Safeguarding

At United Colleges Group student safety and wellbeing is our priority. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where all students feel protected from harm, abuse, bullying and neglect.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and all staff are trained to respond to concerns appropriately.

We expect all staff and visitors to respect and engage with our commitment to safeguarding the college community.

Prevent Duty

Part of the college’s safeguarding duty includes protecting vulnerable individuals from the risk of radicalisation and extremism. This is called the ‘Prevent Duty’.

The Prevent duty is part of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy designed to safeguard people and communities from the threat of terrorism. We have a statutory duty to take measures to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism or extremism and to support those who might be susceptible to radicalisation.

Complying with the Prevent duty also includes ensuring our college community are aware of their responsibilities in preventing radicalisation and extremism and promoting British values including democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, tolerance and mutual respect for different faiths and beliefs.

We work with external partners to provide our students with effective pastoral support and offer safeguarding care, guidance and support to help them understand how to stay safe online and in the community.

Support for students

We have a dedicated safeguarding team within the college with specific responsibility and skills to provide interventions and ensure the safeguarding policy and procedures are followed.

If you feel unsafe or have safeguarding concerns regarding a student at UCG:

We encourage you to approach any member of staff immediately.
Contact the safeguarding team.

Email: safeguarding@ucg.ac.uk
Call: 0208 208 5445

Safeguarding Leads

Nicola McLean
Interim Vice Principal & Strategic Safeguarding Lead

Diana Brown
Interim Assistant Principal for Student Experience & Deputy Strategic Safeguarding Lead

Sophie Knight
Head of Student Support Services & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Keisha Gayle
Student Support Coordinator & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Rianne Welsh
Safeguarding Coordinator

Safeguarding Officers are clearly identified with posters displayed across all campuses and our dedicated safeguarding line and email address provides a single point of access for all safeguarding concerns.

We have full-time Security teams and Duty Managers at each campus. These teams are dedicated to maintaining site security and vigilance against potential threats to our students and staff.

Safeguarding Ambassador

Becoming a safeguarding ambassador offers students within the college community a valuable opportunity to contribute to campus safety and develop critical skills. By taking on this role, students promote awareness and foster a culture of vigilance and support through peer-to-peer education. This initiative not only empowers students to protect themselves and their peers but also equips them with competencies relevant to numerous industries, such as education, healthcare, social services, and corporate environments. Additionally, serving as a safeguarding ambassador enhances students’ CVs and increases their employability, providing both immediate and long-term professional benefits.

If you are interested in becoming a Safeguarding Ambassador please email studentadvice@ucg.ac.uk to find out more.