Safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction & Commitment

Brity Group Limited ("we", "us", "our", or "Brity") is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners, particularly children and adults at risk. We recognise our responsibility to take all reasonable steps to promote safe practice and protect individuals from harm, abuse, and exploitation.

This policy applies to all our training activities and sets out our commitment to creating a safe learning environment. Everyone has a responsibility to safeguard children and adults at risk, and we expect all staff, trainers, and partners to share this commitment.

2. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

• All employees, workers, and directors of Brity Group Limited
• All trainers and instructors, whether employed or contracted
• Volunteers and work experience students
• Any person working on behalf of the organisation

This policy covers all training activities, including:

• Public courses with mixed-age groups
• School and college-based training
• Youth organisation training
• Workplace courses where young people (16-18) may be present
• Community and voluntary sector training
• Online and remote learning activities

3. Definitions

4. Safeguarding Principles

Our safeguarding practice is guided by the following principles:

5. Designated Safeguarding Lead

Brity Group Limited has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who is responsible for:

• Receiving and managing safeguarding concerns
• Liaising with statutory agencies (police, social services)
• Ensuring staff and trainers receive appropriate training
• Maintaining safeguarding records securely
• Reviewing and updating safeguarding policies and procedures
• Promoting a culture of safeguarding throughout the organisation

If neither the DSL nor Deputy is available, concerns should be reported to another senior member of staff or directly to statutory agencies if the matter is urgent.

6. Recognising Signs of Abuse

All staff and trainers should be aware of the signs and indicators of abuse. Abuse can take many forms, and the following categories apply to both children and adults at risk:

This list is not exhaustive. If you have any concerns about a person's welfare, report them to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

7. Reporting Procedure

If you have a safeguarding concern, follow these steps:

8. Confidentiality & Record-Keeping

Confidentiality

Safeguarding concerns must be treated confidentially and shared only on a "need to know" basis. However, confidentiality is not absolute:

• Information will be shared with statutory agencies where necessary to protect a person from harm
• Staff cannot promise to keep disclosures secret
• The welfare of the individual takes precedence over confidentiality
• Information will be shared in accordance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018

Record-Keeping

All safeguarding records are:

• Stored securely with restricted access (DSL and senior management only)
• Kept separately from general learner or personnel files
• Retained in accordance with statutory requirements
• Factual, objective, and free from opinion (unless clearly stated)
• Transferred securely if an individual moves to another organisation

All safeguarding data is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and data protection legislation.

9. Trainer Responsibilities

All trainers delivering courses on our behalf must:

• Read and understand this Safeguarding Policy
• Complete safeguarding awareness training before delivering courses involving under-18s or vulnerable adults
• Be vigilant for signs of abuse or neglect during training
• Report any safeguarding concerns to the DSL promptly
• Maintain appropriate boundaries with learners at all times
• Avoid being alone with a child or adult at risk wherever possible
• Avoid physical contact beyond that required for practical training elements
• Not share personal contact details with learners
• Challenge inappropriate behaviour in a respectful manner

Practical Training Considerations

First aid training involves physical demonstrations and practice. Trainers should:

• Explain all practical activities clearly before demonstration
• Obtain consent before any physical contact
• Offer alternatives where learners are uncomfortable with physical practice
• Pair learners appropriately, considering age and vulnerability
• Supervise all practical activities closely

Further behavioural expectations are set out in our Code of Conduct.

10. Safer Recruitment

We take appropriate steps to ensure that unsuitable individuals do not work with children or adults at risk:

• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks are carried out where required by law, awarding body rules, or assessed safeguarding risk
• We verify identity, qualifications, and references before engagement
• Safeguarding is discussed at interview stage
• All trainers receive safeguarding induction training
• DBS checks are renewed at appropriate intervals
• We maintain a single central record of safer recruitment checks

11. Online Safety

When delivering online or blended training, additional safeguards apply:

• Online sessions are password-protected
• Waiting rooms or admission controls are used to verify participants
• Sessions are not recorded without consent and legitimate purpose
• Any recordings are stored securely, access-restricted, and retained only for as long as necessary
• Chat functions are moderated
• Participants are advised on appropriate behaviour and dress
• Under-18s should have parent/guardian awareness of their participation
• Private one-to-one sessions with minors are avoided where possible

12. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually, or earlier where triggered by regulatory, operational, or organisational change. It is updated in response to:

• Changes in legislation or statutory guidance
• Lessons learned from safeguarding incidents or near misses
• Feedback from staff, trainers, and external audits
• Changes to our services or learner demographics

13. Contact & Support

For safeguarding concerns or questions about this policy: