Category: Policies

At NA College we’re committed to challenging stigma and discrimination around mental health and provide awareness of the issues people face in society. If you need help or support in a crisis, some support services are listed below:

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Samaritans

Telephone: 116 123 (24 hours a day, free to call)
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: https://www.samaritans.org

Provides confidential, non-judgemental emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those that could lead to suicide. You can phone, email, write a letter or in most cases talk to someone face to face.

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Mind Infoline

Telephone: 0300 123 3393 (9am-6pm Monday to Friday) or text 86463
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Website: www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helplines

Mind provides confidential mental health information services.

With support and understanding, Mind enables people to make informed choices. The Infoline gives information on types of mental health problems, where to get help, drug treatments, alternative therapies and advocacy. Mind works in partnership with around 140 local Minds providing local mental health services.

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Rethink Mental Illness Advice Line

Telephone: 0300 5000 927 (9.30am – 4pm Monday to Friday)
Email: online contact form
Website: http://www.rethink.org/about-us/our-mental-health-advice

Provides expert advice and information to people with mental health problems and those who care for them, as well as giving help to health professionals, employers and staff. Rethink also runs Rethink services and groups across England.

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Saneline

Telephone: 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm-10:30pm)
Website: www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/helpline

Saneline is a national mental health helpline providing information and support to people with mental health problems and those who support them.

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The Mix

Telephone: 0808 808 4994 (11am-11pm, free to call)
Email: Helpline email form
Crisis Support: Text ‘THEMIX’ to 85258.
Website: www.themix.org.uk/get-support

The Mix provides judgement-free information and support to young people aged 13-25 on a range of issues including mental health problems. Young people can access the The Mix’s support via phone, email, webchat, peer to peer and counselling services.

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ChildLine

Telephone: 0800 1111
Website: www.childline.org.uk

ChildLine is a private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of nineteen. You can contact a ChildLine counsellor for free about anything – no problem is too big or too small.

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Elefriends

Website: http://elefriends.org.uk/

Elefriends is a supportive online community where you can be yourself. Elefriends is run by Mind.

If you’re a carer needing support you can contact all of the above as well as Carers Direct and the Carers Trust, both of whom are able to provide support and advice on any issues affecting you.

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SHOUT

Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.

Text: 85258
Website: https://www.giveusashout.org/

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Support students with mental health problems article

Weblink: https://www.mytutor.co.uk/schoolsblog/2017/07/21/student-mental-health-problems/

• A useful overview of ways to support other students with mental health issues; full of practical advice, tips, and information.
• Brief background and context of mental health problems in education.
• Information to help identify those with mental health problems, academic provisions that can be made, how to empower each other, and how to maintain positive learning environment.

What should I do if I’m supporting someone in a crisis?

If the person seems really unwell, and you are worried about their safety, you should encourage them to seek help.

How to support someone in crisis‍

Use our IT, use your own IT – we provide over 300 computers across the campuses, alongside collaborative areas where you can bring your own device, connect to the free, campus-wide WiFi and work seamlessly.

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IT Support

The IT Service Desk is open Monday to Thursday 07:30-16:30 and 07:30-12:00 on a Friday.

• Tel: 0191 466 1188
• Email: sam.brown@streamondemand.co.uk

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What can I ask the Service Desk?

The Service Desk can help you with any IT queries such as:

• Setting up your laptop and connecting to the NA College WiFi networks
• Accessing your work off campus
• Topping up your print credits
• How to use your NA College Office 365 account.

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Student Email

Did you know you can access your College email and calendar from your Smartphone/Tablet/mobile device?

You can set it up alongside any other email accounts you are accessing, entering:

• Your NA College Username followed by @students.nacollege.ac.uk e.g. w12345678@students.nacollege.ac.uk
• Your NA College Password – This is the same password you use to logon to other NA College IT facilities such as the Student Desktop and eLearning Portal.

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IT Regulations and Guidelines

Follow these guidelines to ensure your use of IT facilities is acceptable:

• Computing facilities are provided for academic study and work purposes
• Limited personal use of these facilities is acceptable as long as it does not interfere with academic study or work, or contravene any College regulations.
• Do not use or attempt to use any systems for which you are not authorised.
• Do not use a workstation which has been logged in by another user without permission.
• Keep your username and password secure, do not share them with others.
• Do not attempt to find out or use anyone else’s username and password.
• Do not modify the configuration of your system without authority.
• Access to ‘inappropriate sites’ on the Internet is blocked automatically, do not attempt to bypass this system or download pornographic, criminal or offensive material.
• Do not install or make use of unlicensed software.
• Do not send emails that are libellous, might bring discredit or embarrassment to the University.
• Be aware that your use of the facilities (i.e. emails, Internet usage) may be monitored.

It is your responsibility to make sure your use is acceptable – please ask for advice if you are unsure. Failure to observe the regulations may result in you being suspended without warning from use of the College’s facilities and appropriate disciplinary action being taken.

NA College Trust collects and processes personal data relating to our students for the purpose of funding and training.  We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use data and to meet the data protection obligations.

This notice is to explain how we may use personal information we collect before, during and after your relationship with us. This notice explains how we comply with the law on data protection and how for the purposes of data protection we will be the controller of any personal information.

What information does NA College Trust collect?

