SAFEGUARDING
Wessex Training and Assessment are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved within the company.
Safeguarding
At Wessex Training & Assessment Ltd, safeguarding is central to everything we do. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners, including children, young people, and adults at risk, and to providing a safe, supportive learning environment where learners feel respected, valued, and able to achieve.
We recognise our responsibility to protect learners from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and the risks of radicalisation and extremism. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and all staff and associates are trained to identify concerns, take appropriate action, and follow our safeguarding and Prevent procedures.
Prevent Duty and British Values
We fulfil our Prevent duty under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 and are committed to protecting learners from the risk of radicalisation and extremism. We promote British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
Prevent concerns are managed through our safeguarding procedures and escalated appropriately in line with our Prevent Policy.
How to Raise a Safeguarding or Prevent Concern
If you have a safeguarding or Prevent concern about yourself or another learner, please report it as soon as possible. Concerns can be raised by:
- Speaking to a member of staff or associate
- Contacting the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL
- Using the contact details provided below
Online Safety
We are committed to promoting online safety and protecting learners when using digital platforms as part of their learning. Learners are supported to understand how to stay safe online, recognise risks, and report concerns related to online behaviour, content, or contact.
Staff Training and Continuous Professional Development
All staff and associates receive regular safeguarding and Prevent training appropriate to their role. Training is refreshed in line with statutory guidance and supports staff to remain confident in recognising concerns and responding appropriately.
Safeguarding practice is regularly reviewed as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.
Designated Safeguarding Leads
All safeguarding and Prevent concerns are managed in line with our policies and procedures and are reported promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
Andrea Serlin
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 07708 247603
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL):
Karen Malcolm
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 07808 019826
Safeguarding support is available Monday to Friday from 09:00am-05.00pm. If you require support outside of these hours, please click here, for a contact sheet of additional support services and contact numbers.
Immediate Risk or Emergency
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 immediately.
If you are concerned about terrorism or extremist activity, contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.
Safeguarding Policies
Our safeguarding arrangements are underpinned by clear policies and procedures, which are reviewed regularly to ensure they reflect current legislation and guidance. These include: Please use the links on this page to access our full safeguarding policies.
What Happens Next?
When a safeguarding or Prevent concern is raised, we follow clear procedures to ensure concerns are managed promptly, sensitively, and appropriately.
Step 1 – Concern Raised
A concern is shared with a member of staff or associate, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), or Deputy DSL.
Step 2 – Initial Assessment
The DSL or Deputy DSL reviews the information, considers the level of risk, and decides on the appropriate next steps.
Step 3 – Action and Support
Where appropriate, support is put in place. This may include monitoring, early help, or signposting to additional support services.
Step 4 – Escalation and Referral (if required)
If there is a risk of significant harm or immediate danger, concerns are escalated to relevant external agencies, including social care, the police, or Prevent/Channel partners.
For apprentices, concerns are also shared with the Swatpro Designated Safeguarding Lead, in line with partnership arrangements.
In situations of immediate risk, emergency services should be contacted without delay by calling 999. Concerns relating to terrorism can also be reported via the Anti-Terrorist Hotline (0800 789 321).
Step 5 – Recording and Review
All concerns and actions taken are recorded securely and reviewed to ensure appropriate outcomes and ongoing support.
Learners are supported throughout the process, and information is shared on a need-to-know basis to protect confidentiality.
When a safeguarding or Prevent concern is raised, we follow clear procedures to ensure concerns are managed promptly, sensitively, and appropriately.
Step 1 – Concern Raised
A concern is shared with a member of staff or associate, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), or Deputy DSL.
Step 2 – Initial Assessment
The DSL or Deputy DSL reviews the information, considers the level of risk, and decides on the appropriate next steps.
Step 3 – Action and Support
Where appropriate, support is put in place. This may include monitoring, early help, or signposting to additional support services.
Step 4 – Escalation and Referral (if required)
If there is a risk of significant harm or immediate danger, concerns are escalated to relevant external agencies, including social care, the police, or Prevent/Channel partners.
For apprentices, concerns are also shared with the Swatpro Designated Safeguarding Lead, in line with partnership arrangements.
In situations of immediate risk, emergency services should be contacted without delay by calling 999. Concerns relating to terrorism can also be reported via the Anti-Terrorist Hotline (0800 789 321).
Step 5 – Recording and Review
All concerns and actions taken are recorded securely and reviewed to ensure appropriate outcomes and ongoing support.
Learners are supported throughout the process, and information is shared on a need-to-know basis to protect confidentiality.