Meet the University’s Safeguarding Officer
Fri, 12 Sep 2014 05:00:00 BST
Safeguarding is a service designed to help vulnerable children and adults. This could include students or staff who are dealing with serious issues in their lives and need someone to help them find the right support. The University also has a duty of care for any visitors on campus and if any safeguarding issues are highlighted then these would also be dealt with.
Safeguarding issues include those which have a detrimental impact on the lives of those involved. This could include domestic abuse, forced marriage or concern for a child who you feel is being neglected or abused. If there is a potential safeguarding issue that you are uncertain about you can always get in touch and seek advice from the Safeguarding Officer.
The University’s designated Safeguarding Officer is Amanda Kenningley. In addition to Amanda’s role as Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer she has also had responsibility for any safeguarding issues for the past 5 years.
The role of the Safeguarding Officer is to be a central point of contact for these issues. Their role is to record the issue in as much detail as possible and to ensure that the individual is directed to the right service. This could be something that Student Services can help with or if it is a genuine safeguarding issue it would be referred to Social Services. What the Safeguarding Officer cannot guarantee is that they can keep the issue confidential as they have a duty of care to transfer any cases to Social Services if they feel that this is appropriate.
“It is a rewarding role as I feel that I am helping people when they are vulnerable and feel that they have nowhere to turn. Sometimes I have to deal with quite distressing issues and I have to remember how important it is to provide this service, which could make a big difference to a person’s quality of life,” commented Amanda.
Amanda recently attended an intensive two day NSPCC Designated Safeguarding Officers’ training session, which provided the opportunity for officers from across the country to share common issues, policies and procedures and also to meet other officers who like Amanda are the only representative for their organisation.
If you would like more information or have any safeguarding issues here are the contact details:
Designated Safeguarding Officer: Amanda Kenningley on 01484 473177 or Vicki Carver on 01484 473918. Out of hours: 07970 661371.
