1. Introduction

The REH Academy is committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of all learners, including young people and vulnerable adults, who enrol in our CPD activities. We recognize our responsibility to protect learners from harm and abuse, and we will do everything within our power to ensure that all learners are safe and secure while participating in our training and assessment programs.

2. Purpose

This policy sets out The REH Academy's commitment to safeguarding learners and outlines the procedures in place to prevent harm, abuse, and neglect. It aims to create a safe learning environment where all learners can thrive, free from any form of discrimination, abuse, or exploitation.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all learners, staff, and associates of The REH Academy involved in the delivery of training and CPD activities. It covers all learners, but with a particular focus on young people under the age of 18 and vulnerable adults.

4. Safeguarding Commitment

The REH Academy is fully committed to:

• Protecting the rights of young people and vulnerable learners.
• Promoting a safe and positive learning environment.
• Adopting best practices in safeguarding and protecting learners from harm.
• Ensuring staff are appropriately trained to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns.
• Fostering an environment where learners feel confident, supported, and safe.

5. Definition of Vulnerable Learners

For the purposes of this policy, vulnerable learners include:

• Learners under the age of 18.
• Learners with physical, mental, or learning disabilities.
• Learners with mental health conditions or other vulnerabilities that affect their ability to protect themselves.

6. Identifying Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may arise from:

• Physical abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect.
• Sexual abuse or exploitation.
• Bullying, harassment, or discrimination.
• Self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or behaviour that puts a learner at risk.
• Learners being coerced, exploited, or manipulated by others.

7. Safeguarding Procedures

• Reporting Safeguarding Concerns: All staff, trainers, and associates of The REH Academy are required to report any concerns about a learner's safety or well-being to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) immediately. Learners and other stakeholders can also report concerns through a confidential reporting system available on the platform.

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): The REH Academy has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead who is responsible for overseeing safeguarding concerns and ensuring that the necessary actions are taken in response to any reported issues. The DSL will work closely with local authorities or safeguarding agencies where appropriate.

• Immediate Action: If there is an immediate risk of harm or danger to a learner, The REH Academy will take immediate steps to ensure their safety, including contacting emergency services if necessary.

8. Staff Training and Recruitment

• Staff Training:
• All staff involved in the delivery of courses or assessments will undergo safeguarding training to ensure they understand their responsibilities in keeping learners safe. This training will include recognizing the signs of abuse, understanding the safeguarding process, and knowing how to report concerns.

• Recruitment: The REH Academy will carry out appropriate background checks for all staff, tutors, and associates working with young people or vulnerable learners, including criminal record checks (DBS or equivalent) and reference checks. This ensures that all personnel are suitable to work in a safeguarding-sensitive environment.

9. Learner Awareness and Support

• Safeguarding Information for Learners: All learners will be informed about their rights to a safe learning environment and will be provided with information on how to report any concerns they may have. This information will be included in course materials and shared with learners upon enrolment.

• Support for Learners: Learners who experience safeguarding concerns will be provided with appropriate support, including access to counselling services, mental health resources, or other professional services.

10. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

The REH Academy is committed to maintaining confidentiality in safeguarding matters, but we also recognize the need to share information in situations where a learner’s safety is at risk. Information will be shared on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. The safety and well-being of the learner are our primary concern, and in some cases, The REH Academy may need to share information with external agencies, such as social services or law enforcement, to ensure the learner’s protection.

11. Review and Monitoring

The REH Academy will regularly review and update its safeguarding procedures to ensure they remain effective and in line with current best practices. Safeguarding will be monitored as part of our regular quality assurance processes, and feedback from learners, staff, and stakeholders will be used to continually improve our safeguarding measures.

12. Contact Details

If you have any safeguarding concerns or require further information, please contact:

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Robert Edmanson-Harrison
• Email: contact@rehvolution.online
• Phone: 0044 7624 268205