1. Introduction

1.1. The Importance of Safeguarding

1.1.1. Safeguarding means protecting people’s health, wellbeing and human rights, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. Equestrian Training Limited proactively promotes the understanding of safeguarding for all of our learners and employers.

1.2. Safeguarding Objectives

1.2.1. To ensure that all learners feel safe and feel able to voice any potential safeguarding concerns.
1.2.2. To support learners in gaining the knowledge required to take responsibility for their own safeguarding in the future.
1.2.3. To embed equality and diversity into learning and the workplace, and ensure learners are knowledgeable about subjects beyond their own experience.
1.2.4. To boost learner confidence to recognise when others are at risk, deal with sensitive issues and support inclusion.

1.3. Purpose of This Policy

1.3.1. Equestrian Training Ltd is in contact with children and/ or vulnerable adults through the apprenticeship delivery, adult education courses and Level 1 Diploma Delivery to 14-16 year old learners.

1.3.2. This policy seeks to ensure that Equestrian Training undertakes its responsibilities with regard to protection of children and/ or vulnerable adults and will respond to concerns appropriately. The policy establishes a framework to support paid and unpaid staff in their practices and clarifies the organisation’s expectations.

1.4. Principal Legislation

1.4.1. The principal pieces of legislation governing this policy are:

• Working together to safeguard Children 2010

• The Children Act 1989

• The Adoption and Children Act 2002:

• The Children act 2004

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

• Care Standards Act 2000

• Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998

• The Police Act – CRB 1997

• Mental Health Act 1983

• NHS and Community Care Act 1990

• Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

• British Values

• The Prevent Duty

1.5. Embedding Safeguarding Practice

1.5.1. Safeguarding is about embedding practices throughout the organisation to ensure the protection of children and / or vulnerable adults wherever possible. In contrast, child and adult protection is about responding to circumstances that arise.

1.6. Abuse

1.6.1. Abuse is a selfish act of oppression and injustice, exploitation and manipulation of power by those in a position of authority. This can be caused by those inflicting harm or those who fail to act to prevent harm. Abuse is not restricted to any socio-economic group, gender or culture.

1.6.2. It can take a number of forms, including the following:

• Physical abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Bullying

• Neglect

• Financial (or material) abuse

1.7. Definition of a Child

1.7.1. A child is under the age of 18 (as defined in the United Nations convention on the Rights of a Child).

1.8. Definition of Vulnerable Adult

1.8.1. A vulnerable adult is a person aged 18 years or over who may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm or from being exploited.

1.8.2. This may include a person who:

• is elderly and frail

• has a mental illness including dementia

• has a physical or sensory disability

• has a learning disability

• has a severe physical illness

• is a substance misuser

• is homeless

2. The Safeguarding Policy

2.1. Aim

2.1.1. To safeguard all Equestrian Training Ltd learners, (particularly children, young people and adults with identified needs).

2.1.2. To safeguard, staff, volunteers and partners in carrying out their duties in teaching, supervising and supporting learners at Equestrian Training Ltd, other external facilities, in the workplace or by distance learning.

2.2. Scope

2.2.1. Applies to all learners, particularly children, young people and adults who may need support.

2.2.2. Applies to all governance representatives, staff, volunteers, partners and visitors at Equestrian Training Ltd, other external facilities, in the workplace or by distance learning.

2.3. Our Commitment

2.3.1. In order to demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding and child protection we will do the following:

2.3.2. Provide a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults to learn in.

2.3.3. Identify children and vulnerable adults who are suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm.

2.3.4. Take appropriate action including referrals to see that such children and vulnerable adults are kept safe, both at home and at Equestrian Training Ltd.

2.3.5. Ensure that students, staff (including freelance), visitors, volunteers, and employers feel safe.

2.3.6. Implement safeguarding measures that exceed minimum DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) compliance including the safe recruitment of staff.

2.3.7. Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who will perform the duties set out in Annex B of Keeping Children Safe in Education 2018 with the support of identified deputies.

2.3.8. Ensure that safeguarding is prioritised and that safe working practices are in place in all settings (including off site venues).

2.3.9. Ensure that all staff are trained appropriately in Safeguarding and Child Protection

2.3.10. Maintain a safe environment for all Equestrian Training Ltd stakeholders.

2.3.11. Work with external agencies and professionals to safeguard College stakeholders.

2.3.12. Ensure risk assessments are in place and action as appropriate.

2.3.13. Have procedures in place to safeguard all stakeholders including being able to respond effectively to incidents.

2.3.14. Minimise the occurrence of accidents and incidents.

2.3.15. Ensure a high quality of safeguarding principles and practices in our provider network where Equestrian Training Ltd students are taught.

2.3.16. Prevent students and staff from being drawn into Radicalisation and Extremism.

2.3.17. Maintain a line management framework through which staff are able to raise issue in relation to safeguarding and child protection in an appropriate, accessible and receptive environment

3. Policy Implementation

3.1. Responsibility

3.1.1. All company representatives (paid or unpaid) have responsibility to follow the guidance laid out in this policy and related policies, and to pass on any welfare concerns using the required procedures.

