Safeguarding at Oaklea - Everyone has a part to play

“If in doubt – report it”

We take Safeguarding seriously:

This is a dedicated area on our website to support customers, and learners and their families and team members, members of the public/others to raise safeguarding concerns.

Overview

Ensuring your welfare is our top priority. Safeguarding is everyone’s business. It is okay to talk about any concern you have. We will take it seriously. This page tells you exactly what to do, who to talk to and what will happen next.

“Our approach to safeguarding is all about keeping people safe, protecting their welfare and supporting them to learn, develop and thrive. At the centre of our approach are the following principles” Jenna Hall, CEO Oaklea Group

• Empowerment
• Prevention
• Protection
• Partnership
• Proportionality
• Accountability

What to do if you have a concern

What should you do if you are concerned about abuse or neglect?

• Talk to someone you trust, like a friend, family member, a Manager or a member of our team. 
• You can report your concerns to the local council or the police. 

Remember, it’s usually better to refer than not, so if you’re unsure, lift the telephone to your Local Authority. All numbers below.

Your local Safeguarding Authority is:

• Westmorland and Furness Council 0300 373 3301 Out of Hours 01228 526 69
• Cumberland Council 0300 373 3730
• Durham County Council 03000 26 79 79
• Northumberland County Council 01670 536 400 Out of Hours 03456 005 252
• North Yorkshire Council 01609 780780

Oaklea Safeguarding Team

We have a dedicated team of trained Designated Safeguarding Leads, please do contact us for advice, we are here to support. T: 01539 735025 Monday- Friday – 9am-4pm

What happens when you report your concern?

• The relevant people you have reported your concerns to will ensure your safety.
• You will be involved in the decision-making process and kept informed about what is happening.
• Support will be provided to help you stay safe.

What happens next and what’s important?

Once our internal process has been completed and any referrals have been made you will likely be contacted by either one of our Senior Team, HR or the team at the Local Authority, or other agency (e.g. the Police) that you reported it to.

They will likely ask you to talk them through what’s in your report. This is not a test. They will be wanting to check their understanding of your concerns. They may ask a few extra questions or for more details. If you do not know any more details, just say that.

Once the reports have been submitted, we may be asked to work in partnership with other bodies, support staff, Local Authorities, the Police or other professional agencies to help gather facts, evidence or statements as needed. If this is the case we (Oaklea) must support the process (It is not our job -Oaklea- to make decisions, give opinions or to investigate. We simply need to pass accurate information on in a timely way).

If you think your concern has been misunderstood or not taken seriously enough, you must speak up. Raise the issue with us here at Oaklea.

Where to go if you have any questions:

If you have an urgent issue call 999 – If it’s non urgent – tell us

To download our safeguarding policies click below

Adult Safeguarding

Children & Young People

Still have questions?

If you need more help or have further questions/can’t find what you are looking for or want to talk to us Email Customer.Services@OakleaTrust.co.uk or call 01539 735025. If it is an immediate concern call 999.