SafeguardING POLICY SAFEGUARDING POLICY

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Effective Date: 01.09.2013

1. Introduction

Herstory Beauty Academy is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all our students, staff, and visitors. This safeguarding policy outlines our approach to protecting adults aged 18 and over from harm and ensuring their wellbeing during their time at the academy.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, staff, and visitors.
  • Provide clear guidelines for staff and students on safeguarding practices.
  • Promote a culture of safeguarding within the academy.
  • Comply with relevant UK legislation and guidance.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, students, visitors, and contractors at Herstory Beauty Academy.

4. Definitions

  • Safeguarding: Protecting the health, wellbeing, and human rights of individuals, ensuring they live free from harm, abuse, and neglect.
  • Adult at Risk: An individual aged 18 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to their personal circumstances.

5. Legislation

This policy is informed by and complies with the following UK legislation:

  • The Care Act 2014
  • The Mental Capacity Act 2005
  • The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
  • The Human Rights Act 1998

6. Responsibilities

6.1 Management:

  • Ensure that safeguarding policies and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed.
  • Provide safeguarding training for all staff.
  • Designate a member of staff to handle safeguarding concerns (if a dedicated Safeguarding Lead is not appointed).

6.2 Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO):

  • Act as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
  • Ensure appropriate action is taken in response to safeguarding concerns.
  • Maintain confidential records of safeguarding issues.

6.3 Staff:

  • Attend safeguarding training.
  • Be vigilant and report any safeguarding concerns to the DSO.
  • Maintain a professional and respectful relationship with all students.

6.4 Students:

  • Respect the safety and wellbeing of their peers.
  • Report any concerns about their own or others’ safety to a member of staff.

7. Safeguarding Practices

7.1 Training and Awareness:

  • All staff will receive safeguarding training during their induction and regular updates thereafter.
  • Students will be informed about safeguarding policies and procedures during their induction.

7.2 Reporting Concerns:

  • Any safeguarding concerns should be reported to the DSO immediately.
  • Concerns can be raised in person, via email, or through a confidential reporting form available at the academy.

7.3 Responding to Concerns:

  • The DSO will assess the concern and take appropriate action, which may include reporting to external agencies.
  • All reports will be handled confidentially and sensitively.

7.4 Record Keeping:

  • Detailed records of all safeguarding concerns and actions taken will be maintained securely by the DSO.
  • Records will be kept in accordance with data protection legislation.

8. Code of Conduct

8.1 Staff Conduct:

  • Maintain appropriate boundaries with students.
  • Avoid situations where they are alone with a student unless necessary.
  • Report any breaches of the safeguarding policy.

8.2 Student Conduct:

  • Treat all members of the academy community with respect.
  • Follow academy rules and regulations designed to ensure safety and wellbeing.

9. Whistleblowing

Herstory Beauty Academy is committed to the highest standards of openness, integrity, and accountability. In line with that commitment, we encourage staff, students, and others with serious concerns about any aspect of the academy’s work to come forward and voice those concerns.

9.1 Purpose of Whistleblowing:

  • To provide a clear and confidential process for reporting concerns.
  • To protect whistleblowers from reprisal or victimization.
  • To address concerns raised in a thorough and timely manner.

9.2 What to Report:
Concerns that may be reported under this whistleblowing policy include, but are not limited to:

  • Safeguarding issues.
  • Unethical or illegal conduct.
  • Health and safety risks.
  • Financial malpractice.
  • Any other form of misconduct.

9.3 Reporting Procedure:

  • Concerns should be reported to the DSO or an alternative designated person if the concern involves the DSO.
  • Reports can be made in person, via email, or through a confidential whistleblowing form available at the academy.
  • Anonymous reports will be accepted and investigated as far as possible.

9.4 Protection for Whistleblowers:

  • Whistleblowers will be protected from harassment, victimization, or any other form of retaliation.
  • Any form of retaliation against a whistleblower will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter.

9.5 Investigation and Outcome:

  • All reports will be taken seriously and investigated promptly.
  • The whistleblower will be informed of the outcome of the investigation, subject to legal and confidentiality constraints.

9.6 Further Guidance:

  • For additional information and guidance on whistleblowing, please refer to the UK Government’s Whistleblowing Guidance for Employers and Code of Practice available at Whistleblowing Guidance.

10. British Values

Herstory Beauty Academy upholds and promotes the following British Values:

Democracy:

  • A culture built upon freedom and equality, where everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities.

The Rule of Law:

  • The need for rules to make a happy, safe, and secure environment to live and work.

Individual Liberty:

  • Protection of your rights and the rights of others around you.

Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs:

  • Understanding that we all don’t share the same beliefs and values. Respecting those values, ideas, and beliefs of others whilst not imposing our own onto them.

11. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the management team and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation and best practice.

12. Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO): Kerry
Email: Info@herstorybeautyacademy.com

Emergency Contacts:

  • Police: 101 (or 999 in an emergency)

Approval: This safeguarding policy has been approved by the management team of Herstory Beauty Academy.

Signed: Sharon
Position: Beauty Assessor
Date: 01.09.2023


Review Date: 01.09.2024

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