Safeguarding

Safeguarding is the protection and preventative approaches applied to keep our students, staff and visitors safe. Our safeguarding approach includes children, young people and adults that may be at risk of harm.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of those who attend Oldham College, including those from LGBT+, BME and other marginalised groups. Our main focus is to ensure our students and staff are able to work and learn in a safe and supported environment, where their safety and wellbeing is at the core of all of our working practices, policies and procedures.

If you have concerns for the wellbeing, safety or rights of yourself or someone else, please submit these to the Safeguarding and Wellbeing team using the ‘Submit a Safeguarding Issue’ form below.

For anyone with an immediate concern or who is struggling outside of college opening hours, please see a list of resources at the bottom of this page. If there is a risk of immediate harm or danger, please use the following contacts:

111 – for medical help in non life-critical situations
999 – in an emergency
116 123 – contact Samaritans.

PREVENT

The PREVENT duty is an important aspect of safeguarding, which requires the further education sector to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism, supporting terrorism or being drawn into non-violent extremism”. The overall duty for England and Wales can be found here.

There is a duty is to ensure that those identified with vulnerabilities are given appropriate advice and support.

The Government has defined extremism as “vocal or active opposition to fundamental British Values”, which includes individual liberty, rule of law, democracy and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

This includes not discriminating against those with protected characteristics (Equality Act 2010), namely age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation.

Wellbeing

Your wellbeing is also our priority. The Safeguarding and Wellbeing team is dedicated to supporting you through your day-to-day life at college, ensuring that you feel supported, confident and equipped with the skills needed to achieve your potential.

This includes mental health, wellbeing, relationships and study support.

The College’s wellbeing offer ensures that all wellbeing concerns are dealt with. The team offers a safe space to talk. They will listen to understand your concerns and work with you to find the right support.

The Safeguarding and Wellbeing team

The Safeguarding and Wellbeing team’s main focus is to ensure every learner and staff member feels safe, supported, and able to do their best.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at Oldham College is Chloe Tracey.

Our friendly, professional team responds to concerns quickly and thoughtfully. They are here to listen, support, and help create an environment where learners can grow, feel confident and reach their full potential.

Safeguarding and Wellbeing are embedded into the curriculum at Oldham College. Throughout the year, the team delivers workshops and sessions on important topics such as Online Safety, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Exploitation.