Vulnerable Learners Protection and Anti-bullying Policy

1. Pathway Group
putting you first
Vulnerable Learners
Protection and Anti Bullying
Policy
Pathway College
putting you first

2. Contents
1. Foreword .........................................................................................................................................1
2. Introduction ............................. ....................................................................................................2
3. Who is a ‘Vulnerable Learner’? .............................................................................................2
4. What to do if you believe someone may be experiencing abuse? ......................2
5. What do we mean by abuse? .................................................................................................3
6. How we protect ‘Vulnerable Learners’?............................................................................3
7. Anti-Bullying Policy (including, Cyber Bullying) .........................................................4
7.1 Statement of Intent ................................................................................................................4
7.2 What Is Bullying? ......................................................................................................................4
7.3 Why is it important to respond to bullying? .................................................................. 5
7.4 Policy Summary .......................................................................................................................5
7.5 Signs and Symptoms that Someone may be Being Bullied .....................................5
7.6 Procedures ................................................................................................................................6
7.7 Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................6
7.8 What Is Cyber Bullying? .........................................................................................................6

3. 1. FOREWORD
Pathway Group recognises and takes seriously its responsibilities for safeguarding
all Learners and other service users. This policy document is in part intended to
publicly communicate the ways in which we meet our responsibilities.
This policy document also provides a guide for Pathway Group staff , Learners,
employers and placement providers to follow and/or consult when training and
working with learners and should be read in conjunction with the Pathway
Group policy documents covering Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity and
Whistleblowing.
Signed:
Safaraz Ali
Director
Review Date: 12th November 2013
1.

4. 2. INTRODUCTION
When you undertake training with Pathway Group we want to ensure that the time
you spend with us is a happy time.
You are embarking on a training programme to improve your skill set. This could
be in the form of obtaining units within the National Vocational Qualifi cation (NVQ)
Framework, an Apprenticeship, or a 2-3 week sector specifi c training course. All
learners should be able to live free from fear or harm, and have their rights and
choices respected. We are committed to looking after your safety and it is our
responsibility to make sure you are kept safe during your time with us. Pathway
Group has in place the Protection of Vulnerable Learners Policy to safeguard any
‘Vulnerable Learner’ whilst in our care. We have an ongoing culture of vigilance and
an open-door policy in looking into complaints.
We believe that by working with our Learners we can develop an eff ective
safeguarding environment in which everyone can successfully work together.
3. WHO IS A ‘VULNERABLE LEARNER’?
A ‘Vulnerable Learner’ is someone aged 16 or over who is, or may be:
• In need of community care (such as day, respite, or residential) services
• Unable to protect themselves from harm
• Someone caring for another person who may be vulnerable
• Vulnerable as a result of age, illness, learning or physical disability, sight or
hearing impairments, a mental health condition, homelessness, domestic
violence, or substance addiction
4. WHAT TO DO IF YOU BELIEVE SOMEONE MAY BE EXPERIENCING
ABUSE?
• Speak to your Tutor/Assessor
• If the Tutor/Assessor is the alleged abuser, speak to another Senior Manager at
your centre. You can also contact the Pathway Group Designated Safeguarding
Offi cers - Martin Chandler (Birmingham) on 0121 707 0550 or Lucy Cliff ord
(Walsall), on 01922 870050 if you suspect abuse or have any concerns. We treat
all conversations sensitively. Keeping people safe is everyones business.
Pathway Group staff will never dismiss your concerns or make you feel
uncomfortable in any way
2.

5. 5. WHAT DO WE MEAN BY ABUSE?
Abuse is an action by another person that goes against someone’s human or civil
rights. It can take many forms: physical, mental, emotional, sexual, or fi nancial.
Examples include:
• Hitting, slapping, pushing, or rough handling
• Depriving someone of food, clothing or warmth
• Sexual activity without consent
• Misuse or theft of money, possessions or property
• Shouting, swearing or using degrading language
• Cyber bullying, by text, social networking sites, emails
• Neglecting someone’s medical or physical needs
Abuse can happen anywhere: at home, at a learning centre, in the workplace, in a
residential or nursing home, hospital, day centre, or in a public place. Some kinds of
abuse are also a criminal off ence.
6. HOW WE PROTECT VULNERABLE LEARNERS?
Pathway Group follows strict rules, regulations, and policies. We implement many
preventative measures, including ensuring that all Pathway Group employees are
CRB checked and that all references are thoroughly checked before any off er of
employment is made. Pathway Group Group ensures that ‘E-Safety’ measures are
in place, and only acceptable use of our ICT equipment is carried out. This prevents
any cyber bullying, for example, posting nasty messages on social websites, emails
are monitored, and text messages are not causing any concerns or issues with our
learners.
Bullying and harassment are not accepted in any manner. There is a code of
professional conduct that all staff must adhere to. Included within are: not
requesting/accepting friend requests on sites such as Facebook, not sharing
personal phone numbers, not meeting vulnerable people outside of business hours,
not having relationships with apprentices etc. We also have a whistle-blowing policy
which allows anyone to raise an issue with a senior member of staff .
If we are advised of, or are aware of any abuse then we will take appropriate action
to ensure the safety and well being of all vulnerable learners. We have several
designated Safeguarding offi cers in place:
• Martin Chandler (Birms): 0121 707 0550 or Lucy Cliff ord (Walsall): 01922 870050
3.

