Reporting and Key Contacts

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:

• Keeping you informed, as appropriate, of what has happened in respect of any disclosure you forward to them

• Keeping the safeguarding policy and procedure up to date

• Attending accredited, enhanced training each year

• Ensuring adequate reporting and recording systems are in place

• 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.

Report a Concern Form

Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk Procedure

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

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.  You can also text 07984 404 691 or email noexcuseforabuse@derwentside.ac.uk  It is totally confidential and you can remain anonymous if you prefer.