Reporting and Key Contacts
At Derwentside College we want all learners to achieve their maximum potential in an environment which feels safe, secure and supportive. If you are worried about anything or have concerns about your well-being, talk to a member of staff such as your tutor/training consultant or any member of staff you feel you can talk to.
The College also has a Designated Safeguarding Lead who is responsible for all aspects of safeguarding in the College can support you with any concerns you may have.
The people listed below will be on hand to help you.
Please note that Safeguarding and/or Prevent concerns do not need to relate to College work/activities.
As a College, we recognise that there needs to be a reporting mechanism for learners who are based in the workplace or who are on work placement. Therefore, if you have any concerns, you can use the following form to report a safeguarding concern. This form will be sent to the DSL once submitted.
You can report a safeguarding concern in any way you choose (speaking to your Lecturer/Training Consultant, contacting the DSL or completing the form). What is important, is that you report any concerns that you have so that we can support you.
Designated Safeguarding Lead
The College has a Designated Safeguarding Lead who is the main point of contact for any safeguarding issues in the College.
The DSL (and deputy when the DSL is away from College) is available for staff, volunteers, parents or learners to discuss safeguarding needs, and is responsible for:
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Keeping you informed, as appropriate, of what has happened in respect of any disclosure you forward to them
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Keeping the safeguarding policy and procedure up to date
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Attending accredited, enhanced training each year
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Ensuring adequate reporting and recording systems are in place
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Referring any safeguarding issues to the appropriate agency
Further details of the role of the DSL and other staff who can provide support can be found below along with their contact details.
If you would like to speak to any of the staff in person, please contact Reception in the first instance.
Colleen Sawicki
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Head of Education Programmes for Young People
Contact: Colleen.Sawicki@derwentside.ac.uk
Availability: Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 5pm, Friday 8.30am - 2pm
Karen Hankey
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Curriculum Leader, Student Services
Contact: karen.hankey@derwentside.ac.uk
Availability: Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 5pm, Friday 8.30am - 2pm
Julie Eddy
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
SEND Lead
Contact: julie.eddy@derwentside.ac.uk
Availability: Monday to Thursday 8.30am - 5pm, Friday 8.30am - 2pm
Safeguarding Reporting Process
Key External Contacts
Bridge House Mission (min age 21) - 01642 800 311
CAMHS Crisis Team - 0191 441 5733
Changing Lives Crisis Accommodation - 0191 371 0541
Childline - 0800 1111
County Durham Family Information Service - 03000 26 99 95
DCC Housing Solutions (out of hours) - 01388 722 538
First Contact - 03000 267979
The Forced Marriage Unit - 02070 080151
The Halo Project - 01642 683045
National Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247
NHS - Local Care Direct - 111
Papyrus - 0800 068 4141
Police - 999
Samaritans - 116 123
Sexual Assault Referral Centre - 03333 448283 Option 2
Shelter Free Housing - 0808 800 4444
Social Care Direct - 03000 267 979
Sunderland Substance Misuse Service - 03000 266666 Option 1
No Excuse for Abuse
There has been a growing awareness of the prevalence of Gender Based Violence, Sexual Abuse and Harassment which has been widely highlighted as a growing problem It is important that all students at Derwentside College feel safe and secure while at college. No one should feel uncomfortable or intimidated or threaten. To this end we have zero tolerance to any sexual harassment or abuse. We encourage anyone receiving, witnessing or being aware of any such abuse to please report it through any of the channels available. It is vital that any abuse is reported so we can address it and ensure it does not continue and no other students are exposed to it.
Please report it to a member of staff, or the Safeguarding Team.