Contents

Policy
Statement. 2

Code
of Conduct. 2

Legislations. 3

Confidentiality. 3

Definitions
of Abuse. 4

Identifying
Potential Safeguarding Concerns with Learners. 7

Physical
Abuse. 7

Neglect. 7

Sexual
abuse. 7

Designated
Staff with Responsibility for Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection. 9

Dealing
with Suspicions or Allegations of Child Abuse or Abuse of Vulnerable Adults. 9

What
to do if a young person tells you about abuse or radicalisation. 9

Reporting
Allegations or Suspicions of Abuse or Radicalisation. 10

Reporting
Allegations or Suspicions of Abuse or Radicalisation against RM Training Staff. 11

Safe
Practices. 11

Recruitment
and Selection Procedures. 12

Staying
Safe Online. 12

Our
Role. 12

Employers
Role. 12

Sexual
Harassment. 12

Monitoring
of IT Usage. 13

Policy
Review Frequency. 14

Suggestions
for Improvement. 14

Monitoring
and Evaluation. 14

Reporting
and Concerns. 14

Child
Protection Expression of Concern Form.. 16

Policy Statement

This policy is issued to all members of staff and learners
and is available on the RM Training website (www.rmtraining.co.uk). The policy can be
found displayed on the noticeboard withing RM Training head office as well as
being distributed to all learner locations.

Throughout these policies and procedures, reference is made
to ‘children and young people’. This term is used in reference ‘those under 18
years of age ‘(The Children Act 2004).

RM Training recognise that some adults can also be vulnerable
to abuse; as such the procedures may be applied (with appropriate adaptations)
to allegations of abuse and the protection of vulnerable adults. The term
‘vulnerable’ adult refers to any person aged 18 years and over who is or may be
in need of support and community care services by reason of mental impairment, disability
or illness and who is or may be unable to fully take care of him/herself or
unable to protect him/herself against significant harm or exploitation.

RM Training fully recognises and is committed to ensuring
that:

·
all staff and employers abide by Safeguarding
rules;

·
it provides a safe environment for all learners;

·
it identifies children, young people and
vulnerable adults who are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm from
the initial interview stage;

·
it takes appropriate action to see that such
children, young people and vulnerable adults are kept safe, at home, at RM
Training, and at all other activities relating to apprenticeship or educational
placement;

·
confidentiality is applied to any information of
a personal and/or sensitive nature and that staff will receive guidance on the
management and disclosure of confidential information where appropriate.

RM Training is committed to safeguarding the welfare of its
learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

·
We believe every learner should be valued, safe
and happy.  We want to make sure that
learners we have contact with know this and are empowered to tell us if they
are suffering harm.

·
We want learners who use or have contact with
this organisation to enjoy what we have to offer in safety.

·
We will achieve this by having an effective
safeguarding procedure following National and Local guidance.

·
If we discover or suspect a learner is suffering
harm, we will notify social services or the police in order that they can be
protected if necessary.

·
The safeguarding policy and procedures apply to
all staff, volunteers and users of RM Training and anyone carrying out any work
for us or using our premises.

·
We will review our safeguarding policy and
procedures yearly to make sure they are still relevant and effective.

Code of Conduct

·
Always remember that while you are at work, you
are in a position of trust and your responsibilities to the learners and the
organisation must always be uppermost in your mind.

·
Never use any kind of physical punishment or
chastisement such as smacking or hitting.

·
Do not smoke in front of any child or young person.

·
Do not use prescribed drugs or be under the
influence of alcohol.

·
Never behave in a way that frightens or demeans
anyone.

·
Do not use any racist, sexist, discriminatory or
offensive language.

·
Generally, you should not give learners presents
or personal items. If a gift were to be given, it should come from the
organisation and be agreed with the named person for safeguarding and if
appropriate, the learner’s parent/guardian.
Similarly, do not accept gifts yourself other than small tokens for
appropriate celebrations, which you should mention to the Safeguarding Officer.

·
You should not invite a learner to your home or
arrange to see them outside the set activity times.

·
You should not engage in any sexual activity
(this would include using sexualised language) with a learner you meet through
your duties or start a personal relationship with them, this would be an abuse
of trust.

