Safeguarding & Prevent

Committed to supporting learners

Achievement Training is committed to supporting all learners to feel safe! We have a commitment to safeguard the health and well being of all our learners at Achievement Training. This includes striving to ensure learners are not bullied, abused or harmed in any way.

ATL’s Safeguarding Policy

Achievement Training is fully committed to providing a working and learning environment that is free from abuse and harm. We actively promote a free and safe culture within all work and learning environments by:

clearly identifying and communicating the roles and responsibilities within the organisation for safeguarding procedures;
allocating sufficient resources to safeguarding; and
applying a zero tolerance to any form of abuse and harm.

Our Safeguarding Working Party (SWP) meets formally at least three times per year and to deal with any Safeguarding issues that may arise and members also liaise with Managers, HR and the Leadership team to ensure all staff are aware of responsibilities and are competent to undertake Safeguarding duties.

Prevent

Prevent is part of the UK’s counter terrorism strategy, preventing people from becoming involved in terrorism or supporting extremism. You might come into contact with a friend who is vulnerable or recognise someone who may be easily manipulated to follow extremist views.

What can you do?
There could be all sorts of motivators for the behaviours we have listed here and the likelihood that these lead to committing an extreme crime is driving them is very small. However, we do need to accept that it is a possibility – no matter how remote. The fact is someone displaying these types of behaviours might just be going through a difficult time that still means that a person may benefit from our support. So please talk to a member of staff immediately!

Who might be vulnerable?
People might be vulnerable because of:

Low self esteem;
Lack of knowledge;
Negative media stories;
Feeling socially excluded; or
Having a distorted view of the world.

Any of us at times may share feelings or going through situations such as these. That does not mean that having one or all of these characteristics or circumstances will drive someone to extremism. But they can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, anger, sadness or not listened to and like an outsider. Being aware with of how these factors could make someone feel is hugely important to being able to protect and support them.

We are protecting them from being radicalised: Where someone has their vulnerability exploited to support extreme crimes or terrorism, by a third party who has their own negative agenda.

Behaviours: What will those signs that someone needs help look like?

They will look like any other troubling behaviour, so think about what behaviours would give you a cause for concern. It might be as simple as a gut feeling about someone’s welfare.

Possible behaviours:

Visiting “unsafe” internet websites;
Complete change of routine;
New circle of negative friends;
Absence from learning;
Easily angered;
Sudden change in appearance;
Become arrogant;
Fixated on a topic;
Change in language, use of words;
Saying inappropriate things; or
Becoming withdrawn/isolated.

We hope this page has given you a clearer idea about what PREVENT’s aims are and how it works to support those people who are vulnerable to being groomed to share extremist ideas and commit extreme crimes.

If you have any concerns you can speak to ATLs Safeguarding Officers, any members of staff or parents/carers.

Actions Counter Terrorism

ACT – Action Counters Terrorism

Report Suspicious Activity: If you’ve seen or heard something that could suggest a terrorist threat to the UK do not ignore it, report it.

Call the police confidentially on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, or if you need urgent police assistance, you should always dial 999.

What should I report?

You should report suspicious activity or behaviour – anything that seems out of place, unusual or just doesn’t seem to fit in with everyday life. These are just some examples of suspicious activity and behaviour which could potentially be terrorist related:

Anyone hiring or acquiring large vehicles or similar for no obvious reason;
Anyone buying or storing a large amount of chemicals, fertilisers or gas cylinders for no obvious reason;
Anyone taking notes or photos of security arrangements, or inspecting CCTV in an unusual way;
Anyone looking at extremist material (including on the so-called Dark Web), ordering unusual items online or carrying out unusual bank transactions;
Anyone who has illegal firearms or other weapons or has shown an interest in obtaining them;
Anyone holding passports or other documents in different names, for no obvious reason;
Anyone who goes away travelling for long periods of time but is vague about where they’re going.

What happens when I contact the police?

When you make a report about suspicious activity or behaviour, specially trained officers and police staff will take the details and pass these on for further checks. The information you provide will be kept secure and your identity will be protected. Your call is not recorded and you do not need to give your name. Don’t be concerned about wasting police time.

