1
Commitment to Safeguarding
Lakeshore Management College is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students, staff, and visitors. We take our responsibilities seriously and work to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment where individuals are protected from harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and radicalisation.
Safeguarding is recognised as a shared responsibility. All members of the College community have a duty to raise concerns and to act in the best interests of those who may be at risk.
This policy applies to:
- All students, including adults and vulnerable adults
- Staff, governors, and volunteers
- Visiting speakers, contractors, and partners
- Activities delivered on campus, online, or as part of placements, visits, or events
3
Legal and Regulatory Framework
This policy is informed by relevant UK legislation and guidance, including:
- The Children Act 1989 and 2004
- The Care Act 2014
- The Counter‑Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (as applicable to context)
- Equality Act 2010
Although the College primarily serves adult learners, safeguarding duties apply equally to vulnerable adults and younger learners where relevant.
4
Key Safeguarding Principles
Safeguarding practice at Lakeshore Management College is guided by the following principles:
- The welfare of the individual is paramount
- Safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and acted upon promptly
- Confidentiality is respected, but not at the expense of safety
- Action is proportionate and appropriate to the risk
- Safeguarding concerns are shared on a need to know basis
5
Categories of Safeguarding Concern
Safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to:
- Physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse
- Neglect or self neglect
- Domestic abuse
- Harassment, bullying, or discrimination
- Sexual misconduct or exploitation
- Radicalisation or extremist influence
- Mental health concerns that present a risk to self or others
6
Roles and Responsibilities
The College has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who holds responsibility for:
Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Receiving and assessing safeguarding concerns
- Coordinating referrals to external agencies where required
- Providing guidance and support to staff
- Maintaining appropriate safeguarding records
All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the DSL without delay.
Staff Responsibilities
- Be alert to signs of safeguarding risk
- Listen carefully and respond appropriately to disclosures
- Record and report concerns promptly
- Undertake safeguarding training provided by the College
7
Raising a Safeguarding Concern
Any safeguarding concern, disclosure, or suspicion should be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. This applies whether the concern relates to a student, staff member, or visitor.
In situations where there is immediate risk of serious harm, emergency services should be contacted without delay.
The College encourages a culture where concerns are raised early and without fear of reprisal.
8
Confidentiality and Information Sharing
Safeguarding information is handled sensitively and confidentially. However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where sharing information is necessary to protect an individual from harm.
Information will be shared only with those who need to know and in line with data protection legislation and safeguarding guidance.
9
Prevent Duty and Radicalisation
Lakeshore Management College recognises its duty under the Prevent framework to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.
The College promotes freedom of speech and academic discussion while remaining alert to risks of radicalisation. Concerns relating to extremist behaviour or ideology should be reported through safeguarding channels.
10
Safer Working and Recruitment
The College is committed to safer recruitment practices, including appropriate checks, references, and training for staff working with students.
Staff are expected to maintain professional boundaries and conduct themselves in a manner that supports safeguarding and trust.
11
Support for Individuals
Safeguarding is not solely about risk management. Individuals affected by safeguarding issues will be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect and signposted to appropriate internal or external support services.
12
Complaints and Whistleblowing
Safeguarding concerns may be raised through the College's complaints or whistleblowing processes where appropriate. Individuals will not be disadvantaged for raising concerns in good faith.
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains effective, compliant with legislation, and aligned with sector expectations and partner institution requirements.
Immediate Risk? If there is an immediate risk of serious harm, contact the emergency services (999) without delay.
Report a concern — contact our team at
support@lakeshoremc.uk.