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Safeguarding Statement

Staff and Governors at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS) are fully committed to providing the safest possible environment for our students to study and train in and for our staff to work within.

We have a zero-tolerance approach to any type of abuse and our staff and governors are trained in how to raise any concerns they may have and how to handle a disclosure from learners or staff in a safe and confidential way. The culture of our college is to provide an environment that respects and values difference and we have no tolerance for any behaviour, that may be demeaning or disrespectful to anyone. The routes for reporting inappropriate behaviour are safe and clearly signposted, as are the potential consequences for anyone who chooses to act in an inappropriate way.

If you are a learner, parent, carer or member of the public and you are concerned about the wellbeing or safety of an SGS learner during college hours (Monday - Thursday, 08:30-17:00 and Friday 08:30-16:30), then you should:

  • Talk to your tutor or your Education & Wellbeing Mentor in the first instance (if you are a learner).
  • Contact one of our Designated Safeguarding Officers (if you are a parent, carer or member of the public). See below for contact details by campus.

Bristol Campuses (Clifton, Filton, Queens Road, WISE)

Pez Perrin
Director of Wellbeing Services and Designated Safeguarding Lead
0117 9192647 & 07903 894527

Tara Horton
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (WISE Campus)
0117 9192605 & 07984540872

Lindsay Coles
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Filton Campus)
0117 9092336 & 07813993892

Stroud Campus

Pez Perrin
Director of Wellbeing Services and Designated Safeguarding Lead
0117 9192647 & 07903 894527

Bethany Lewis
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Stroud Campus)
01453 763424 x5272 & 07903894515

Ness Smith
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead SEND and Specialist Provision
01453 763424 x5301 & 07813 993903

Out of hours

If you have an urgent concern out of hours or over a weekend, please contact the most appropriate emergency service.

SGS Group Safeguarding Structure

Other useful contacts include:

Police:

  • 999 (emergency services)
  • 101 (non-emergency services)
  • Avon and Somerset Police
  • Gloucestershire Police
  • Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

SGS is committed to promoting the wellbeing of all learners and protecting them from harm.

We fully recognise that it is the responsibility of all staff to ensure that learners are safe within the College environment, and this includes: raising awareness of and having a zero-tolerance approach to bullying; ensuring learners are safe on and around college campuses; and paying due regard to our responsibilities in relation to health and safety, child protection issues and the risks of radicalisation.

Online Safety

We live in a Digital Era where new technologies are part of everyday life. These technologies have greatly enhanced communication, the sharing of information, opportunities for learning, social interaction and leisure activities, but also pose a risk to learners within our college community.

SGS College has an effective approach to online safety designed to protect and educate the whole college community in their use of technology and establishes mechanisms to identify, intervene in, and escalate any concerns where appropriate. Appropriate filters and monitoring systems are in place in order to identify, intervene in, and escalate any incident where appropriate.

The following websites have some useful information for parents & carers on how to keep their children safe online:

Prevent Statement

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS) is proud of our commitment to social justice, equality of opportunity, mutual respect and tolerance.

In developing our learners to be effective citizens in a democratic society, it is essential that the College continues its commitment to promote open debate and freedom of speech and expression, whilst recognising the need to challenge prejudice, eliminate discrimination and prevent radicalisation.

It is our duty to safeguard our learners and staff, empowering them to protect themselves from harm. The Prevent duty is therefore an integral part of the College's Safeguarding Children, Young People & Vulnerable Adults Policy and Procedure

Anyone can report a concern if they believe someone is at risk of or is being radicalised and drawn to terrorist activity.

Useful Contacts:

Last updated, 6th September 2022 @ 12:13pm.