Annual Safeguarding Training

Annual Safeguarding Training Policy (Relevant to Roles and Activities)

1. Introduction

Birmingham Carers Support ("the Organisation") is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, young people, and vulnerable adults. As part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of vulnerable individuals, we have established a policy for annual safeguarding training tailored to the specific roles and activities of all staff, volunteers, contractors, and other individuals working with or on behalf of the Organisation.

This policy outlines the requirement for annual safeguarding training, the scope of the training, and the responsibilities of staff to ensure the Organisation maintains a safe and secure environment.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this Annual Safeguarding Training Policy is to:

• Ensure that all staff, volunteers, and contractors are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to protect vulnerable individuals.

• Provide role-specific training to ensure that safeguarding is relevant and applicable to the roles and activities of the staff.

• Promote a safeguarding culture within the Organisation by reinforcing the importance of safeguarding practices.

• Ensure the Organisation complies with legal and regulatory safeguarding requirements.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals working with or on behalf of [Organisation Name], including:

• Employees

• Volunteers

• Contractors

• Agency staff

• Board members

This policy covers individuals who have direct or indirect contact with vulnerable individuals, including those who provide support, care, or services to children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

4. Legal and Regulatory Framework

The Annual Safeguarding Training is designed in compliance with the following legal requirements, regulations, and guidelines:

• The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (UK)

• The Children Act 1989 and 2004

• The Care Act 2014

• The Equality Act 2010

• The Data Protection Act 2018 (GDPR)

• Local safeguarding frameworks and guidelines

• The Human Rights Act 1998

5. Objectives of Annual Safeguarding Training

The objectives of the Annual Safeguarding Training are:

• To reinforce the safeguarding knowledge and responsibilities of all staff and volunteers.

• To ensure staff are able to recognize signs of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

• To ensure staff know how to respond to safeguarding concerns, disclosures, and allegations.

• To provide relevant role-specific safeguarding training, ensuring that safeguarding policies and procedures are understood in the context of different job functions.

• To update staff on any changes to legislation, policy, or procedures that may impact safeguarding practices.

6. Content and Structure of Annual Safeguarding Training

The content of the Annual Safeguarding Training will be tailored to the specific needs of different staff roles and activities. All staff will receive core training on safeguarding principles, while certain staff will receive additional training relevant to their specific duties and responsibilities.

6.1. Core Safeguarding Training (For All Staff)

The core training, which will be attended by all staff, will include the following:

• Understanding Safeguarding: Overview of safeguarding principles, definitions, and legal obligations.

• Recognizing Signs of Abuse: Training on identifying the different forms of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, financial exploitation) and their indicators.

• Responding to Concerns: How to respond to safeguarding concerns, including how to listen and support individuals making disclosures of abuse.

• Reporting Procedures: Understanding the process of reporting safeguarding concerns, including internal reporting channels, and external agencies such as local authorities and the police.

• Confidentiality and Information Sharing: Understanding confidentiality in safeguarding situations and when information can be shared in the best interests of the vulnerable individual.

• Data Protection and Record Keeping: How to handle sensitive personal data in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2018.

6.2. Role-Specific Training

In addition to core safeguarding training, some staff may require further, role-specific safeguarding training based on their activities and the level of contact they have with vulnerable individuals. The content for these staff members may include:

• Child Protection Training: For staff working with children or young people, additional training on child protection, including recognizing the specific needs of children, including those with disabilities, and the importance of maintaining appropriate boundaries with children.

• Adult Safeguarding Training: For staff working with vulnerable adults, training on the specific vulnerabilities of adults, including issues such as mental health, learning disabilities, and the elderly.

• Managing Allegations Against Staff: For managers and those in supervisory roles, training on how to manage allegations against staff, including understanding how to conduct investigations and provide support to both the complainant and the individual facing allegations.

• Safe Recruitment Practices: For HR staff and those involved in recruitment, training on safer recruitment practices, including checks on potential employees' backgrounds and ensuring the suitability of staff to work with vulnerable individuals.

• Preventing and Responding to Bullying: For staff working with children or vulnerable adults, training on preventing and addressing bullying behaviors.

6.3. Refresher and Update Training

Each year, all staff will participate in a refresher or update session as part of the annual safeguarding training. This will include:

• Updates on any changes to safeguarding laws, policies, or procedures.

• A review of any new safeguarding concerns, cases, or lessons learned from the previous year.

• Any new safeguarding risks or emerging trends, such as online safety and cyberbullying.

7. Training Delivery and Methodology

The Annual Safeguarding Training will be delivered using a variety of methods to ensure engagement and effective learning. These methods will include:

• Classroom-based sessions: For interactive training, case studies, and group discussions.

• E-learning modules: For accessible, self-paced learning.

• Workshops and role-playing: To simulate real-life safeguarding situations and practice responses.

• Guest speakers and experts: Involving external safeguarding professionals to share expertise and case examples.

• Assessment and Evaluation: All staff will complete an assessment to demonstrate understanding of the safeguarding principles and procedures, and feedback will be collected to improve future training.

8. Frequency and Timing of Training

• Initial Training: All new staff, volunteers, and contractors must complete the safeguarding training within their first month of joining the Organisation.

• Annual Refresher: All staff are required to complete the safeguarding training every 12 months, either as a full-day training session or a combination of shorter training modules.

• Additional Role-Specific Training: As required by the staff member's role, additional training will be provided on an annual or as-needed basis.

9. Responsibilities

• Training Manager: The Training Manager is responsible for organizing and coordinating the Annual Safeguarding Training, ensuring that training is relevant, up-to-date, and compliant with safeguarding regulations.

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): The DSL is responsible for providing safeguarding expertise and guidance during the training and ensuring that all staff understand the Organisation’s safeguarding procedures.

• Staff: All staff are required to attend and participate in the Annual Safeguarding Training. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action and review of the staff member’s continued engagement with the Organisation.

10. Record-Keeping and Documentation

The Organisation will maintain accurate records of all safeguarding training, including:

• Staff attendance records.

• Training materials and content.

• Evaluation and feedback from training sessions.

• Certification of completion for each staff member.

These records will be kept securely and in compliance with data protection regulations.

11. Monitoring and Review

The Organisation will monitor the effectiveness of the Annual Safeguarding Training by collecting feedback from participants, conducting periodic reviews, and assessing the implementation of safeguarding procedures. Any changes to the training content, delivery methods, or frequency will be reviewed annually to ensure continuous improvement.

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant to the Organisation’s activities and in compliance with any changes in safeguarding legislation.