Safeguarding

Introduction

The University of Birmingham is committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment exists for all staff, students, and visitors to the University. Creating a culture which supports student and staff wellbeing and appropriately embodies principles of safeguarding, are paramount for the University.  ​​

The University recognises that there are a number of circumstances in which children, young people, and Adults at Risk will come onto University premises or otherwise have contact with University staff, students or contractors, including where students are on placement or undertaking apprenticeships.​

​Our approach to safeguarding, support and wellbeing also recognises our responsibilities under the PREVENT Duty: to help prevent the risk of people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.​

​Specific aspects of this policy and approach are grounded in UK law and are applicable to our UK-based provision only.  Wherever we operate in the world we expect all members of our community to treat everyone with respect:  we will not tolerate harassment, bullying, sexual misconduct, violence or abuse in any form, and we will take all reasonable steps to keep our campus and community safe.

The University supports and protects in two ways. The information on this page relates to our actions for students (including those under 18) and other at-risk adults. If you need to speak to someone about the safeguarding of children associated with the university, please contact Legal Services.

 

Children

Legal Services

All Students  (including students under 18) Safeguarding and Prevent Queries

Student Services

 

Policy Documents

Safeguarding Policy

Contacts

Nicola Cardenas Blanco - Senior Child Protection Officer

Director of Legal Services

legalservices@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Jon Elsmore - Designated Safeguarding Lead

Director of Student Services

safeguarding@contacts.bham.ac.uk

James Mason - Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Head of Student Wellbeing & Partnerships

safeguarding@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Local Safeguarding Leads

 

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BIA

Libraries and Learning Resources

Student Services

Campus Services

External Relations

UoB Sport

Winterbourne

CAL

EPS

LES

CMH

CoSS

POD

 Useful Links

I have an urgent safeguarding concern


  • If you have concerns about the wellbeing and safety of a student, please contact the Safeguarding Team. They will be able to provide you with advice and support, as well as supporting the student.
  • If you believe that the student is at immediate risk of harm, please contact Campus Security if the student is on campus or in university accommodation, or the Police if they are away from campus.
  • Send a disclosure e-mail for support to safeguarding@contacts.bham.ac.uk

What to Do

Safeguarding flow chart (PPT 41.6KB)

  • Stay Calm 
  •  Listen, hear and take seriously 
  •  Give the person time to allow them to say what they want 
  •  Provide reassurance that they have done the right thing in sharing 
  • Use supportive language when responding to disclosures  
  • Make an accurate written record of what was disclosed as soon as possible 
  • Report to the Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible (including your report of the disclosure) 
  • Act immediately in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy

What to record in your disclosure e-mail

  • Details of the incident: 

    • time, date, where it occurred, brief overview of circumstances shared with you and the individuals involved 

  • Details of the individual involved:

    • name, contact details, student ID number (if known) 

  • Your name and contact details 

Prevent

The University takes its responsibilities under the Prevent Duty (the Duty) seriously and proportionately, and with particular regard to our obligations around freedom of speech, academic freedom and equality and diversity.  Our approach to the Duty addresses the risk of people being drawn into terrorism as primarily an issue of student vulnerability and safeguarding, and aligns with our approach to supporting vulnerable individuals.  

https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/for-providers/student-protection-and-support/counter-terrorism-the-prevent-duty/  

Colleges

Professional Services