​Safeguarding-and-Child-Protection-Policy-(NOV-26)

10 Nov 2026

 
Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
Introduction and Commitment to Safeguarding
Academy Hair and Beauty Training School is committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive learning and working environment in which all learners, apprentices and staff are treated with dignity and respect.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. It involves promoting the welfare of individuals and taking appropriate action to protect them from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of harm. It also includes creating an environment where people feel safe, listened to, valued and able to raise concerns.
The Academy recognises its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all learners and apprentices, taking account of their individual needs, circumstances and experiences. We are committed to:

• Promoting a culture where safeguarding is understood and taken seriously by everyone.
• Treating all individuals fairly and with dignity and respect, regardless of their background, culture, race, religion, beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, disability or other individual differences.
• Recognising signs and indicators of abuse, neglect, exploitation or other concerns that may affect someone's safety and wellbeing.
• Listening to individuals, taking their concerns seriously and ensuring their voices are heard.
• Responding to concerns promptly, appropriately and proportionately.
• Working in partnership with relevant families, agencies and professionals where appropriate.
• Providing preventative education and opportunities for learners to develop their confidence, resilience and understanding of how to keep themselves safe.

All staff have a duty of care and a responsibility to remain alert to safeguarding concerns and report them through the Academy's established procedures. No concern should be ignored or dismissed.
This policy sets out the Academy's approach to safeguarding, including the separate responsibilities and procedures relating to child protection and adult safeguarding. It should be read alongside the Academy's other relevant policies and procedures.
 
2. Scope and Key Definitions
 2.1 Scope
This policy applies to all learners and apprentices attending Academy Hair and Beauty Training School, as well as all staff, directors, contractors and others working on behalf of or representing the Academy.
It applies across all Academy activities, including training, work placements, off-site activities, online learning and any other situation where the Academy has a safeguarding responsibility.
The policy covers the safeguarding of:

• Children and young people under the age of 18.
• Adults aged 18 and over who may be at risk of harm or in need of protection.

The Academy recognises that safeguarding concerns may arise within the organisation, at home, in the workplace, online or in the wider community.
2.2 Key Definitions
Child
A child is any person under the age of 18, in accordance with the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995. Child protection refers to the actions taken to protect children from abuse, neglect, exploitation or other forms of significant harm.
Adult
An adult is any person aged 18 or over.
Adult at Risk of Harm
An adult at risk of harm is a person aged 18 or over whose exposure to harm through abuse, exploitation or neglect may be increased by their personal characteristics and/or life circumstances. Personal characteristics may include disability, illness, age or physical or mental impairment. Life circumstances may include isolation, socio-economic factors or living conditions. Being an adult at risk of harm does not automatically mean that a person is being abused or is unable to make their own decisions.
Adult in Need of Protection
An adult in need of protection is a person aged 18 or over whose exposure to harm through abuse, exploitation or neglect may be increased by their personal characteristics and/or life circumstances, who is unable to protect their own wellbeing, property, assets, rights or other interests, and where the actions or inactions of another person are causing, or are likely to cause, harm.
The Academy recognises that adults have the right to make their own choices and decisions. Adult safeguarding must take account of an individual's wishes, feelings, rights, consent and capacity, while taking appropriate action where there are concerns about abuse, exploitation or neglect.
3. Child Protection
3.1 Our Responsibility
The Academy recognises its responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and young people under the age of 18 who attend its programmes or participate in its activities. Child protection is a central part of safeguarding and involves protecting children from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of significant harm.
The Academy acknowledges that children may experience harm in a range of settings, including within their family, peer groups, educational or workplace environments, online or in the wider community. Abuse may be caused by adults or other children and may occur as a single incident or over a period of time.  All staff must remain alert to possible signs of abuse or neglect, take disclosures seriously and report any concerns in accordance with the Academy's safeguarding procedures.
3.2 Types of Abuse and Harm
Abuse and harm can take different forms, and more than one type may be present at the same time. These include:

