to actively participate in their own learning and development;
- Promote British values in everything we do.
Every member of our staff has a responsibility to help ensure your safety and welfare. If you are concerned in any way about the safety or wellbeing of yourself or someone else please contact one of our designated Safeguarding Officers as soon as possible.
Some of the ways we promote British values:
Democracy:
- Learner focus groups
- Learner and partner satisfaction questionnaires
- End of course evaluations
- Learning activities during your course
Rule of law:
- Staff and volunteer ID badges
- Policies in place: e.g. Safeguarding policy; Ending harassment bullying, discrimination and victimisation policy; E-Safety policy
- Observation guidelines
Individual liberty:
- Health and Wellbeing Safeguarding
- Prevent Duty
- Information, Advice and Guidance embedded in courses
Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs:
- Learner Charter
- Annual calendar of events to celebrate difference and diversity
- Annual calendar of religious festivals displayed on notice boards
Safeguarding and safer recruitment policies
Arrangements are in place to review these policies and procedures regularly. All staff and volunteers must complete regular safeguarding (including Prevent duty) training so that they are aware of their roles and responsibilities. These policies as PDFs are available at the bottom of this page.
Other safeguarding information
- Surrey Community Safety for information on a range of Surrey-wide community safety priorities and what to do if you have a concern
- Information about rogue traders, types of scams and cold callers
- Little Book of Big Scams - This provides some great advice to defeat those who may wish to try and defraud us. The book is also available as an audio book.
- Hate Crime – Surrey Police. Easy Read factsheet - Available on the Surrey Police website. A hate crime is when a crime is committed against you because of who you are. Tell the Police if a crime happens to you.
- Disability Hate Crime reporting book - Available on the True Vision website. This book is for victims and witnesses of disability hate crime. It contains a form that can be used to report hate crime.
- Staying Safe on the phone and on the internet Easy Read factsheet and Keeping Secrets – Easy Read factsheet - Available on the Surrey Police website.
- Protection Approaches manages On Your Side, the UK-wide support and reporting service for East and Southeast Asian communities who experience racism and/or any forms of hate. This includes a 24/7 freephone helpline available in East and Southeast Asian languages including Cantonese.
Safeguarding is everybody's responsibility. If you want to find out more information use the contact details at the top of this web page.
Files available to download
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SAL Keeping you safe - Easy read version (PDF)
You have the right to be safe from people hurting you, doing bad things to you. -
Safeguarding including Prevent and Safer Recruitment Policies and Guidance 2024-2025 (PDF)
To ensure that SAL has a culture of vigilance where wellbeing is promoted, and consistent, timely and appropriate safeguarding action is taken where needed.