·
Exercise caution about being alone with a learner.  In situations where this may be needed (for
example where a learner wants to speak in private) think about ways of making
this seem less secret for example by telling another worker or volunteer what
you are doing and where you are, leaving a door ajar, being in earshot of
others and lastly note the conversation in the log.

·
Physical contact should be discouraged.

·
Do talk explicitly to learners about their right
to be kept safe from harm.

·
Do listen to learners and take every opportunity
to raise their self-esteem.

·
Do work as a team with your
co-workers/volunteers. Agree with them what behaviour you expect from learners
and be consistent in enforcing it.

·
If you must speak to a learner about their
behaviour remember you are challenging ‘what they did’ not ‘who they are’.

·
Do make sure you have read and understand the
safeguarding procedure and that you feel confident that you know how to
recognise when a learner may be suffering harm, how to handle any disclosure
and how to report any concerns.

·
Do seek advice and support from your colleagues
or supervisors and your designated person for safeguarding.

·
Do be clear with anyone disclosing any matter
that could concern the safety and wellbeing of a learner that you cannot
guarantee to keep this information to yourself.

·
Do seek opportunities for training such as that
available through the Local Safeguarding Children Board

 Legislations

In developing the policies and procedures RM Training
consulted with, and have taken account of, guidance issued by the Department of
Education and Skills and other relevant bodies and groups. The procedures have
been developed in co-operation with the Local Safeguarding Children Boards in
the areas around the Essex, Kent and London. The policy and procedures comply
with the guidance entitled Keeping Children Safe in Education (2016). In
relation to vulnerable adults: Safer Practice, Safer Learning 2007, Southend on
Sea Adult Protection Procedures (2015).

Confidentiality

Safeguarding within an educational setting can raise difficulty
issues of confidentiality. Staff have a professional responsibility to share
information regarding abuse with one of the Dedicated Child Protection and
Safeguarding Officers (David MacGregor or James MacGregor)

Promises of confidentiality cannot be given as situations
of child prosecution will need to be shared.
The matter may develop in such a way that these cannot be honoured.  If you suspect that a learner is going to
discuss abuse or radicalisation, either towards themselves or another young
person, establish ground rules concerning confidentiality.  This information may have to be shared with a
team leader or nominated person for child protection or the police or in cases
of radicalisation to the Channel Scheme as appropriate.  The Children and Young Persons Directorate,
the police or in cases of radicalisation to the Channel Scheme as appropriate.
will have to be contacted to discuss appropriate action.

RM Training staff must contact the DCPO if:

·
There is any information or evidence that a
learner under the age of 18 is being abused or radicalised.

·
They are unsure if abuse or radicalisation has
taken place

·
If there is any suspicion that abuse, or
radicalisation has taken place

·
If there is, or could be, a risk of harm or
radicalisation.

·
If there is a suspected crime that has or is
likely to take place.

·
If there is a clear breach of the rules set out

·
If it is outside of your experience to deal with
the issue at hand.

It is good practice to be as open and honest with parents or
carers about any concerns you might have. However, you must not discuss
concerns with parents or carers in the following circumstances:

·
Where sexual abuse or sexual exploitation has
occurred or is suspected

·
Where organised abuse is suspected

·
Where Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy is suspected.

·
If the concern includes female genital
mutilation (FGM)

·
Any concerns about forced or arranged marriage

·
Any other situations that would put the young
person at risk.

Definitions of Abuse

The Children Act defines a child as a person under the age
of 18 years. Safeguarding responsibilities also extend beyond the age of 18 to
a group of vulnerable adults. A vulnerable adult is defined as a person aged
eighteen or over, who has either a dependency upon others or a requirement for
assistance in the performance of basic functions. This can be as a result of a
learning or physical disability, a physical or mental illness or an addiction
to alcohol.

Abuse is when a child or young person is hurt or harmed in a
way that causes significant harm to that child and which may have an effect
upon the young person’s health, development or wellbeing

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing,
poisoning, burning, or scalding, drowning, suffocation, or otherwise causing
physical harm.

Bullying, Cyber-bullying and Emotional Abuse

Categories of emotional abuse also include abuse through
cyber-bullying, which can occur via the Internet, chat rooms, social media and
on both computers and smart phones. Emotional abuse is persistent emotional ill
treatment such as to cause severe and persistent adverse effects on a person’s
emotional development.  It may involve
conveying to people that they are worthless or unloved, inadequate, or valued
only insofar as they meet the needs of another person.  It may feature age or developmentally
inappropriate expectations being imposed on people.  It may involve causing people frequently to
feel frightened or in danger, or the exploitation or corruption of learners.