• Physical abuse: Deliberately causing physical harm to a child, including hitting, shaking, burning or other forms of physical injury.
• Emotional abuse: Persistent emotional maltreatment which may affect a child's emotional development, self-esteem or sense of safety. This can include threats, humiliation, intimidation, rejection or controlling behaviour.
• Sexual abuse: Forcing, coercing or involving a child in sexual activity, whether or not the child understands what is happening. This may involve physical contact or non-contact activities, including online abuse.
• Neglect: The persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical or emotional needs, which may affect their health, development or wellbeing.
• Exploitation: Taking advantage of a child for another person's benefit or gain. This may include criminal, sexual or financial exploitation, trafficking or other forms of coercion and control.
• Ill-Treatment of another: Relates to harm arising from the abuse of a child but also extends it to where a child could be harmed by virtue of the ill-treatment of another person or abusive behaviour directed at another person.

Other safeguarding concerns may include domestic abuse, grooming, harmful sexual behaviour, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and online harm. These examples are not exhaustive. Staff do not need to establish that abuse has taken place before reporting a concern.
3.3 Responding to Concerns
Where a member of staff has a concern about the safety or welfare of a child, or receives a disclosure, they must follow the Academy's reporting procedures without delay. The child's immediate safety and wellbeing must always be the priority. Staff should listen carefully, remain calm, avoid leading questions and never promise confidentiality.
Concerns must be recorded accurately and passed to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. The Academy will consider the appropriate action, including referral to the relevant statutory agencies where necessary. The Academy will follow the relevant child protection procedures in Northern Ireland and will work with parents, carers and external agencies where appropriate and safe to do so.
4. Adult Safeguarding
4.1 Our Responsibility
The Academy is committed to promoting the safety, dignity, rights and wellbeing of all adult learners and apprentices. Adult safeguarding involves protecting adults at risk of harm from abuse, exploitation and neglect, while promoting their independence, choice and control over their own lives. The Academy recognises that adults may experience harm in a range of settings, including within their families, relationships, workplaces, care environments, online or in the wider community. Harm may be caused by someone known to the individual or by a person in a position of trust or authority.
All staff must remain alert to possible signs of harm, take concerns seriously and report them through the Academy's safeguarding procedures.
4.2 Types of Abuse and Harm
Abuse and harm can take different forms and may occur individually or together. These include:

• Physical abuse: Hitting, pushing, restraint, inappropriate physical punishment or causing physical injury.
• Psychological or emotional abuse: Threats, intimidation, humiliation, coercion, isolation or controlling behaviour.
• Sexual abuse: Any sexual activity or behaviour where an individual has not given valid consent, or where they are unable to consent or are being coerced or exploited.
• Financial or material abuse: Theft, fraud, misuse of money or property, pressure to hand over money or control of an individual's finances.
• Neglect or acts of omission: Failure to provide necessary care, support, medical attention or access to basic needs.
• Institutional abuse: Poor practice, neglect or abusive treatment within an organisation or care setting.
• Discriminatory abuse: Harassment or unfair treatment because of characteristics such as disability, age, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
• Exploitation: Taking advantage of an individual's circumstances, vulnerability or trust for personal, financial or other gain.

Other concerns may include domestic abuse, modern slavery, human trafficking, online abuse and self-neglect. These examples are not exhaustive. Staff do not need to establish that abuse has taken place before reporting a concern.
4.3 Principles of Adult Safeguarding
The Academy recognises that adults have the right to make their own decisions and to be involved in decisions affecting their lives.
When responding to adult safeguarding concerns, the Academy will:

• Listen to the adult and take their views, wishes and feelings seriously.
• Respect their dignity, privacy, independence and right to make choices.
• Seek the adult's consent before sharing information or making a referral wherever appropriate.
• Consider whether the adult understands the information and decisions involved and whether they require support to make an informed decision.
• Avoid making assumptions about an individual's ability to make decisions because of a disability, diagnosis or personal circumstances.
• Take appropriate action where there are concerns about serious harm, abuse, exploitation or risk to others, even where consent has not been given, where there is a lawful basis to do so.