3.1.2. Good practice should be promoted by being an excellent role model, contributing to discussions about safeguarding and positively involving people in developing safe practices.

3.2. Embedded Policy

3.2.1. This Safeguarding Policy will be implemented via a range of policies and procedures within the organisation. These include:

• Grievance and disciplinary procedures

• Appeals procedure

• Health and Safety policy

• Equality and Diversity policy

• Apprentice,employer and assessor induction

• Apprentice, employer and assessor training

3.3. Induction

3.3.1. Includes discussion of the Safeguarding Policy and associated policies.

3.3.2. Ensures familiarity with reporting processes, the roles of the employer, the training assessor, the Director of the training company, Carlisle College and awarding bodies (EQL, City & Guilds, 1st4Sport and NCFE).

3.3.3. Initial training on safeguarding including: safe working practices, safe recruitment, understanding child protection and the alert guide for adult safeguarding.

3.4. Designated Safeguarding Lead

3.4.1. There is a Senior Staff Member with Lead Responsibility for Safeguarding identified as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

3.4.2. The DSL at Equestrian Training Ltd is Lara McCarron

3.4.3. The DSL reports to the Director of Equestrian Training Ltd

3.4.4. The DSL receives training in safeguarding and also child protection issues and inter-agency working and will update their knowledge at least annually. he post-holder is required to keep up to date with developments in safeguarding and child protection issues supported by the Safeguarding and Child Protection Team.

3.4.5. The DSL is responsible for the following:

3.4.5.1. Updating the Equestrian Training Ltd team on any new information regarding Safeguarding and ensuring that there are policies, procedures and systems in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of all young people and adults with additional needs.

3.4.5.2. Ensuring identified safeguarding procedures are followed and actions are agreed, monitored and achieved on relevant plans.

3.4.5.3. Managing and supporting staff members.

3.4.5.4. Overseeing the referral of cases of abuse, suspected abuse to children's social care, allegations are referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for allegations in accordance with LSCB Procedures.

3.4.5.5. Providing advice and support to staff and volunteers on issues relating to safeguarding and child protection.

3.4.5.6. Maintaining a proper record of any referral, complaint or concern in respect of abuse or safeguarding (even where that concern does not lead to a referral).

3.4.5.7. The regular monitoring of concerns that are recorded on the Central Safeguarding Database (CSD) and any escalation of high or severe risk banded concerns.

3.4.5.8. Ensuring that parents or carers of apprentices are aware of the Equestrian Training Ltd Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

3.4.5.9. Liaising with employers in relation to safeguarding and child protection issues to ensure that appropriate safeguards are put in place in the workplace.

3.4.5.10. Ensuring that all staff receive basic training in safeguarding and child protection issues and are aware of the EQT Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and Procedure.

3.4.5.11. Ensuring that evidence is provided by employers of external support staff and staff working for organisations providing services at the College centres that their staff have been adequately vetted and trained in safeguarding.

3.4.5.12. Ensuring students who disclose a criminal conviction are risk assessed to and appropriate control measures are put in place to make sure they, and other students and staff are safe on site. This may include taking legal advice and indeed external advice from schools, social workers, the police, youth offending team and probation team.

3.5. Safeguarding Training

3.5.1. All company representatives who, through their role, are in contact with children and/or vulnerable adults will have access to safeguarding training where required and updated during monthly meetings and standardisation events.

3.5.2. Advice is given to employers regarding the importance of safeguarding during initial meetings and as part of the review process.

4. Discussion of Safeguarding Issues

4.1. Commitment to the following communication methods will ensure effective communication of safeguarding issues and practice:

• team meetings

• One to one meetings (formal or informal)

• 1:1 Discussion of Safeguarding – meaning and approach throughout the Apprenticeship. Themes to be discussed and the process for raising any issues. Discussion of confidentiality and Data Protection. Where to find resources and signposting to expert agencies if required. Expectations of Learners in respect of safeguarding and learning.

• clinical supervision (if required)

• Provision of a clear and effective reporting procedure which encourages reporting of concerns

• Encouraging open discussion (e.g. during supervision and team meetings) to identify and barriers to reporting so that they can be addressed.

• Inclusion of safeguarding as a discussion prompt during supervision meetings/appraisals to encourage reflection

• Trainers and Assessors working on behalf of Equestrian Training, who have to deal with safeguarding issues, will also be supported through discussions and meetings.

4.2. Professional boundaries are what define the limits of a relationship between a support worker and a client. They are a set of standards we agree to uphold that allows this necessary and often close relationship to exist while ensuring the correct detachment is kept in place.

4.3. Equestrian Training expects its representatives to protect the professional integrity of themselves and the company.

4.4. The following professional boundaries should be adhered to:

• Abusive language should not be used

• Inappropriate behaviour /language should be reported to a supervisor

• Personal contact details will not be shared without permission

• Accepting responsibility for any valuables on behalf of a client

• Company representatives should not take money as a gift/ borrow money from or lend money to service users

4.5. If the professional boundaries and/or policies are breached this could result in disciplinary procedures.

5. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

5.1. Communicate your concerns with your immediate supervisor/ tutor/ assessor.

5.2. Seek medical attention for the vulnerable person if needed.

5.3. Discuss with parents of child or with vulnerable person.

5.4. Obtain permission to make referral if safe and appropriate.

5.5. If needed seek advice from the Children and Families helpdesk or Adults helpdesk.

5.6. Complete the Local Authority Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Incident Report Form if required and submit to the local authority within 24 hours of making a contact.

