Safeguarding and Prevent Policy and Procedure

Consoul Ltd is committed to ensuring that all learners, young people (under 18), and vulnerable adults engaging in training programs or qualifications are protected from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm. Consoul Ltd promotes a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where the welfare and well-being of every individual are paramount.

This policy reflects statutory guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children, the Children Act 1989, the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, and the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty).

Scope

This policy applies to:

• Conrad Mepham-Stone (Lead Trainer/Director & Designated Safeguarding Lead) and any associate trainers or external contractors engaged by Consoul Ltd.
• All learners, clients, and participants enrolled on training courses, qualifications, or workshops delivered by Consoul Ltd.

Key Definitions

• Child / Young Person: Any individual under the age of 18.
• Vulnerable Adult: An individual aged 18 or over who may be in need of community care services or unable to protect themselves from harm, exploitation, or abuse due to disability, mental health needs, illness, or age.
• Safeguarding Risks: Includes physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; financial exploitation; neglect; domestic abuse; peer-on-peer abuse; discrimination; self- harm; and online harm.
• Prevent Duty / Radicalisation: The duty to prevent individuals from being drawn into terrorism, extremism, or radicalizing influences.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Conrad Mepham-Stone (Lead Trainer/Director) serves as the DSL for Consoul Ltd. The DSL is responsible for receiving safeguarding disclosures, logging concerns, conducting initial risk assessments, and liaising with external protection agencies or awarding bodies where appropriate.
• Staff & Associate Responsibilities: Any individual acting on behalf of Consoul Ltd must remain vigilant, act immediately on disclosures or signs of abuse, and report all concerns directly to the DSL.

Safeguarding Reporting Procedure

1. Step 1: Immediate Written Log
   • Anyone who receives a disclosure, notices warning signs, or suspects abuse/radicalization must record the facts in writing within 24 hours.
   • The record must detail the dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and exact statements made, signed and dated by the person taking the log.
   • Do not ask leading questions or attempt to investigate the matter independently.
2. Step 2: Escalation to Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
   • Pass the recorded details immediately to Conrad Mepham-Stone (conradmstone@consoulnlp.com).
   • All records must be transmitted securely and kept strictly confidential.
3. Step 3: Risk Assessment and Action Plan
   • Conrad Mepham-Stone will review the report immediately to assess the level of risk.
   • If an individual is in immediate physical danger, emergency services (Police/Social Care) will be contacted without delay.
   • If the concern relates to a candidate registered on a formal qualification, Consoul Ltd will notify the relevant Awarding Body (e.g., CMI Compliance via compliance@cmi.org.uk).
4. Step 4: Referral and Follow-Up
   • Where external referral is required, Conrad Mepham-Stone will liaise directly with local Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hubs (MASH), Police, or Prevent coordinators.
   • Internal support or adjustments will be put in place for the learner where appropriate.
   • All records, actions, and external communications will be documented securely in Consoul Ltd’s confidential safeguarding log.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing

While personal privacy and GDPR principles are strictly respected, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed if a child, young person, or vulnerable adult is deemed at risk of

harm, or where a serious crime or terrorism threat is disclosed. In such cases, information will be shared with relevant protection authorities on a strict need-to-know basis.

Vetting and Safe Recruitment

Consoul Ltd maintains safe delivery practices by requiring relevant criminal record checks (e.g., Disclosure and Barring Service - DBS) and character declarations for any personnel or contractors involved in regulated training activities.

Monitoring and Review

This policy and associated emergency contact details are reviewed annually by Conrad Mepham-Stone to ensure ongoing alignment with legal updates and awarding body guidelines.