Everyone participating in University-related activities plays an important part in the life of our University. Our duty of care means that we have a responsibility to safeguard children, young people, and 'adults at risk' from abuse, neglect and harm.
This guidance will help you if you are working or participating in activities with:
For example, you might be a member of staff supporting students who are under 18 years old, a student ambassador helping on open days, a student on work placement with children or adults at risk, or a contractor working on one of our campuses. Someone may misinterpret your actions, no matter how well intended they are and children and young people are especially easily influenced by what you say and do. It’s important that you know what is expected and understand appropriate contact.
To keep yourself safe from possible allegations and promote a safe space for all, please follow this advice:
Do:
Don't:
If you will be visiting a school or college, please read at the NSPCC’s Checklist for Visitors which provides information for people and organisations visiting schools. It’s important that you comply with the school or college’s procedures and understand what you need to do to keep children safe.
It’s not your responsibility to solve or tackle a safeguarding issue. Make sure you know who to report safeguarding information to and you must always report any safeguarding concerns, allegations, or incidents.
Safeguarding in everyone’s responsibility and when safeguarding concerns a child, you are legally obliged to treat this as a matter of priority. Our Policy on Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk gives details of our statutory obligations.