Be Astute Safeguarding Policy for Young People and Vulnerable Adults

Approved by: Managing Director

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Julia Stock

Deputy DSL(s): Sues Duncan

Date of Policy: 5/9/25

Review Date: 4/9/26

1. Policy Statement

Be Astute is committed to practices that protect young people and vulnerable adults from abuse, exploitation, bullying, harassment, neglect, self-harm and radicalisation. As a delivery partner of Swatpro, Be Astute shares the same commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding practice. We ensure that our directors, staff and delivery partners fully understand their responsibilities, remain vigilant to potential risks, and act promptly in response to any concerns about the welfare or safety of learners. Be Astute works closely with Swatpro’s Designated Safeguarding Lead, the board of directors, local safeguarding partnerships, the police, health services, the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), and other community and referral agencies to safeguard all learners. This policy is supported by Swatpro’s Safeguarding Support Guide, which provides detailed information on referral agencies, reporting procedures, indicators of abuse or risk, and the forms used for incident recording. Be Astute staff follow this guidance in full to ensure that all safeguarding activity is consistent with Swatpro’s overarching policy and processes.

2. Accountability and Responsibility

The Managing Director of Be Astute holds overall accountability for safeguarding. This includes ensuring that appropriate policies, procedures and monitoring arrangements are in place and that the organisation meets its contractual obligations under Swatpro’s framework. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at Be Astute has day-to-day operational responsibility for safeguarding. The DSL works collaboratively with Swatpro’s Safeguarding Lead and deputies to ensure that concerns are managed in accordance with statutory guidance and best practice. Be Astute ensures that all staff and associates who deliver learning or support services are trained in safeguarding and Prevent, understand how to recognise concerns and know how to report them. Any safeguarding incident involving a Be Astute staff member or learner must be reported to Swatpro’s Designated Safeguarding Lead without delay. Updates must be provided throughout any investigation, and outcomes shared once concluded. Where relevant, referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) will be made as a matter of course. Safeguarding remains a standing agenda item at Be Astute’s team meetings, senior leadership discussions and quality review boards to ensure continuous oversight and improvement.

3. Training

All Be Astute staff and associates undertake safeguarding and Prevent training as part of their induction and continuing professional development. Given the nature of our delivery in the domestic abuse and wider social support sectors, our staff bring significant professional experience and understanding of safeguarding practice. Training and development activity therefore focuses on refreshing and contextualising knowledge, ensuring that staff remain fully informed of emerging risks, policy updates, and best practice in multi-agency safeguarding work. The Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy DSLs complete accredited safeguarding training every two years in line with Swatpro requirements, and all other staff participate in regular professional learning relevant to their roles. This may include advanced training on trauma-informed practice, coercive control, complex safeguarding, and working with high-risk or multi-agency cases. Be Astute maintains a record of all safeguarding training through its Single Central Record (SCR) and participates fully in the Swatpro Safeguarding Network to ensure shared learning and consistency across all partners.

4. Requirements for Subcontracted Delivery

Be Astute reviews its own safeguarding procedures annually to ensure alignment with current legislation, guidance and Swatpro expectations. The review includes assessing risk, evaluating the effectiveness of reporting systems, and confirming that all incidents are recorded and acted upon efficiently. Be Astute follows the safeguarding standards set out by the Department for Education, Ofsted and Swatpro. The organisation maintains a Single Central Record (SCR) detailing all staff qualifications, safeguarding training and DBS checks. Safeguarding concerns are reported using Be Astute’s internal safeguarding system and are shared with Swatpro via the agreed process (e.g., MyConcern or other secure reporting method). Any staff allegations, updates and investigation outcomes are communicated promptly to Swatpro’s DSL. Be Astute ensures that its DSL and deputies are trained and qualified to the required level and that staff records remain current and verifiable during annual Swatpro due diligence checks.

5. Handling Allegations Against Staff

Be Astute follows clear procedures when managing allegations against staff to ensure all concerns are taken seriously, investigated thoroughly and reported appropriately. If an allegation is made against a Be Astute staff member, the Designated Safeguarding Lead will immediately notify Swatpro’s Safeguarding Lead and inform the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) to ensure correct procedures are followed. If an allegation involves the Be Astute DSL, the Managing Director will take responsibility for notifying Swatpro and assigning an alternative senior leader to manage the case. Allegations will be investigated in accordance with Part 4 of Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024), and any outcomes will be reported to relevant authorities, including the DBS, if required.

6. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks

Be Astute applies robust safer recruitment practices to ensure that all staff working with young people or vulnerable adults are appropriately vetted. All staff who have regular contact with learners are required to hold a current enhanced DBS certificate. As part of Swatpro’s annual due diligence and in-year monitoring process, Be Astute provides confirmation that all staff have completed DBS checks and that these are recorded on its Single Central Record. DBS certificates for Designated Safeguarding Leads are renewed every two years, and for all other staff every three years, in line with Swatpro’s policy. The Single Central Record is monitored and updated throughout the year to ensure full compliance with Swatpro’s requirements and ESFA funding rules.

7. Prevent Duty Statement

Under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, Be Astute has a statutory duty to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. Be Astute is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners and staff by protecting them from radicalisation and extremism. All staff and learners are expected to uphold and promote British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Be Astute works closely with Swatpro, local authorities, the police and other professional bodies to ensure that all learners are safe from harm and that any concerns about radicalisation are acted upon swiftly.

8. Monitoring and Review

Be Astute reports all safeguarding activities and incidents to Swatpro’s Designated Safeguarding Lead and board of directors as required. A safeguarding group made up of Be Astute’s DSL, safeguarding champions and representatives from Swatpro meets at least every six months to review safeguarding activity, referrals and support arrangements. This policy and associated procedures are reviewed annually in line with Swatpro’s policy cycle, the Be Astute Self-Assessment Review (SAR) process, and any updates to national guidance or legislation. The review process is led by Be Astute’s DSL and signed off by the Managing Director.

9. Safeguarding Risk Assessment

10. Review and Approval

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if new legislation or Swatpro policy updates are issued. Updates will be shared with all staff, subcontracted partners and Swatpro’s Safeguarding Lead to ensure consistency across delivery.

Approved by: Julia Stock

Managing Director, Be Astute

Date: 5/9/25