Our Commitment

We are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we work proactively to protect students, staff, and visitors from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

We also fulfil our statutory duties under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, including the Prevent Duty, which requires universities to help stop individuals from being drawn into terrorism while upholding academic freedom and freedom of expression.

What Safeguarding Means

• Protecting students and staff from abuse, harassment, and harm
• Supporting individuals experiencing mental health difficulties or crisis
• Ensuring safe working, learning, and living environments
• Responding to concerns about wellbeing, vulnerability, or risk
• Working with external agencies when needed

Understanding the Prevent Duty

Prevent is about safeguarding, not surveillance. It focuses on early support for individuals who may be vulnerable to radicalisation, regardless of ideology.

Our Prevent approach includes:

• Providing training for staff to recognise and respond to concerns
• Offering support to individuals who may be at risk
• Ensuring external speakers and events are managed safely
• Promoting respectful debate and academic freedom

Reporting a Concern

If you are worried about your own safety or someone else’s, please contact our Safeguarding Team. Concerns may include:

• Signs of abuse or neglect
• Concerning behaviour or wellbeing changes
• Exposure to extremist content or rhetoric
• Threats, harassment, or hate incidents

You do not need proof — sharing a concern allows us to help early.

Staff Responsibilities

We also have deputy safeguarding leads at each of our campuses:

All staff share responsibility for safeguarding. This includes:

• Completing mandatory safeguarding and Prevent training
• Recognising signs of vulnerability or risk
• Reporting concerns promptly
• Promoting a safe, inclusive learning environment

Confidentiality

We treat all safeguarding and Prevent concerns sensitively. Information is shared only when necessary to protect someone’s safety or to comply with legal obligations.