Please note:
This is NOT the information which outlines how to deal with an emergency situation. If you have an emergency you should deal with it as such by calling 999, then report to the University via the StEP form.
What is Safeguarding?
“Safeguarding is the process of protecting health, wellbeing and human rights of individuals – especially children, young people and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse, harm and neglect, whether from crime, other forms of abuse or from being drawn into terrorism.”
But that does this mean for you as a student/Higher Level Apprentice (HLA) at the University of Cumbria?
When we are talking about Safeguarding and Prevent at the University of Cumbria whilst we do have some statutory Safeguarding responsibilities, we are really talking about encouraging you to share with us anything that might be impacting your wellbeing and ability to study with us and get the most from your time here. Equally if you have serious concerns about a fellow student/HLA, you can seek advice from us on that situation. We know that as a student/Higher Level Apprentice with us things might have happened to you or being happening to you that you might need some support with.
What you can expect from us and what we expect from you:
- We want to foster a supportive community of equals where we support and learn from each other
- We will treat you fairly and with respect
- We expect you to respect our staff and your peers and treat them fairly displaying mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths, beliefs and views to your own.
- WE encourage freedom of speech and discussion of any concerns regarding extremism, events in the news and British Values
We do not tolerate any actions which constitute:
- A breach of the law
- Harassment and bullying in any form be that: in person, in written or verbal form or via online/social media (Check out our Anti Harassment & Bullying Statement at: Anti-Harassment and Bullying) Bullying and harassment can include sexual harassment and abuse, domestic violence and coercive control.
- Discrimination in any form
You may have other things you want to contact us for support about that are (or might) impact your studies.
These can include where:
- You have been subjected to harassment, bullying, sexual assault, domestic violence
- You have been subject to discrimination of any form
- You are feeling at risk of self-harm or suicidal (if you feel very unwell you should call 999, the Samaritans on 116 123 or your GP or mental health team then report to us)
- You need support for your mental health or you are aware your mental health is not good/has changed/your meds have changed/ you are hearing voices, are feeling depressed/are suffering paranoia or have a change in your mental health diagnosis
- You think you may have a disability or specific learning difficulty
- Your disability or physical health has changed
- You have an eating disorder
- You are having seizures or blackouts
- You are being impacted by the behaviour of others in halls, or your private accommodation or in class/on placement
- You have had an accident or are aware another student has
- You become aware of a student death
You can report concerns about another student especially if you think they are a risk to themselves or others or you think they may be vulnerable to exploitation by others including being radicalised.
How can I report my concerns?
- You can report to your tutor or contact one of our Specialist Student Support Services including our Student Wellbeing Team: Health and Wellbeing
- You can use the Student Enquiry Point.
to tell us about your concerns for you or for another student/HLA
- If you wish to make a complaint about another student you can find information at: Student Complaints Procedure
- If you are being bullied or harassed at work including by your peers, you should raise concerns via your work procedures, but if this is impacting your study our support services may be able to help. If the worker is a student/Higher Level Apprentice also there may be action available under our procedures.
You must also tell us if:
- You become ill with mumps, meningitis, etc.
- Anything is happening that might affect your DBS if you are on a professional programme and if you are subject to any Police or Statutory body investigations and if e.g. you have been arrested.
We would encourage you to register with a local GP as soon as possible if you have not already done so.