Some level of emotional abuse is involved in all types of
ill treatment of people, though it may occur alone.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involved forcing or enticing someone to take
part in sexual activities, whether or not they are aware of what is
happening.  The activities may involve physical
contact, including penetrative (E.g. rape or buggery) or non-penetrative
acts.  They may include noncontact
activities such as involving people in looking at, or in the production of,
pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging learners to
behave in sexually inappropriate ways.

Online Sexual Abuse

Online sexual abuse includes:

·
persuading or forcing a child to send or post
sexually explicit images of themselves, this is sometimes referred to as
sexting

·
persuading or forcing a child to take part in
sexual activities via a webcam or smartphone

·
having sexual conversations with a child by text
or online.

Abusers may threaten to send sexually explicit images, video
or copies of sexual conversations to the young person’s friends and family
unless they take part in other sexual activity. Images or videos may continue
to be shared long after the abuse has stopped.

Abusers will often try to build an emotional connection with
a child in order to gain their trust for the purposes of sexual abuse. This is
known as grooming.

Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet someone’s basic
physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in serious impairment of
a person’s health or development.  It may
involve a parent failing to provide adequate food, shelter, and clothing,
failing to protect someone from physical harm or danger, or the failure to
ensure access to appropriate medical care or treatment.  It may also include neglect of, or
unresponsiveness to, a person’s basic emotional needs.

Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is any type of controlling, coercive,
threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between people who are, or who have
been in a relationship, regardless of gender or sexuality. It can include
physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial abuse.

Exposure to domestic abuse is child abuse. Children can be
directly involved in incidents of domestic abuse or they may be harmed by
seeing or hearing abuse happening. Children in homes where there is domestic
abuse are also at risk of other types of abuse or neglect.

Significant Harm

Sometimes, a single traumatic event may constitute
significant harm, e.g. violent assault, suffocation, or poisoning. More often,
significant harm is a compilation of significant events, both acute and
longstanding, which interrupt, change or damage a person’s physical and
psychological development.

Psychological Abuse

Psychological abuse occurs where there is persistent
emotional ill treatment or rejection. It causes severe and adverse effects on
the child’s, young person’s or vulnerable adult’s behaviour and emotional
development/health, which may result in low self-worth. Some level of emotional
abuse is present in all forms of abuse. Psychological abuse may also include
threats of harm or abandonment, humiliation, blaming, controlling,
intimidation, coercion, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or
support networks.

Financial or Material Abuse

This may include theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in
connection with wills, property or inheritance, or the misappropriation of
property, possessions or benefits.

Discriminatory Abuse

This may include abuse, bullying and harassment based on
individuals’ Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage and Civil
Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity, Race, Religion or Belief, Sex or Sexual
Orientation (DOH 2000/2009).

Loss of Rights as a Citizen

This happens when a person’s individual rights as a citizen
are refused or prevented (for example, not being able to vote at elections).

Forced Marriage

A forced marriage is where one or both people do not (or in
cases of people with learning disabilities, cannot) consent to the marriage and
pressure or abuse is used. It is an appalling and indefensible practice and is
recognised in the UK as a form of violence against women and men,
domestic/child abuse and a serious abuse of human rights. The pressure put on
people to marry against their will can be physical (including threats, actual
physical violence and sexual violence) or emotional and psychological (for
example, when someone is made to feel like they are bringing shame on their
family). Financial abuse (taking your wages or not giving you any money) can
also be a factor.

Female Genital Mutilation

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures
involving the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or any
other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM has been
categorised into four types, ranging from a symbolic prick to the clitoris or
prepuce, to the fairly extensive removal and narrowing of the vaginal opening.
All these forms of FGM have been found in the UK. FGM is sometimes known as
‘female genital cutting’ or female circumcision. FGM is considered a grave
violation of the rights of girls and women.