Staff should not make their own formal judgements about an adult's mental capacity. Where there are concerns about capacity or the appropriate response, advice should be sought from the Designated Safeguarding Lead and relevant statutory agencies.
4.4 Responding to Adult Safeguarding Concerns
Any member of staff who becomes aware of, witnesses or receives information about possible abuse, exploitation or neglect involving an adult must report the concern promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
The adult should be listened to, treated with respect and involved in decisions wherever possible. Staff should explain that information may need to be shared with relevant agencies if there are concerns about safety or serious harm. The Designated Safeguarding Lead will consider the information, the adult's wishes and circumstances, and whether a referral to the relevant HSC Trust Adult Protection Gateway Service or other agency is required.
Where an adult appears to be in immediate danger or requires urgent medical assistance, emergency services should be contacted by calling 999. The Academy will follow the regional adult safeguarding arrangements in Northern Ireland and will work with statutory agencies where appropriate.
5. Safeguarding Roles and Responsibilities
Safeguarding is the responsibility of everyone working within the Academy. All staff must understand their responsibilities and follow the Academy's procedures when a concern arises.
5.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The Designated Safeguarding Lead has overall responsibility for coordinating safeguarding arrangements within the Academy.
Their responsibilities include:

• Providing advice and guidance to staff on safeguarding concerns and procedures.
• Receiving and reviewing safeguarding reports from staff.
• Ensuring concerns are recorded accurately and stored securely.
• Considering the appropriate response and making referrals to relevant statutory agencies where necessary.
• Liaising with HSC Trusts, the PSNI and other relevant agencies.
• Ensuring safeguarding concerns are followed up appropriately.
• Identifying safeguarding training needs and promoting good safeguarding practice across the Academy.
• Reviewing this policy and associated procedures to ensure they remain effective and up to date.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead is not responsible for investigating allegations of abuse. This is the responsibility of the relevant statutory agencies.
5.2 Adult Safeguarding Champion (ASC)
The Adult Safeguarding Champion (ASC) provides strategic leadership and oversight of adult safeguarding within the Academy, in line with the regional Northern Ireland policy Adult Safeguarding: Prevention and Protection in Partnership.
The role involves ensuring that adult safeguarding arrangements are understood, implemented and regularly reviewed across the Academy. The ASC also acts as the main point of contact with the relevant Health and Social Care Trusts and the PSNI in relation to adult safeguarding matters.
The responsibilities of the ASC include:

• Providing advice and guidance to staff who have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of an adult.
• Promoting awareness of adult safeguarding responsibilities and identifying staff training needs.
• Overseeing the implementation of the Academy's Safeguarding Policy and procedures.
• Supporting appropriate reporting and referral of concerns to the relevant statutory agencies.
• Maintaining contact with the Trust's Designated Adult Protection Officer (DAPO), where appropriate.
• Ensuring adult safeguarding concerns, decisions and actions are accurately recorded and securely maintained.
• Monitoring concerns to identify recurring patterns or areas requiring further action.
• Preparing an annual Adult Safeguarding Position Report for review by senior management and the Board.

 
5.3 Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL) supports the DSL in carrying out their responsibilities and provides cover when the DSL is unavailable.
The Deputy will:

• Receive and respond to safeguarding concerns.
• Provide advice and guidance to staff.
• Ensure concerns are recorded and passed on appropriately.
• Support referrals and communication with relevant agencies.
• Escalate urgent concerns without delay.

Staff should report concerns to the Deputy if the Designated Safeguarding Lead is unavailable or if there is any reason why it would not be appropriate to approach them.
5.4 All Staff
Every member of staff has a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of learners and apprentices.
All staff must:

• Remain alert to signs and indicators of abuse, neglect, exploitation or other safeguarding concerns.
• Listen to and take seriously any concerns or disclosures.
• Respond calmly and sensitively, without making promises of confidentiality.
• Avoid investigating concerns or asking leading questions.
• Record concerns accurately and as soon as possible.
• Report concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and follow the Academy's Code of Conduct.
• Complete relevant safeguarding training and follow Academy policies and procedures.

No member of staff should assume that someone else has reported a concern. If they have a safeguarding concern, they must ensure it is reported.
5.5 Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has responsibility for providing strategic oversight of safeguarding within the Academy.
The Board will:

• Ensure appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures are in place.
• Provide oversight of the Academy's safeguarding arrangements.
• Ensure safeguarding responsibilities are appropriately assigned and supported.
• Receive relevant safeguarding updates and information to monitor the effectiveness of arrangements.
• Ensure that safeguarding concerns involving senior management or the Designated Safeguarding Lead are addressed through an appropriate independent reporting route.

