Degree Apprenticeships: Safeguarding, Prevent and Health and Safety

On this page:

• What is safeguarding?
• Who can help?
• How does the University support apprentices?
• What happens if a safeguarding concern is raised?
• What are Fundamental British Values?
• What is Prevent?
• Health and safety
• Emergency contacts
• Support and wellbeing services
• School safeguarding contacts
• University Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding means keeping people safe from harm and supporting their wellbeing.

At the University of Hertfordshire, safeguarding includes:

• Physical safety
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Protection from abuse, neglect and exploitation
• Health and safety
• Prevent
• Access to appropriate support services

We are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all apprentices.

Examples of safeguarding concerns may include:

• Deteriorating mental health
• Self-neglect
• Substance misuse
• Abuse or exploitation
• Concerns about personal safety

Who can help?

If you have a concern about your wellbeing, safety or someone else's welfare, you can speak to:

• Your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Your Programme Leader
• Your Personal Tutor
• Your Employer Liaison Tutor
• The Dean of Students' Office

Support is available whether the concern relates to your studies, health, wellbeing or personal circumstances.

How does the University support apprentices?

The University has a legal responsibility to help protect children, adults at risk, students, staff and visitors.

Our safeguarding approach is based on:

• Empowerment
• Prevention
• Proportionate action
• Partnership working
• Protection and accountability

The Dean of Students acts as the University's Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) and each School that delivers apprenticeships has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

The University also carries out DBS checks where required and provides specialist wellbeing and support services.

What happens if a safeguarding concern is raised?

If there is a concern that someone may be at risk of harm, the University will take appropriate action.

You can raise concerns with:

• Your teaching team
• Your Employer Liaison Tutor
• Your School's Designated Safeguarding Lead

University staff can also make referrals to the Designated Safeguarding Officer via the Safeguarding Incident report form:

• Safeguarding Policy (HS10) - Safeguarding Incident Report Form - adults
• Safeguarding Policy (HS10) - Safeguarding Incident Report Form - children

Following a referral:

1. The safeguarding team reviews the concern.
2. Additional information may be gathered if needed.
3. Appropriate support is offered.
4. External agencies may be contacted where necessary.
5. The apprentice's employer may be involved where appropriate.

Each concern is assessed individually and managed according to the level of risk.

Related policies

• Safeguarding Policy (UPR HS10)
• Bullying and Harassment Policy (UPR EQ10)

What are Fundamental British Values?

Fundamental British Values help promote respectful and inclusive communities.

They are:

• Democracy
• Rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect and tolerance

Your programme team and employer will help you develop and understand these values throughout your apprenticeship.

What is Prevent?

Prevent is part of the UK's counter-terrorism strategy and aims to stop people from being drawn into terrorism or extremism.

For apprentices, Prevent is part of safeguarding.

It is about:

• Keeping people safe
• Identifying vulnerabilities
• Providing support when concerns arise
• Protecting freedom of belief and expression within the law

The University has a legal duty to support Prevent and provides training for staff.

If you have concerns about radicalisation or extremism, contact the Dean of Students.

Health and safety

The safety of apprentices, staff and visitors is a priority.

The University follows health safety and security procedures to help keep everyone safe on campus.

Depending on your apprenticeship, there may be additional health and safety requirements. Your programme team will explain these where relevant.

Emergency contacts

Emergency on campus

Internal emergency number: 5555

External emergency number: 01707 285555

For serious emergencies, call 999.

Read: Action in Emergency on Campus

Support and wellbeing services

The following services can provide advice and support:

School safeguarding contacts

University Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO)