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Staff Training - Safeguarding

Safeguarding (including Prevent) is everyone’s responsibility. The University Safeguarding and Prevent Policy is available online and details of Roles and Responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and Prevent can be found on the Safeguarding MyCumbria page  On this page you will find guidance on how to respond to safeguarding concerns; what to do if you receive a disclosure; what happens if you have an allegation made against you, and useful links to other University protocols including support for you. There is also useful information on definitions of abuse and signs of vulnerability and links to training.

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is the process of protecting individuals—particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults—from:

  • Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)
  • Neglect or exploitation
  • Harm from others or themselves
  • Radicalisation or extremism (Prevent duty)

It includes creating a safe environment where students feel respected, supported, and empowered to speak up 

What is Prevent?

The Prevent duty is part of the UK government's counter-terrorism strategy, and is designed to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It places a legal obligation on certain public bodies, including universities, to help prevent individuals from being drawn into terrorism. This short video available on Educate Against Hate website highlights why Prevent is so important in education.

Use the Student Enquiry Point Online Form to report a Safeguarding or Prevent concern.  

Please include as much information as possible and also your contact details as the duty officer may need to speak to you to ask for further information. 

  • Your Role as a Staff Member

    All staff have a duty to:

    • Be alert to signs of abuse, neglect, or vulnerability
    • Respond appropriately to disclosures or concerns
    • Report concerns using the correct university procedures
    • Maintain confidentiality while following safeguarding protocols

    You are not expected to investigate concerns—just to report them promptly and sensitively. 

     

    Recognising Signs of Concern

    Students may show signs such as:

    • Sudden changes in behaviour or appearance
    • Withdrawal or isolation
    • Disclosures of abuse, harassment, or violence
    • Signs of distress, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts

    If you are concerned, trust your instincts and take action.

     

    Responding to a Disclosure

    If a student discloses a safeguarding concern:

    1. Listen calmly and without judgment
    2. Reassure them they’ve done the right thing
    3. Avoid making promises you can’t keep (e.g., absolute confidentiality)
    4. Record what was said using the student’s own words
    5. Report the concern using the university’s safeguarding procedures

    In an emergency, call 999 first, then report to the university via the safeguarding area on the Student Enquiry Point. 

     

     

    Reporting a Concernns_step,

    Use the StEP (Student Enquiry Point) Form or contact:

    • Your Safeguarding Lead or Personal Tutor
    • The Operational Safeguarding Lead
    • The Student Support Team

     

    Creating a Safe and Respectful Community

    We expect all members of our university to:

    • Treat others with respect and dignity
    • Report concerns or inappropriate behaviour
    • Support a culture of openness and accountability

    Harassment, bullying, and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated

Need Help or Advice?

If you’re unsure how to handle a situation, contact the Safeguarding Team via the Student Enquiry Point. You are never alone in managing a concern.

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