Opinion: The Importance of Safeguarding

Safeguarding is about protection and responsibility.

In our work we deal daily with children (the definition is anyone under the age of 18 years) and possibly other vulnerable adults where we are in a position of trust that can put us at potential risk.

There is currently an omission in legislation that means ADIs are not included within the same safeguarding rules that apply to teachers. If you look at school websites you will usually find a safeguarding policy and a named person who is responsible for it.

Safeguarding refers to the measures taken to protect the health, wellbeing and human rights of individuals. These measures ensure that people can live free from neglect, abuse and harm.

As an ADI, you may encounter safeguarding issues such as pupils telling you they are:

• Being bullied
• Being abused
• Self-harming

Everyone who comes into contact with children has a responsibility for safeguarding so as driver trainers we are responsible. You may be just the lifeline someone needs!

Safeguarding as an ADI

Safeguarding is what we do to prevent harm and to protect children and vulnerable adults from maltreatment, ensuring they have the best possible outcomes and providing safe and effective care. Child and adult protection refers to how we respond when we believe a person is at risk of harm or has already been harmed.

As ADIs, we need to be able to do the following:

• Understand what safeguarding means
• Identify our responsibilities
• Identify indicators or warning signs

Know how to respond if you have concerns or a child or vulnerable adult discloses information to you

• Know how to act and report concerns
• Understand how to record concerns accurately and in writing

There are four main categories of abuse that we must recognise and understand:

• Physical
• Emotional
• Sexual (Including grooming)
• Neglect

It may be a combination of more than one category. It is also important to remember that a child who witnesses domestic violence is experiencing emotional abuse.

As ADIs we are in a position of trust. If we understand safeguarding we can play a positive role in reporting concerns, protecting pupils, protecting ourselves and our professionalism, and ensuring our business is conducted responsibly.

ADI Safeguarding Guidance

Safeguarding is included in the National Standards for Driver and Rider Training on the GOV.UK website.

Mentions of safeguarding can be found in several units such as:

• Unit 1: Prepare to train learner drivers
• Unit 4: Manage risk to instructor, learner and third parties

For example, it states ADIs must comply with any requirement to record details of situations in which specific risks arise.

As a trainer you must not put yourself in a position where you could be accused of safeguarding breaches, some examples would be:

• Bullying or harassment
• Physical or sexual abuse or grooming pupils
• Using sexually explicit language to pupils
• Inappropriate filming of pupils
• Entering into inappropriate relationships with pupils
• Sending sexually inappropriate or abusive texts, emails or social media messages

I would urge you to read and sign the DVSA Code of Practice because it will show you are serious about being professional and you can let your clients know you have agreed to it.

How to Approach Safeguarding Issues

You do not have to be an experienced children’s services professional but you may come across something which concerns you or just “does not seem quite right”. Most importantly listen to what the person or pupil is telling you, stay calm and reassuring and don’t just dismiss what they are saying.

Do not show revulsion, even if the topic is difficult. Do not give personal opinions or suggest that they should have spoken earlier. Listen and show care, but explain that you cannot keep it a secret. Avoid saying that everything will be fine, as it may not be, and the situation may take time to resolve.

Write a dated statement as soon as possible, using the person’s own words. Include the following details:

• Their name, age, gender and any disabilities
• Any historical information that is relevant
• Your name and job role
• Any concerns you may have
• When and where the events may have occurred
• The name and address of the alleged abuser if known
• Names and details of any witnesses
• Exactly what you were told and said
• What you saw/heard
• Details of action taken
• Whom it was reported to and when

It is not the place of an ADI to make a judgement about whether abuse has occurred; this is the remit of social services. However, you have a duty and responsibility as someone working with children or vulnerable adults to report any concerns to the appropriate officer within your organisation (if you have one) or to social services or the police.

Where to Report Concerns

The large national ADI associations will have people you can report your concerns to. For example several of the committee at ADINJC have completed higher level safeguarding courses. ADINJC has a Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP) who can help if you need to report anything. They will then help you report the concerns and will help you to pass them on to the appropriate authorities and the local council.

You can also look at the NSPCC website as they have a lot of free resources and helpful advice. The NSPCC also has a direct free line for help on 0808 800 5000.

If you have any concerns that need the DVSA to investigate they have their Counter Fraud and Investigations Team.

DVSA Counter Fraud and Investigations Team
Email: information.handling@dvsa.gov.uk

DVSA driving instructor team
Email: instructorconduct@dvsa.gov.uk

There is also information on the GOV.UK website, including a page on how to report child abuse. There are accredited online safeguarding courses available which take around ninety minutes to complete.

Summary

As an ADI or PDI you may never have to report a concern but equally you may be the lifeline someone needs so being aware and ready to cope is vital!

© Lynne Barrie ADI ORDIT Trainer
ADINJC President