Prevent (under the Counter Terrorism and Security Act)

Under Prevent, the following apply but are not limited to:

·
Gun and Knife Crime

·
Radicalisation

·
Violent Extremism

·
Discriminatory Abuse

In respect of safeguarding individuals from radicalisation,
RM Training work to the Prevent element of the Government’s Counter Terrorism
Strategy, and if deemed appropriate seeks external support for learners through
referrals to the Channel Programme. It is recognised that radicalisation can
occur to an individual from any section of society and is not particular to any
racial, ethnic or social group. It is further recognised that in many instances
the process of radicalisation is essentially grooming by others.

Identifying Potential Safeguarding Concerns with Learners

It is the
responsibility of every RM Training staff member to be aware of the signs and symptoms
of harm and abuse. Signs and symptoms are not always obvious or clear however
knowing the warning signs can help to identify and recognise abuse that has
taken place and take action.

Children
experiencing abuse often experience more than one type of abuse over a period
of time. Children who experience abuse may be afraid to tell anybody about the
abuse. They may struggle with feelings of guilt, shame or confusion –
particularly if the abuser is a parent, caregiver or works at their place of
work

Identifying Physical
Abuse

All children have trips,
falls and accidents which may cause cuts, bumps and bruises. These injuries
tend to affect bony areas of their body such as elbows, knees and shins and are
not usually a cause for concern.

Injuries that are
more likely to indicate physical abuse include:

·
bruises on the cheeks, ears, palms, arms and
feet

·
bruises on the back and backs of legs

·
multiple bruises in clusters, usually on the
upper arms or outer thighs

·
bruising which looks like it has been caused by
fingers, a hand or an object, like a belt or shoe

·
large oval-shaped bite marks

·
any burns which have a clear shape of an object,
for example cigarette burns

·
burns to the backs of hands, feet, legs

If a learner is
frequently injured, and if the bruises or injuries are unexplained or the
explanation doesn’t match the injury, this should be investigated.

Identifying Neglect

Neglect can be
difficult to identify. Isolated signs may not mean that a child is suffering
neglect, but multiple and persistent signs over time could indicate a serious
problem.

·
children who appear hungry – they may not have
lunch money or even try to steal food

·
children who appear dirty or smelly

·
children whose clothes are inadequate for the
weather conditions

·
children who have untreated injuries, health or
dental problems

·
children with poor language, communication or
social skills

Identifying
Sexual Abuse and Online sexual abuse

·
The learner disclosing sexually transmitted
infections (STI)

·
pregnancy

·
Changes in the child’s mood or behaviour may
also cause concern. They may want to avoid spending time with specific people.

·
The child may show sexual behaviour that is
inappropriate. Or use sexually inappropriate language during sessions.

Identifying Harmful Sexual Abuse

HSB can include:

·
using sexually explicit words and phrases

·
inappropriate touching

·
using sexual violence or threats

·
sexual activity with other children or adults.

Identifying Emotional Abuse

The child or learner
who may be being emotionally abused, might show the following signs

·
use language, act in a way or know about things
that you wouldn’t expect for their age

·
struggle to control strong emotions or have
extreme outbursts

·
seem isolated from their parents

·
lack social skills or have few, if any, friends

·
fear making mistakes

·
fear their parent being approached regarding
their behaviour

·
self-harm.

Identifying Domestic Abuse

It can be difficult
to tell if domestic abuse is happening, because abusers can act very differently
when other people are around.

Children who witness
domestic abuse may:

·
become aggressive

·
display anti-social behaviour

·
suffer from depression or anxiety

·
not do as well in their studies – due to
difficulties at home or disruption of moving to and from refuges.

Spotting the signs of bullying and
cyberbullying

No one sign
indicates for certain that a person’s being bullied, but you should look out for:

·
belongings getting ‘lost’ or damaged

·
physical injuries such as unexplained bruises

·
being afraid to go to work, being mysteriously
‘ill’ each morning, or skipping sessions with their tutor

·
not doing as well in their apprenticeship as
they once were

·
asking for, or stealing, money (to give to a bully)

·
being nervous, losing confidence or becoming
distressed and withdrawn

·
problems with eating or sleeping

·
bullying others

Spotting the signs of female
genital mutilation

A child at risk of
FGM may not know what’s going to happen. But they might talk about or you may
become aware of:

·
a long holiday abroad or going ‘home’ to visit
family

·
relative or cutter visiting from abroad

·
a special occasion or ceremony to ‘become a
woman’ or get ready for marriage

·
a female relative being cut – a sister, cousin
or an older female relative such as a mother or aunt

A child who has had
FGM may:

·
have difficulty walking, standing or sitting

·
spend longer in the bathroom or toilet

·
appear withdrawn, anxious or depressed

·
have unusual behaviour after an absence from their
apprenticeship

·
ask for help, but may not be explicit about the
problem due to embarrassment or fear.