What should I do if I find terrorist or violent extremist content online?

Terrorists also use the internet to provoke individuals to carry out attacks in the UK. One post or video has the power to influence vulnerable people and inspire extremists and terrorists. This is why it is important to tackle online terrorism as well. You can help us stop terrorists’ and extremists’ online presence by reporting content such as:

Speeches or essays calling for racial or religious violence;
Videos of violence with messages in praise of terrorists;
Posts inciting people to commit acts of terrorism or violent extremism;
Messages intended to stir up hatred against any religious or ethnic group;
Bomb-making instructions;
Advice on how to obtain or make weapons.

If you see online graphic or violent extremist material or content that supports, directs or glorifies terrorism please report it using the anonymous online reporting form. A specialist police team will examine the content and will work with internet companies to remove it if appropriate.

What happened when communities passed on information that helped save lives?

Counter Terrorism Policing has created a podcast series called “Code Severe”. The podcasts reveal previously untold stories of how terrorist attacks on the UK were prevented thanks to information from the public.

They include first-hand accounts from those involved, including counter terrorism detectives, bomb disposal and surveillance officers – many speaking publicly for the first time, as well as senior officers, witnesses and the terrorists themselves.

The cooperation between public and police is a powerful defence.

In recent years, attacks have been prevented and lives have been saved. Communities Defeat Terrorism. That’s the reason behind ACT, a campaign encouraging communities to share any information that may help prevent an attack.

When attacks have occurred in the past, people have said they suspected something was wrong, but were worried they may waste police time by coming forward or that they might get someone into trouble. The ACT campaign wants to reassure the public that no call or click will be ignored and that we will only take action after appropriate checks have been carried out. Anonymity will be assured and what we are told will always be secure.

Anyone who sees something unusual or suspicious should go with their instincts and ACT.

Even if they’re unsure what to do in an emergency, ACT.

For more information about counter terrorism and how to stay safe visit the NPCC Website.

ACT to Stay Safe

While the chances of being caught up in a terrorist incident remain rare, it is important to be prepared and know how to protect yourself if the need arises. Counter Terrorism Policing has released guidance that sets out three key steps for keeping safe in the event of a firearms or weapons attack.

Stay Safe: Firearms & Weapons Attack
Run, Hide, Tell: Firearms & Weapons Attack

Advice For Young People

Designed to teach 11-16 year olds how to act in the unlikely event they are caught in a gun or knife attack, the ‘ACT For Youth’ campaign reinvents the successful ‘Run, Hide, Tell’ public information films for a new generation.

The message is simple: RUN if they are able to, HIDE if they can not, and TELL police of the threat only when it is safe to do so. We also advise to warn others about an on-going threat, and crucially NOT to stop and use mobile phones until safely away from danger. Real Champions Run.

Quality

Quality is not taken lightly at ATL and the quality team regularly liaise with the SWP to put in place a comprehensive training programme to ensure all staff are competent to undertake safeguarding duties including: –

Ensure all Staff / Managers have been thoroughly vetted prior to undertaking duties.
Review and report on the ATL’s performance against safeguarding measures, using the Helping children achieve more agenda.
Liaise with the SWP to review and update Policy and Procedures annually.

Department Managers

Manage the application of Protection and Safeguarding procedures in their department.
Act as the focal point for Protection and Safeguarding in their department.
Ensure all staff are competent to undertake their Safeguarding duties.
Monitor and review the application of the Safeguarding procedures in their department.
Clearly communicate the Protection and Safeguarding policy to all staff.
Liaise with partner agencies as required.

All Staff

Work to actively help learners achieve more.
Ensure Managers are aware of any children and vulnerable adults on their tutor files.
Comply with Policy and Procedures.
Promote a safe learning environment.

Bullying

We have a zero tolerance for bullying and ask that all learners abide by our Code of Conduct, respecting each other’s differences, views and opinions. If you feel unsafe or have concerns about the safety of a fellow learner, you can contact your Tutor for advice if you are comfortable doing so. If you need to talk to someone in confidence, use the ‘rapid response’ email link below to contact the Safeguarding officer, who will contact you with support or advice as soon as possible: safe@achievementtraining.com.