 
5.6 Concerns Involving a Member of Staff
Any safeguarding concern or allegation involving a member of staff must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Where a concern relates to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, it must be reported directly to the Board Designated Safeguarding Officer (BDSO).
Where a concern relates to the BDSO, or another person who would ordinarily receive the report, advice must be sought directly from the relevant statutory agency or the PSNI, as appropriate. No person should investigate an allegation involving themselves or attempt to manage a concern where there may be a conflict of interest.
Section 6 – Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
All staff have a responsibility to report safeguarding concerns promptly. Staff do not need to be certain that abuse or harm has occurred before raising a concern. It is the responsibility of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), in consultation with the Adult Safeguarding Champion (ASC) where appropriate, to consider the information and determine the next steps.
If a learner or another person shares a concern, or a member of staff witnesses or identifies something worrying, the following steps must be followed:

1. Listen and respond calmly. Take the concern seriously, give the person an opportunity to speak and reassure them that they have done the right thing by sharing it.
2. Do not promise confidentiality. Explain that information may need to be shared with people who can help keep them or others safe.
3. Do not investigate. Avoid leading questions, repeated questioning or attempting to establish whether the concern is true.
4. Make a written record. Record the information as soon as possible, using the person's own words where possible. Include dates, times, observations and any actions taken. Keep the record factual and avoid personal opinions.
5. Report immediately. Pass the concern directly to the DSL or, where appropriate, the ASC or Deputy DSL. Staff must not assume that someone else will report it.
6. Take immediate action where necessary. If someone is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical assistance, contact emergency services on 999.

The DSL/ASC will consider the information, ensure it is recorded securely and decide whether advice or a referral to the relevant statutory agency is required. Staff may be asked to provide further factual information but must not undertake their own investigation.
Where a concern relates to the DSL or ASC, it must be reported directly to the BDSO. Where the concern relates to the BDSO, staff should seek advice directly from the relevant statutory safeguarding agency or the PSNI.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 6 – Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
 
 
 
A safeguarding concern is identified
A disclosure, observation, allegation or information received from another person

 
 

Staff member responds
Listen, reassure, do not investigate, make a factual written record
 
 

Report immediately to the DSL (Vicky Milligan)
Or Deputy DSL (Stefanie Andrews) if the DSL is unavailable. Adult safeguarding concerns may also be discussed with the ASC (Vicky Milligan)

 
 

DSL reviews the concern
Considers the information, records the concern and determines the appropriate response.

 
 

                            Child Protection                                                              Adult Safeguarding
                                  Under 18                                                                                    18 and over
 
                   Children’s Gateway / PSNI                                            Adult Protection Gateway / PSNI
                As appropriate to the concern                                                As appropriate to the concern
 
 

Follow-up and record keeping
All decisions, referrals, actions and outcomes are documented and securely maintained.
 
Important Exceptions:

• Immediate Danger: Contact emergency services on 999. Do not wait to speak to the DSL
• Concern about the DSL: Report directly to the BDSO (Collette Steele).
• Concern about the BDSO: Report directly to the relevant statutory safeguarding agency or PSNI.

 
Section 7 – Safeguarding Records, Confidentiality and Information Sharing
The Academy recognises the importance of accurate record keeping and appropriate information sharing in protecting children, young people and adults at risk of harm.
7.1 Recording Safeguarding Concerns
All safeguarding concerns, disclosures, allegations and actions taken must be recorded promptly and accurately.
Records should:

• Be factual, clear and dated, with the time and location of the incident or disclosure where known.
• Include the person's own words wherever possible.
• Record observations, injuries or behaviours without making assumptions or personal judgements.
• Include details of who the concern was reported to and when.
• Record decisions made, referrals undertaken and any follow-up actions.

Staff must pass safeguarding records to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or appropriate safeguarding contact as soon as possible. Staff should not keep separate personal records or retain copies of safeguarding information.
7.2 Secure Storage and Access
All safeguarding records must be:

• Stored securely, separately from general learner and staff records.
• Accessible only to those who have an appropriate safeguarding responsibility or a legitimate need to access the information.
• Protected from unauthorised access, disclosure, loss or alteration.
• Retained and disposed of in accordance with the Academy's data protection and record retention arrangements.

Safeguarding records must not be removed from Academy premises or shared through personal email accounts or other unauthorised channels.
7.3 Confidentiality and Information Sharing
The Academy respects the privacy and confidentiality of learners, staff and families. However, safeguarding information cannot be treated as absolutely confidential where sharing is necessary to protect someone from harm.
Information will be shared on a proportionate, need-to-know basis and in accordance with data protection legislation and safeguarding guidance.

• Staff must not promise to keep safeguarding disclosures secret.
• Information may be shared with the relevant statutory agencies, including Social Services, Health and Social Care Trusts and the PSNI, where necessary to protect a child or adult from harm.
• Where appropriate, the person's consent and wishes should be considered before information is shared, particularly in adult safeguarding matters.
• Information may be shared without consent where there is a lawful basis to do so, including where someone is at risk of serious harm or others may be at risk.
• Decisions about sharing information, including decisions not to share, must be recorded with the reasons clearly documented.

Requests from learners, parents, carers or others to access safeguarding records will be considered in line with data protection legislation and the need to protect the rights and safety of those involved.
Section 8 – Safe Working Practice and Professional Boundaries
All staff have a responsibility to maintain professional boundaries and ensure that their conduct promotes the safety, dignity and wellbeing of learners and apprentices. The Academy recognises the importance of positive, supportive relationships between staff and learners. These relationships must always remain professional and appropriate, with staff mindful of the position of trust they hold.
8.1 Professional Conduct
Staff are expected to:

• Treat all learners and apprentices with dignity, fairness and respect.
• Maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries at all times.
• Use appropriate language and behaviour, both in person and online.
• Avoid favouritism, inappropriate familiarity or relationships that could compromise professional boundaries.
• Never engage in behaviour that could be considered intimidating, humiliating, discriminatory, exploitative or abusive.
• Raise concerns if they witness conduct that may place a learner or another person at risk.

 
8.2 One-to-One Meetings
There will be occasions when staff need to meet individually with a learner, for example to discuss personal matters, progress or wellbeing.
Where possible:

• Meetings should take place in rooms with appropriate visibility, such as rooms with windows or vision panels.
• Another member of staff should be aware that the meeting is taking place.
• Doors should remain open where appropriate and practical.
• Staff should consider whether the location and circumstances are suitable for the nature of the discussion.

8.3 Physical Contact
Physical contact with learners should be appropriate, necessary and respectful.

• Unnecessary physical contact should be avoided.
• Staff must respect a learner's personal space and wishes.
• Physical contact may be necessary when providing first aid, offering appropriate reassurance or preventing immediate harm.
• Any physical intervention must be necessary, proportionate and in accordance with the Academy's relevant policies and procedures.
• Any incident involving physical contact that could be misunderstood or give rise to concern must be reported to the DSL and recorded.

8.4 Digital and Online Boundaries
Staff must maintain professional boundaries when communicating with learners through digital platforms, social media and other online channels.

• Academy-approved communication channels should be used for contact with learners.
• Staff should not use personal social media accounts to communicate privately with learners.
• Online interactions must remain appropriate, professional and transparent.
• Any inappropriate online contact, messages or behaviour must be reported through the Academy's safeguarding procedures.

Section 9 – External Referrals and Safeguarding Contacts
The Academy recognises that some safeguarding concerns require the involvement of statutory agencies. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), in consultation with the Adult Safeguarding Champion (ASC) where appropriate, is responsible for ensuring that concerns are referred to the relevant agencies when necessary. The Academy will work in partnership with Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts, Social Services, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and other relevant agencies to protect children, young people and adults at risk of harm.
9.1 Child Protection Referrals
Where there are concerns that a child or young person under the age of 18 may be experiencing abuse, neglect or significant harm, a referral should be made to the relevant HSC Trust Children's Gateway Service.
The DSL will normally coordinate referrals on behalf of the Academy. However, staff should not delay contacting statutory agencies if there is an immediate risk or the DSL is unavailable.
9.2 Adult Safeguarding Referrals
Where there are concerns that an adult may be experiencing abuse, exploitation or neglect, the DSL/ASC will consider the circumstances, the adult's wishes and whether a referral to the relevant HSC Trust Adult Protection Gateway Service is required. Where appropriate, the adult's consent should be sought before making a referral. However, information may be shared without consent where there is a lawful basis, including where there is a risk of serious harm or risk to others.
9.3 Emergency Situations
Where a child, young person or adult is in immediate danger, or requires urgent medical assistance, staff must contact emergency services on 999 without delay. For urgent safeguarding concerns outside normal office hours, the Regional Emergency Social Work Service can be contacted.
Children and Young People's Services
Gateway is the first point of contact for all new referrals to children’s social work service and is responsible for:

• Making sure that all new referrals are responded to promptly.
• Linking with children and families to assess their needs and identify appropriate support services.
• Ensuring an immediate response to safeguard children and young people in need of protection.
• Making sure children and young people receive ongoing social work support whenever they need it.
• Ensuring that everyone involved with a child can contribute to the assessment of the child and their family.
• Working closely with other agencies when additional support is needed.

If you are concerned that a child may be at risk of Child Sexual Exploitation, there is help available. Find out more about Child Sexual Exploitation – 0800 389 1701Child Sexual Exploitation

How to Access Services for Children and Young People

Anyone can contact this service directly in one of the following ways:
By phone:  During office hours (9.00am – 5:00pm) – you should contact

Trust	Contact Number
South Eastern Trust	0300 1000300
Belfast Trust	02890 507000
Western Trust	02871 314090
Southern Trust	0800 783 7745
Northern Trust	0300 1234333

 
Regional Emergency Social Work Services
At all other times (all through the night, at weekends and over Bank Holidays) – you should contact the out-of-hours Emergency Service: 0800 1979995/[email protected]
In person:
Speak to a Duty Social Worker at
Gateway Services
110 Saintfield Road
BELFAST
BT8 6HD
 

How to Access Adult Services

Anyone can contact this service directly in one of the following ways:
By phone:  During office hours (9.00am – 5:00pm) – you should contact

Trust	Contact Number
South Eastern Trust	02892 501227
Belfast Trust	02890 41744
Western Trust	02871 611366
Southern Trust	02837 564423
Northern Trust	02894 413659

 
Section 10 – UNOCINI: Understanding the Needs of Children in Northern Ireland
UNOCINI stands for Understanding the Needs of Children in Northern Ireland. It is a framework used by practitioners to assess the needs of children and their families and help determine what support or intervention may be required. UNOCINI relates specifically to children and young people under the age of 18. It does not apply to adult safeguarding referrals.
Where the Academy has concerns about a child or young person that may require support or intervention from Children's Social Services:

• The DSL will consider the information available and whether a referral to the relevant Children's Gateway Service is necessary.
• The DSL may seek advice from the relevant Gateway Service where there is uncertainty about the appropriate course of action.
• Where a referral is required, the relevant UNOCINI referral documentation will be completed and submitted in accordance with the receiving Trust's procedures.
• The referral should provide clear, factual information about the concerns, the impact on the child or young person and any action already taken by the Academy.
• The Academy will cooperate with any subsequent assessment or requests for further information from Social Services.

The Academy will continue to provide appropriate support to the learner while working with statutory agencies, where this is appropriate and safe to do so. UNOCINI is not a prerequisite for reporting an immediate child protection concern. Urgent concerns must be referred directly to the relevant statutory agency without delay.
Section 11 – Related Policies and Procedures
This policy should be read alongside the Academy's other policies and procedures, which provide further guidance on specific areas of safeguarding, learner welfare and staff responsibilities.
These include:

• Pastoral Care Policy
• Staff Code of Conduct
• Health and Safety Policy
• Behaviour and Discipline Policy
• Anti-Bullying Policy
• Complaints Procedure
• Equality and Diversity Policy
• Acceptable Use of IT and Internet Policy
• Online Safety and Cyberbullying guidance
• Data Protection and Information Security Policy
• Whistleblowing Policy
• Recruitment and Vetting Procedures

All staff are responsible for familiarising themselves with the policies relevant to their role and following the procedures outlined within them. Where a safeguarding concern arises, this policy should be followed alongside any other relevant Academy procedures.