Designated Staff with Responsibility for Child and
Vulnerable Adult Protection

The designated persons with lead responsibility for Child
and Vulnerable Adult Protection are as follows:

James MacGregor,
Managing Director

Mobile: 07427
652698

Office: 01702 782001

Email: james.macgregor@rmtraining.co.uk

David MacGregor

Mobile: 07593
067883

Office: 01702 782001

Email: david@rmtraining.co.uk

These people are key senior members of the RM Training
management Team. They have a duty to take lead responsibility for raising
awareness to the staff of issues relating to the welfare of children, young people,
and vulnerable adults. They have received training in child protection issues
and inter-agency working as required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board
and will receive refresher training at least every two years.

Dealing with Suspicions or Allegations of Child
Abuse or Abuse of Vulnerable Adults

What to do if a young person tells you about abuse
or radicalisation

It is important that children, young people and vulnerable
adults are protected from abuse. Learners need to know that they will be
listened to and their concerns will be taken seriously. Young people will talk
about their concerns and problems to people they feel they can trust. The
person a child talks to will not necessarily be a senior member of staff. When
a member of staff becomes aware of an allegation or alleged incident, they
should immediately go to the appropriate designated staff member (refer to Designated
Staff with Responsibility for Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection). This
should take priority over your usual duties and notifying your Manager in the
first instance.

Where complaints, allegations or suspicions are against the
nominated members of staff these should be referred to another member of the
Senior Management Team. RM Training aims to ensure the learning environments
are supportive and safe, where individuals are treated with courtesy and
respect and their contribution to learning is valued. RM Training will not
tolerate harassment or bullying in any form and will take firm action to
protect its learners whenever incidents are identified. In rare incidences
staff may be made aware of abuse of learners by other learners. Staff should
make themselves familiar with the Bullying and Harassment Policy and Procedure.
In such circumstances, it may also be necessary to instigate Vulnerable Adult/Child
Protection procedures. and the procedure for dealing with such incidents is
outlined below. Designated staff will consider whether the incident requires a
referral to the Police or Department of Social Care. The Mentoring Team are
able to provide a confidential ‘listening ear’ to victims of abuse/assault and
any Learner involved will be offered access to the facility. If the victims of abuse/assault
or any Learner involved need more in-depth specialist help they will be
referred to the appropriate support agency.

Reporting Allegations or Suspicions of Abuse or
Radicalisation

Staff should not investigate concerns or allegations themselves
but should report immediately to the Safeguarding Officer (SO). Referrals to
Department of Social Care or Channel should only be made by the SO or the named
nominees.

If a child, young person, or vulnerable adult tells a member
of staff about possible abuse or radicalisation the member of staff should:

·
Listen carefully to the young person giving them
time and your full attention. Allow the young person to give a spontaneous
account. Do not stop a young person who is freely recalling significant events.
Rather than directly questioning the Learner, just listen and be supportive,
and stay calm.

·
Explain that you cannot promise not to speak to
others about the information they have shared – do not offer false
confidentiality. Inform them that you will have to pass this on to a member of
staff responsible for safeguarding.

·
Arrange for the person making allegation and
person accused of allegation to remain onsite.

·
Reassure the young person or vulnerable adult
that by telling you they have done the right thing.

·
Avoid interviewing the young person or
vulnerable adult but should clarify without resorting to leading questions and
without exerting pressure, what the child, young person or vulnerable adult is
saying.

·
Not put words into the young person’s or
vulnerable adult’s mouth.

·
Inform the young person or vulnerable adult that
you must pass information on, but only

·
those who need to know about it will be told.
Inform them of to whom you will be reporting

·
the matter.

·
Note the points carefully using the young person
or vulnerable adult’s own words

·
Make a detailed note of the date, time, place,
what the young person said, did, questions asked and their body language.

·
Report the concerns immediately to the SO and
then complete a referral form, attaching a copy of any other notes taken.

