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Safeguarding children and adults at risk

We are committed to providing a safe environment for children, young people and adults at risk. If you have a safeguarding concern, report it promptly  and seek advice from a Designated Safeguarding Officer if needed.

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding is the action taken to protect children, young people and adults at risk from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm.

Safeguarding Children and Young People

For safeguarding purposes, a child is defined as any person under the age of 18 years.

Cardiff University has a statutory and moral responsibility to safeguard children who come into contact with the University through any of its activities.

Reporting a concern

If there is an immediate risk of harm or a medical emergency, call 999 first.

If you have a safeguarding concern:

  1. Record the facts as soon as possible.
  2. Report the concern using the University's safeguarding reporting procedure.
  3. Contact your local Designated Safeguarding Officer if appropriate.
  4. Seek advice if you're unsure whether the concern should be reported.

Safeguarding reporting procedure

Find a designated safeguarding officer

Safeguarding concerns involve a child or adult at risk who may be experiencing abuse, neglect, exploitation, radicalisation or another significant risk of harm.

Examples include:

  • abuse or suspected abuse
  • neglect
  • exploitation
  • radicalisation concerns
  • allegations against staff, students, volunteers or third parties
  • behaviour that places someone at risk of harm
  • Children and young people are anyone under the age of 18.
  • Adults at risk are people who may be unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitation because they require care or support services.

Further information can be found in the Safeguarding policy

  1. Listen carefully and remain calm.
  2. Take the information seriously.
  3. Do not promise confidentiality.
  4. Avoid investigating or asking leading questions.
  5. Record the facts accurately.
  6. Report the concern promptly using the University's safeguarding reporting procedures.
  7. Seek advice from your Designated Safeguarding Officer or the University's safeguarding officers if needed.

Where a safeguarding concern exists, do not delay reporting because consent has not been obtained. Information may need to be shared to protect a child or adult at risk from harm, in accordance with safeguarding and data protection requirements.

When organising activities involving children or adults at risk, ensure that:

  • relevant safeguarding guidance has been reviewed
  • appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place
  • a Designated Safeguarding Officer is identified where required
  • staff, students and volunteers have completed relevant safeguarding training
  • risks are identified and managed appropriately
  • appropriate supervision arrangements are in place
  • any necessary DBS checks have been completed before the activity commences

Do I Need a DBS Check?

Some staff and volunteers who regularly work with children or adults at risk may require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Requirements depend on the nature of the activity and role. Staff should consult the Safeguarding Policy and seek advice from Human Resources where necessary.

More information is available in the University's Disclosure and Barring Policy.

Safeguarding Training

Anyone involved in work with children or adults at risk should:

  • read the Safeguarding Policy and relevant guidance
  • complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role
  • understand their safeguarding responsibilities and reporting requirements
  • ensure appointed Designated Safeguarding Officers complete the relevant DSO training

University staff requiring safeguarding training should contact the Staff Development team (StaffDevelopment@cardiff.ac.uk) for further information.

The University's safeguarding framework includes:

  • Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSOs) within relevant Schools, Departments and Professional Services
  • Principal Safeguarding Officers
  • Lead Safeguarding Officers

Areas working with children or adults at risk must ensure a DSO is appointed and appropriately trained.

A full list of safeguarding officers is maintained by the University.

These documents provide detailed requirements, responsibilities, reporting arrangements and guidance for staff, students, volunteers, contractors and others working with children and adults at risk.

Depending on the nature of the concern, advice and support may also be available from external agencies, including:

  • Children's Services
  • Adult Services
  • The NSPCC
  • Childline
  • The Police
  • Relevant Safeguarding Boards and Partnerships

In an emergency, always contact the emergency services first.

For policy enquires please contact Compliance and Risk

Compliance and Risk