Safeguarding and Prevent
Adult Community Learning Essex takes seriously its responsibility for creating an environment that promotes Wellbeing and ensures personal safety, security and welfare.
If you have concerns, or someone has disclosed abuse to you, speak to your tutor, a member of staff or contact the ACL Safeguarding team direct on 07788 301629. This telephone is monitored during centre opening hours. Alternatively complete the online form by clicking here.
Safeguarding & Prevent
ACL takes its responsibility to safeguard all learners and staff seriously. It is recognised that any adults/young people could potentially be the victim of abuse including radicalisation and the service operates the following policies to address these risks.
- ACL Safeguarding and Prevent Policy
- Harassment and Bullying policy
- Fitness to Learn Policy
- Computer Use policy including On-Line Safety
Safeguarding and Prevent is the responsibility of us all. It is about protecting those who may be vulnerable from a wide range of harm and ensuring that they feel safe. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, bullying, including cyber bullying, as well as a range of wider issues including Prevent, which is the Government’s strategy to wipe out radicalisation.
Safeguarding is only effective when we all take responsibility for looking out for each other.
British Values
Part of the Government’s Prevent agenda is British Values. A short video showing where you can find these values within ACL will be shown to you by your tutor at the start of your course.
ACL promotes the fundamental British Values of democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs, through encouraging the development of skills and attitudes that enable us to contribute positively to life in modern Britain.
Equality & Diversity
We are committed to fairness and equality of access, opportunity and outcome for all learners and potential learners. We oppose discrimination in any form and have a commitment to making our courses inclusive and available to all.
Therefore, we positively welcome enrolments from everyone, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, gender reassignment, religion/belief and sexual orientation.
When appropriate and possible we will make reasonable adjustments to ensure all learners gain the most from their learning experience.
Health & Safety
ACL operates within the Essex County Council Health and Safety Policy, the ACL Learner Charter, and Essex County Council Corporate Health and Safety guidelines. Copies of the ACL Code of Practice are available at each centre as well as online via the ACL virtual learning environment. The Service will ensure that there is an awareness of safety issues among all staff and, so far as it is reasonably practicable, that the health and safety of non-employees who may be affected by its work activities are not endangered. Our learners have a role in this, and we would ask you to please be alert to potential risks and report anything you think could be a danger straight away to the reception staff or your tutor.
As part of your learning experience we will include guidance as to:
- the importance of health and safety
- how hazards are identified, and risks assessed
- how to play an active part in developing a set of safe behaviours,
- how to acquire practical, transferable skills from your learning experience
Health and Safety will be covered as part of your induction to the course and by the end of your first class you should be clear about:
- emergency arrangements
- any significant risks that may affect you
- control measures for the risks
- supervision arrangements and the contact person for any health and safety concerns
- any restrictions or prohibitions that apply in the learning situation and premises
- any personal protective equipment or clothing that you must wear
- accident reporting
- any health and safety rules (“dos” and “don’ts”).
Learner Wellbeing
We care about your wellbeing; we have a Learner Welfare form that we suggest you complete when you have personal information related to your health that could affect you in the centre or might make you more vulnerable. This information is kept securely and only shared with your tutors and the safeguarding team, although in the event of a Safeguarding or Prevent concern information may also be shared with additional third parties.
We have a ‘Your Wellbeing’ area on our Virtual Learning Environment where we provide information and guidance to signpost you to other services and organisations that can support you.
Safeguarding and Prevent for Employers
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If you would like to report a concern, please call 07788 301629.