6. You can talk to your tutor regarding any concerns you have or alternatively you can
contact the nominated people directly. Whilst you are with us we would like you to:
• Have Fun
• Enjoy your learning, and be safe!
7. ANTI-BULLYING POLICY INCLUDING CYBER BULLYING
7.1 Statement of Intent
Pathway Group is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment
for all of our learners so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying
of any kind is unacceptable on our programmes. If bullying does occur, all learners
should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and
eff ectively. We are a telling organisation and believe in our ‘Whistle blowing’ Policy
as a safeguard and protecting for learners. This means that anyone who knows that
bullying is happening is expected to tell the staff .
7.2 What is Bullying?
Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person.
Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim.
Bullying can be:
• Emotional: Being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding books,
threatening gestures)
• Physical: Pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
• Racist: Racial taunts, graffi ti, gestures
• Sexual: Unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
• Homophobic: Because of, or focussing on the issue of sexuality
• Verbal: Name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing
• Cyber: Through areas of the internet, such as e-mail and internet chat room
misuse, mobile phone threats by text messaging and calls, misuse of associated
technology, e.g. camera & video facilities
4.

7. 7.3 Why is it important to respond to bullying?
Bullying hurts. No-one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right
to be treated with respect. Learners who are bullying need to learn diff erent ways
of behaving.
We all have a responsibility to respond promptly and eff ectively to issues of
bullying.
7.4 Policy Summary
• All managers, teaching and non-teaching staff and Learners should have an
understanding of what bullying is
• All managers, teaching and non-teaching staff and Learners should know what
Pathway Group’s policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported
• All Learners should know Pathway Group’s policy is on bullying, and what they
should do if bullying arises
• As a training provider we take bullying seriously. Learners should be assured that
they will be supported when bullying is reported
• Bullying will not be tolerated
7.5 Signs and symptoms that someone may be being bullied
A Learner may indicate by the following that he or she is being bullied. Tutors/
Assessors/Mentors should be aware of these possible signs and that they should
investigate if a Learner:
• Is frightened of attending any training sessions on their own
• Doesn’t want to go to the work placement/apprenticeship employment
• Asks to be taken of the programme but will not give a reason
• Changes their usual routine
• Becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confi dence
• Starts stammering
• Attempts or threatens suicide or runs away
• Feels ill in the morning
• Begins to do poorly in course work
• Has possessions which are damaged or “ go missing”
• Asks for money or starts stealing money (possibly to pay a bully)
• Has unexplained cuts or bruises
• Becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
• Is bullying other Learners
• Is frightened to say what’s wrong
• Gives improbable excuses for any of the above
5.

8. • Is afraid to use the internet or mobile phone
• Is nervous and ‘jumpy ‘when a cyber message is received
These signs and aspects behaviours could indicate other problems, but bullying
should be considered a possibility and should be investigated.
7.6 Procedures
i. Report bullying incidents to staff
ii. In cases of serious bullying, the incidents will be recorded by staff
iii. If necessary and appropriate, police will be consulted
iv. Bullying is investigated and stopped quickly
v. An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour
7.7 Outcomes
i. The bully (bullies) may be asked to genuinely apologise. (Other
consequences may take place)
ii. In serious cases, suspension or even exclusion will be considered
iii. If possible, the victim(s) and bully(ies) will be reconciled
iv. After the incident(s) have been investigated and dealt with, each case will be
monitored to ensure repeated bullying does not take place
7.8 What is Cyber Bullying?
Cyber Bullying is bullying through the use of communication technology like
mobile phone text messages, e-mails or websites. This can take many forms for
example:
• Sending threatening or abusive text messages or e-mails, personally or
anonymously
• Making insulting comments about someone on a website, social networking site
(e.g. Facebook) or online diary (blog)
• Making or sharing derogatory or embarrassing videos of someone via mobile
phone or e-mail (such as ‘Happy Slapping’ videos)
It should be noted that the use of ICT to bully is against the law.
Abusive language or images, used to bully, harass or threaten another, whether
spoken or written (through electronic means) may be libellous and may contravene
the Harassment Act 1997 or the Telecommunications Act 1984.
6.

9. If a bullying incident directed at a Learner occurs using e-mail or mobile phone
technology either inside or outside of our programme time:
• Advise the Learner not to respond to the message
• Secure and preserve any evidence
• Inform the sender’s e-mail service provider
• Consider informing the police depending on the severity or repetitious nature of
the alleged off ence
If malicious or threatening comments are posted on an Internet site about a learner
or member of staff :
• Inform and request the comments be removed if the site is administered
externally
• Secure and preserve any evidence
• Endeavour to trace the origin and inform police as appropriate
Learners should be confi dent when it comes to reporting inappropriate incidents
involving the internet or mobile technology. They must be able to do this without
fear.
7.

10. NOTES
N
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
.....
.......
.........
...........
..............
................
...................
.....................
........................
..........................
............................
...............................
................................
...............................
..............................
.............................
............................
...........................
..........................
.........................
........................
......................
.....................
....................
...................
.................
................
................
...............
..............
..............
..............
..............
..............
..............
...............
...............
................
.................
.
..
...
...
....
......
.......
........
..........
...........
.............
...............
................
...................
....................
......................
........................
.........................
............................
..............................
.................................
..................................
NOT
......
.........
......
.........
......
..........
......
..........
.....
...........
....
...........
..
............
............
..........
........
.....
...

11. NOTES
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................................................................

12. Pathway College
putting you first
Pathway Group
putting you first
Pathway Group
Fairgate house, 205 Kings Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2AA
Tel: 0800 955 0870 / 0121 707 0550
Email: info@pathwaygroup.co.uk
Web: www.pathwaygroup.co.uk