Barking & Dagenham College is committed to ensuring that all learners feel safe, be free from fear of harm and are protected from potential or actual mistreatment and abuse when at College.
All those who work or wish to work or volunteer with children and/or vulnerable adults must be registered with the ISA and we always check their registration status. The College ensures that all staff appointments are made subject to satisfactory references, enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks and list 99 checks. Until these reports have been received, new staff will not work with learners unsupervised. All staff are also trained to spot the signs of abuse and the ways to help learners if these are seen. There are six specially-trained Safeguarding Officers in the college to deal with severe cases.
College security is good, with access to the sites controlled through the use of ID cards. Security guards are friendly, but patrol the main site to ensure that good order prevails. The college has an excellent Health and Safety record with all staff trained to a basic level and several staff are trained First Aiders. Appropriate Health & Safety issues feature prominently in the induction for all courses.
Barking & Dagenham College is committed to follow the key safeguarding principles outlined by the local borough Safeguarding Children Boards and the guidance of the Department for Children Schools and Families. These are that:
i) The needs of the young person are paramount and underpin all child protection work and resolve any conflict of interests.
ii) All young people have the right to be safeguarded from harm and exploitation.
iii) Colleges have a responsibility to provide a safe environment and minimise risks of harm to young people’s welfare.
iv) Staff have a responsibility to identify young people who are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm and take appropriate action with the aim of making sure they are kept safe both at home and at College.
v) The responsibility for protection of young people must be shared because young people are safeguarded only when all relevant agencies and individuals accept responsibility and co-operate with one another.
vi) Statements about or allegations of abuse or neglect made by young people must be taken seriously.
Barking & Dagenham College is further committed to applying these safeguarding principles to vulnerable adults.
All complaints, allegations or suspicions of abuse are dealt with according to the college’s “Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children and Vulnerable Adults” policy.
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