5.7. Ensure that feedback from the Local Authority is received and their response recorded.

5.8. Information on reporting concerns can be found at http://cumbrialscb.com

5.9. If the immediate manager is implicated, then refer to their line manager or peer.

6. Managing Information

6.1. All staff must be aware that they have a professional duty to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard children and vulnerable adults. The public interest in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults may override confidentiality interests. However, information will be shared on a need to know basis only, as judged by the Director of Equestrian Training Ltd.

6.2. All company representatives must be aware that they cannot promise service users or their families/carers that they will keep secrets.

7. British Values and The Prevent Duty

7.1. Equestrian Training Limited has a legal responsibility to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. We promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

7.2. In the context of Safeguarding and to ensure the welfare and protection of all staff and learners, we work with employers to challenge opinions or behaviour that are contrary to fundamental British values.

7.3. All training providers have a duty to safeguard their learners. At Equestrian Training Ltd, Prevent is about safeguarding our staff and learners to keep them both safe and within the law. The Prevent duty is not about preventing learners from having political and religious views and concerns, but about supporting them to be resilient and use those concerns or act on them in non-extremist ways. Many of the things we already do at Equestrian Training helps learners be positive, happy members of society. For example, our learning programmes contribute towards Prevent and include exploring different cultures and promoting diversity, actively promoting British values and providing learners with information on how they can protect themselves from extremist views. As an employer we have a responsibility to safeguard our employees and protect Apprentices and learners against all forms of harm, including being drawn into terrorism. We ensure all employees and learners complete an induction and ongoing training on Prevent. We include Prevent as well as other policies in our internal meetings and appraisals process. This allows staff regular opportunities to discuss any concerns they may have.

7.4. The Prevent strategy 2011: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-strategy-2011 (Company risk assessment carried out October 2021 and reviewed annually).

• an understanding that there is a separation of power between the executive and the judiciary, and that while some public bodies such as the police and the army can be held to account through Parliament, others such as the courts maintain independence;

• an understanding that the freedom to choose and hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law;

• an acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and tolerated, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour; and an understanding of the importance of identifying and combatting discrimination.

7.5. Prevent Radicalisation Guidelines

www.gov.uk/government/publications/protecting-children-from-radicalisation-the-prevent-duty

http://4lscb.proceduresonline.com/chapters/p_child_subject_violent_extremism.html

http://www.hampshire.police.uk/internet/advice-and-information/safe4me/Safe4me+Prevent

http://www.hampshirepreventboard.org.uk/

8. Modern Slavery

8.1. Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. It takes various forms, such as slavery, servitude, forced and compulsory labour and human trafficking, all of which have in common the deprivation of a person's liberty by another in order to exploit them for personal or commercial gain.

8.2. We have a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and we are committed to
acting ethically and with integrity in all our business dealings and relationships and to implement and enforce effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place anywhere in our own business or with that of our employers.

8.3. We are also committed to ensuring there is transparency in our own business and in our approach to tackling modern slavery throughout our apprenticeship programme. We expect the same high standards from all of our partners. We expect that our employers will hold their own apprentices to the same high standards. This policy applies to all persons working for us or any of our apprentices.

8.4. You must ensure that you read, understand and comply with this policy.

8.5. The prevention, detection and reporting of modern slavery in any part of our business is the responsibility of all those working for us or under our control. You are required to avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of this policy. You must notify our manager, Amy Hodgson as soon as possible if you believe or suspect that a conflict with this policy has occurred or may occur in the future.

8.6. You are encouraged to raise concerns about any issue of suspicion of modern slavery in any parts of our business or with our employers at the earliest possible stage.

8.7. If you believe or suspect a breach of this policy has occurred or that it may occur you must notify your manager or report it in accordance with our Whistleblowing Policy as soon as possible.

8.8. If you are unsure about whether a particular act, the treatment of apprentices more generally, or their working conditions with in any tier of our supply chain constitutes any of the various forms of modern slavery, raise it with your manager. or the Procurement Department.

8.9. We aim to encourage openness and will support anyone who raises genuine concerns in good faith under this policy, even if they turn out to be mistaken. We are committed to ensuring no one suffers any detrimental treatment as a result of reporting in good faith their suspicion that modern slavery of whatever form is or may be taking place in any part of our own business or in any part of our supply chain.

8.10. If you believe that you have suffered any such treatment, you should inform your manager immediately

9. Safeguarding Monitoring

9.1. Equestrian Training will keep up to date with legislation and ensure all parties are aware of any changes.

9.2. Situations will be monitored on a regular basis when apprenticeship reviews are being carried out, as well as key policies being embedded into the course to promote understanding and awareness.

9.3. ETL has monthly meetings which include training on different aspects of Safeguarding each time, ensuring policies are up to date and knowledge shared.