Safeguarding in practice in higher education: an online training event (two half-day sessions)

This special two-part online training event provides an opportunity to attend our Level Two safeguarding training course, designed to provide a clear, confident understanding of safeguarding in HE, and underpin supported or supervised practice in response to a safeguarding concern.

This Level Two course is delivered over two half-day online sessions (for which participants must be available to attend both of these sessions):

• Session 1 takes place on Tuesday 14th July - 1:00pm to 4:30pm

• Session 2 takes place on Thursday 16th July - 1:00pm to 4:30pm

The course begins with a clear definition, in line with the approach of statutory authorities and with legal definitions - "the full range of steps a higher education provider or other organisation takes to protect individuals - specifically, children and adults at risk - from abuse and neglect" - and differentiates clearly between safeguarding concerns and other types of support or intervention.

It then explores the legal and policy context of safeguarding, as well as, more importantly, the practical implications of safeguarding in our work. Through case studies and HE-specific examples, we will explore what to look out for to spot a safeguarding concern and how to feel confident in having a conversation with someone who is disclosing a safeguarding concern.

We then cover the approaches to responding to and reporting a concern or disclosure, and share what can happen following a report being made.

Note about England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland: When discussing the legal and regulatory framework for safeguarding, we will explore key differences in the frameworks between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, given that the different parts of the UK take different – in some cases, markedly different – approaches. This is important as universities/HEIs will often engage with students, staff members and others from all parts of the UK. At the same time, given that the primary focus of this course is on the practical skills required to respond effectively to safeguarding concerns and safeguarding disclosures, most of the course content will be equally relevant to all parts of the UK.

Who is this session for?

This Level Two course is relevant to any colleague in the higher education sector who requires, or would benefit from, a sound understanding of safeguarding issues because the nature of their work, or the work of their team, means there is an increased likelihood they will encounter a safeguarding concern. This might include:

• Colleagues who may be more likely to need to spot potential safeguarding issues, or respond to potential safeguarding disclosures, in their day-to day work, such as colleagues in widening participation, HR, sport, accommodation, student services, or any role involving longer conversations with students, staff members or others.

• Colleagues who act as ‘safeguarding contacts’ within their department and who may have certain responsibilities within their team in relation to the signposting and internal reporting of safeguarding concerns as a result.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the second half-day session, participants will:

• Understand the meaning of safeguarding, the legal context of HE safeguarding policies, and the types of abuse and neglect that are relevant to safeguarding,

• Know what to look out for to spot a safeguarding concern and feel confident in having a conversation with someone who is disclosing a safeguarding concern,

• Have a broad understanding of what might happen after we report a safeguarding concern.

Optional opportunity later in the year: After completing this two-part Level Two course, attendees will also have an opportunity later in the year to book a place at an additional third half-day session to upgrade their certification to our Level Three 'Safeguarding for Designated Safeguarding Leads/Officers in Higher Education' certificate. The next add-on session takes place on Thursday 3rd October.  If you cannot make that date, email info@plinthhouse.com and we will let you know about future top-up opportunities to upgrade your Level Two certificate to a Level Three certificate.

Fees

• Individual attendee - £225 + VAT (£270 incl. VAT)

You can either pay by debit/credit card or request an invoice. To pay via invoice, click on 'Pay by invoice or bank transfer' when you get to the debit/credit card details page; we will then get in touch with you to arrange an invoice.

Booking for a team of 10 or more? A dedicated session works out better value — and includes tailored content for your institution - we can deliver the Level Two course as a dedicated online training session for up to 20 people at a time that works for you and your cohort - see our safeguarding training brochure for more details.