Once details of a concern have been received by the
appropriate Safeguarding Officer (SO), the following procedures/working
practices will be undertaken:

·
SO will request the fully completed Cause for
Concern form and that the young person for whom concerns exist be requested to
remain in RM Training until notified by SO.

·
Case accepted by SO.

·
SO meets with staff/child/vulnerable adult as
applicable – record of meetings taken using record sheets as applicable.

·
In the event of an emergency SO may contact
Police, and inform the Directors that this has taken place, other less
immediate referrals to the Police should be discussed with a Director prior to
any action

·
A range of additional interventions are
considered by the appropriate SO.

·
Primary carer informed of concerns/ action being
taken (where appropriate as determined by the appropriate SO).

·
Contact made with relevant First Contact Team or
appropriate team for Vulnerable Adults.

·
Follow up referral made to relevant First
Contact Team/appropriate team where deemed appropriate and where agreed with
Social Care Team.

·
Other referrals to be made and advice provided
to young person (logged).

·
File to be made up and stored securely with the
appropriate SO until such times that all required actions are completed.

·
File to be transferred to permanent and secure
storage area at the Head office in Southend.

·
Where no Child Protection/Prevent issues are present
but additional needs are identified and, according to the judgement of
practitioners the young person requires extra support to ensure they meet the 5
Every Child matter outcomes.

·
Where the appropriate SO considers additional
complexities apply, they may request attendance by a second SO whose primary
role will be to share in decision making, record the incident, and clarify
understanding of all involved.

It is important to remember that adult protection guidelines
are very different to those applying to children. Adults have the right to make
their own decisions unless there are clear grounds to override this because of
their lack of capacity or if a wider public interest is involved.

Reporting Allegations or Suspicions of Abuse or
Radicalisation against RM Training Staff

RM Training recognise that an allegation of abuse made
against a member of staff may be made for a variety of reasons and the facts of
the allegation may or may not be true. It is imperative that those dealing with
an allegation maintain an open mind and that the investigation is thorough and
not subject to any delays.

Safe Practices

There are times when learners will be seen individually by
staff, the following safe practices should be abided by.

·
To minimise the risk of staff receiving false
allegations of abuse all RM training staff members must ensure that learners
are kept safe from abuse and RM Training is a safe environment in which to
study and work.

·
Maintain good communication with other staff

·
Whilst it may sometimes be appropriate to
verbally reassure a learner, physical affection should always be avoided.

·
Staff should communicate to their line manager
if they feel uncomfortable in the presence of a learner. For example, a learner
who makes sexualised remarks to a member of staff.

·
Staff should avoid any intimate care e.g.
Helping learners go to the toilet.

·
Staff must be familiar with the learner code of
conduct and reiterate this to learners.

It is an offence for a person over the age of 18 to have a
sexual relationship with a child or young person under 18 where the person is
in a position of trust, even if the relationship is consensual.

Recruitment and Selection Procedures

RM Training has a range of checking procedures in place as
part of its recruitment and selection process of staff who will be working with
young people such as:

·
The post or role is clearly defined.

·
The key selection criteria for the post or role
is identified.

·
Vacancies are advertised widely in order to
ensure a diversity of applicants.

·
Documentary evidence of academic/vocational
qualifications is required.

·
Professional references are required.

·
Previous employment history is verified

Staying Safe Online

The increasing use of the internet and digital technology
has presented huge opportunities, both to enrich the learning environment for
apprentices and also allowing them to expand their personal horizons. However,
people are able to access and engage with online content in many ways, so they
need to have the skills to be able to use the internet safely and develop
appropriate online behaviours. It is paramount that people are aware of ways in
which they can protect themselves online and ensure the security of their
personal data. Dangers can include bullying and abuse, revenge porn, grooming,
identity theft, and viruses. An important part of an apprentice’s development
at RM Training is becoming a critical thinker. Developing this critical mind
set will also help apprentices to examine and and look at the authenticity of
information online

Our Role

·
Assess how apprentices may be at risk of harm
using the internet or technology.

·
Provide relevant training for apprentices so
that they are able to work safely and effectively online.

·
Help apprentices to develop an objective
attitude to online information and evaluate its authenticity.

·
Make sure RM Training staff are trained to
identify and deal with concerns about online safety.

·
Provide clear guidance on what is and is not an
acceptable use of the internet at RM Training.