Prevent duty
Some signs that someone might be vulnerable to radicalisation include:
- Feeling isolated or disconnected
- Low self-esteem or confidence
- Anger, frustration, or a sense of injustice
- Holding personal grievances
- Believing in conspiracy theories
- Blaming specific groups for wider issues
- Promoting hate or violence as a solution
- Expressing ideas of superiority or an “us vs. them” mindset
ACL’s Role in Preventing Radicalisation
At ACL, we:
- Encourage apprentices to share their views in respectful, non-extremist ways
- Stay committed to the principles of the Prevent Duty
- Seek support when concerns arise
- Stay alert to changes in behaviour that may raise safeguarding concerns
- Report any concerns to the Safeguarding Team
- Create safe spaces for staff and apprentices to discuss current events, extremism, and British values
- Share any concerns about online safety with the Safeguarding Team
Employer’s Role
Employers also play a key part in keeping apprentices safe:
- Make sure apprentices understand your organisation’s policies around internet and tech use
- Be aware of the risks apprentices may face in the workplace and take steps to reduce them
- Report any concerns about online safety or radicalisation to the Safeguarding Team
Recognising the signs
- Regular absences from work or training, or often arriving late
- Changes in appearance – for example, looking more unkempt than usual
- Shifts in behaviour – becoming unusually quiet, loud, withdrawn or aggressive
- Signs of emotional distress – such as crying, anxiety, or low mood
- Using alcohol or drugs excessively
- Unexplained injuries like cuts or bruises
- Poor or concerning living conditions
- Evidence of self-harm
- Avoiding certain activities – including reluctance to go online or sudden changes in tech use
- Receiving expensive or unusual gifts
If you notice any of these signs, it could be a safeguarding concern. Trust your instincts and speak to the Safeguarding Team for advice and support.
Notice, Check, Share
Notice – Be alert to any changes in someone’s behaviour that feel unusual or worrying. Ask yourself whether they might be vulnerable to radicalisation, or if there could be another reason behind the change. Stay informed about signs, symbols, or language linked to extremist views.
Check – Approach any safeguarding concerns with care and sensitivity. Try to understand the wider context before jumping to conclusions. If you’re unsure, quietly check in with a trusted colleague to get their perspective or advice.
Share – If you’re still concerned, pass on the relevant information to the Safeguarding Team. Only share what’s necessary and appropriate, and do so early as this helps reduce risk and ensures the right support is in place.
Staying safe online
Being online is a big part of everyday life—whether it’s for personal, social, or work-related reasons. It offers great opportunities for learning and growth, but it also comes with risks. Apprentices can face harm both online and in person, so we need to look after their digital wellbeing too.
To help them stay safe, apprentices need to:
- Understand the risks they might face online
- Learn how to use digital tools safely and responsibly
- Know how to protect their personal data and privacy
Online risks can include:
- Bullying or harassment
- Sharing of inappropriate images without consent
- Money muling or financial exploitation
- Abuse or manipulation
- Identity theft
- Grooming, phishing scams, and malware
- Sharing of inappropriate images without consent. It is an offence to produce or share nudes and semi-nudes of under 18s.
We also want apprentices to build strong critical thinking skills. They should feel confident to question and evaluate online content, helping them make informed decisions and stay safe.
Our Role at ACL:
- Identify any risks they might face online and take steps to reduce them
- Encourage curiosity and critical thinking when engaging with online content
- Make sure staff are confident in spotting and responding to online safety concerns
- Provide guidance and information around online safety
Employer’s Role:
- Make sure apprentices know your organisation’s policies around internet and tech use
- Be aware of the risks apprentices might face in the workplace and help reduce them
- Share any concerns about online safety with the Safeguarding Team
British values
These values are part of everyday life and help create a respectful, inclusive learning environment. The government expects all apprenticeship providers to actively promote these values, which were outlined in the 2011 Prevent strategy:
- Mutual respect and tolerance of different beliefs and backgrounds
- Individual liberty
- The rule of law
- Democracy
At ACL, we take a values-led approach that celebrates diversity and encourages everyone to reach their full potential. Promoting British values is part of our safeguarding culture—it helps make ACL a safe, welcoming place to study, work, and visit.
We aim to build a strong sense of community among our apprentices, where everyone feels they belong and differences are respected. We believe that by learning from each other, we grow stronger together.
Our Role at ACL:
- Embed British values throughout the apprenticeship journey
- Create opportunities for apprentices to apply these values in real-life situations
- Encourage respect for others and celebrate differences, in line with the Equality Act 2010
Employer’s Role:
- Foster a workplace culture built on mutual respect and tolerance
- Make sure apprentices feel safe, supported, and valued
- Help create an environment free from discrimination
- Work in line with legislation like the Equality Act 2010
- Show a clear commitment to British values in everyday practice
Keeping Children Safe in Education
Download our materials
Easy Read Safeguarding Leaflet
Safeguarding Our Learners (Information for Visitors)
Safeguarding Lanyard Insert
Prevent Leaflet
Speak to our team
Our Safeguarding team is here to help you with any concerns or guidance you may require. If you have any enquiries, feel free to fill out the form below or contact us at 07788301629 for urgent matters.