Employers Role

·
Ensure apprentices are made aware of your
organisations policies on using the internet and technology in the workplace
and whilst using the internet on a company device whilst at home.

·
Understand the dangers apprentices may face
using technology in the workplace and act to minimise risks.

·
Communicate any concerns about safety online to
RM Training.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is any unwanted, unwelcome or uninvited
behaviour of a sexual nature which makes a person feel humiliated or offended.
Sexual harassment can take many forms and may include physical contact, verbal
comments, jokes, propositions, and the display of offensive material or other
behaviour which creates a sexually hostile working environment. Some examples
of sexual harassment include:

·
uninvited touching;

·
uninvited kisses or embraces;

·
smutty jokes or comments;

·
making promises or threats in return for sexual
favours;

·
the display of sexually graphic material
including posters, pin-ups, cartoons, graffiti or messages left on notice boards,
desks or common areas;

·
repeated invitations to go out after prior
refusal;

·
flashing or sexual gestures;

·
sex based insults, taunts, teasing or name
calling;

·
touching or playing with a persons clothing;

·
request for sex;

·
sexually explicit conversation; and/or persistent
questions or insinuations about a persons private life.

Supervisors and managers are responsible for maintaining a
workplace that is free of harassment, but all employees, employers and
apprentices are responsible for helping to assure that sexual harassment does
not occur by conducting themselves in an appropriate manner and by reporting
harassment they observe. If an individual has a complaint or allegation of
harassment, they must immediately report the incident to the Safeguarding Officer.

Monitoring of IT Usage

Students should be taught about online safeguarding issues,
such as the risks attached to the sharing of personal details. They should also
be taught strategies to deal with inappropriate communications and be reminded
of the need to communicate appropriately when using digital technologies.

Any digital communication between staff and students or
parents / carers (email, chat, VLE etc.) must be professional in tone and
content. These communications may only take place on official (monitored) systems.
Personal email addresses, text messaging or social media must not be used for
these communications.

Users must immediately report, to the SO – in accordance
with the policy, the receipt of any communication that makes them feel uncomfortable,
is offensive, discriminatory, threatening or bullying in nature and must not
respond to any such communication

Users shall not visit Internet sites, make, post, download,
upload, data transfer, communicate or pass on, material, remarks, proposals or
comments that contain or relate to:

·
Child sexual abuse images –The making,
production or distribution of indecent images of children. Contrary to The
Protection of Children Act 1978

·
Grooming, incitement, arrangement or
facilitation of sexual acts against children Contrary to the Sexual Offences
Act 2003.

·
Possession of an extreme pornographic image
(grossly offensive, disgusting or otherwise of an obscene character) Contrary
to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008

·
criminally racist material in UK – to stir up religious
hatred (or hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation) – contrary to the
Public Order Act 1986

·
pornography

·
threatening behaviour, including promotion of
physical violence or mental harm

·
any other information which may be offensive

·
Using systems, applications, websites or other
mechanisms that bypass the filtering or other safeguards employed by RM
Training

·
Creating or propagating computer viruses or
other harmful files

Policy Review Frequency

RMT review and amend this statement regularly to ensure that
it meets legislation and remains effective. The updates to this policy are
published to our learners, employees, and workplace providers by the regular
distribution of electronic newsletter via email as well as appearing on our
company website.

Suggestions for Improvement

If you have any suggestions for improvement within this
policy then please feel free to offer these suggestions to the Office
Administrator (admin@rmtraining.co.uk)

Monitoring and Evaluation

The RM Training Management Team will monitor and evaluate
achievement in respect of equality by taking the following actions:

·
Ensure that all employees who deliver training
services receive training to ensure that they do not discriminate unlawfully

·
Review and monitor our services to ensure that
they do not discriminate against anyone, identify barriers to access and assess
where improvements can be made

·
Ensure that organisations or individuals
providing services on behalf of RM Training UK Ltd comply with equal
opportunities legislation and promote equality of opportunity

Reporting and Concerns

All queries and concerns about Equality and Diversity issues
should be referred to the RM Training Managing Director James MacGregor (james.macgregor@rmtraining.co.uk).

Child Protection Expression of Concern Form

This form should be completed when there is cause for
concern and given to your Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.

Do these concerns relate to a specific
incident/disclosure?  If YES complete
Section A; If NO, omit section A and move straight to Section B