NA College Trust collects and processes a range of information about you.  This includes, but is not limited to:

• Personal details such as your name, date of birth, address, contact details including email addresses and telephone number, date of birth, gender and contact details

• Race and ethnicity

• Marital Status , next of kin and emergency contacts

• National Insurance Number and Unique Learner Number (ULN)

• Bank account details

• Benefit entitlements

• Information about your nationality and right to work in the UK

• Name of employer, location of employment or workplace

• Driving license, identification documents and information such as passport,  birth certificate, identity cards, visas, signature and photographs for purposes of identity

• Information about your criminal record

• Details of prior learning and qualifications including certificates and information from your Personal Learning Record (PLR)

• Passwords, personal identification numbers, IP addresses, user names and other IT system identifying information that are issued by NA College Trust

• Records of enquiries and other correspondence with you

• Appeals and complaints related to NA College Trust

• Safeguarding concerns

• Health and Safety or accident information

• Risk assessments

• All learning documents including coursework, portfolios, assessment evidence, online tutorials, exam results, video and audio recordings, exam and achievement information, written conversations

• Information from surveys or questionnaires taken by NA College Trust, ESFA or Ofsted

• Compliance documents including Individual Learning Records, contact logs, progress reviews, exam results, copies of certificates, declarations, commitment statements

• Information on progression following your training

• Audits conducted by awarding bodies, Ofsted and ESFA that may contain your personal details

• Details of periods of leave taken by you, including holidays, sickness absence, family leave, unpaid leave and sabbaticals, and the reasons for the leave

• Information about medical or health conditions, including whether or not you have a disability for which NA College needs to make reasonable adjustments

• Equal opportunities monitoring information including information about your ethnic origin

• Share internal information, this includes; details for the use of training delivery and quality, registration with awarding bodies, use for purposes of health, disability or learning difficulties support, destination data and marketing material.

How we collect information

We may collect your personal information in a number of ways, for example from the information you provide to us before joining, during the programme and when you have completed. We will also use the data when you communicate with us by telephone, email, social media or via our website, in various other ways as you interact with us during your time as a learner, from third parties

In some cases, NA College Trust may collect personal data about you from third parties, such as your employer, Jobcentre Plus, Personal Learning Record Service, previous educational establishments and information from criminal record checks permitted by law.

Data will be stored in a range of places, including your personnel file, CRM systems, Stream, One File, in our company driver and other IT systems (including NA College’s email system).

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Why does NA College process personal data?

NA College Trust is required to process data to be used for funding purposes and to meet the obligation of the Education and Skills Funding Agency (please see ESFA Privacy Notice). It may also be used by or College Partners who will use your information for funding purposes. Your data will be used for training purposes, registration with awarding bodies for examinations and qualification achievements, NA College Trust’s online portfolio and/or external online portfolios’.  It may also be used to meet obligations with your employer.

In some cases, NA College Trust is required to process data to ensure that it is complying with its legal obligations.  For example, it is required to check your eligibility for the use of government funding, you’re right to work in the UK and to comply with health and safety laws.

In other cases, NA College Trust has a legitimate interest in processing personal data before, during and after the end of the training relationship.  Processing employee data allows us to:

• Use your coursework, training assessments, video/voice recordings, compliance paperwork and personal details in the case of an Ofsted visit, and ESFA funding audit or assessment from our awarding bodies

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date contact details

• Obtain occupational health advice, to ensure that it complies with duties in relation to individuals with disabilities  and to meet its obligations under health and safety law

• Operate and keep a record of other types of reasons for a break in learning including sickness, redundancy, maternity/paternity etc

• Ensure effective general business administration

Some special categories of personal data, such as information about health or medical conditions, is processed to meet the requirements of the ESFA and to meet law obligations (such as those in relation to students with disabilities).

Where we process other special categories of personal data, such as information about ethic origin, sexual orientation or religion or belief, this is done for purposes of equal opportunities monitoring.

Who has access to data?

Your information may be used internally, by the MIS Department, Quality Department, Training Team, Payroll, Skills Match Team and Additional Support Unit.

NA College Trust shares your data with third parties in order to obtain necessary government funding, funding from college partners, to obtain your personal learning record, registration of your training, claiming qualification achievements, audits required from Ofsted or the ESFA.

You may also be contacted by the ESFA or Ofsted as part of their audit process.

How does NA College protect data?

NA College Trust takes the security of your data seriously.  We have internal policies and controls in place to try to ensure that your data is not lost, accidentally destroyed, misused or disclosed, and is not accessed except by employees in the performances of their duties and the third parties mentioned above.

Where NA College engages third parties to process personal data on its behalf, they do so on the basis of written instructions, are under a duty of confidentiality and are obliged to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure the security of data.

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How long does NA College keep data?

We may retain your personal information as long as necessary for funding and audit requirements once your association with us has come to an end.

Individual’s Rights

Individual’s rights under GDPR are enhanced and extended in a number of important areas.  As a data subject, you have a number of rights.  You have a right to:

• Be informed about the collection and use of your data (privacy notices)

• Access and obtain a copy of your data on request (subject access)

• Request the correction/rectification of data where inaccuracies have been identified

• Request the erasure of personal data (often referred to as the ‘right to be forgotten’)

• Request the organisation to restrict processing your data, for example where the data is no longer necessary for the purposes of processing

• Request data portability

• Object to the processing of your data where NAC Outsourcing/NA College is relying on its legitimate interests as the legal ground for processing

• Not to be subjected to automated decision making & profiling

If you would like to exercise any of these rights, please contact Sophie Smith, Quality Officer, NA College Trust on 0191 4661188

If you would like more information on your rights or you believe that NA College Trust has not complied with your data protection rights you can complain to the Information Commissioner, website www.ico.org.uk

What if you do not provide personal data?

NA College Trust is required by the ESFA to provide student data on a monthly basis. Certain information, such as your personal and contact details, date of birth, NI Number, employment details, identification, evidence of benefits, right to work in the UK and payments details and evidence of prior attainment have to be provided to enable us satisfy our contract with the ESFA and for your to be eligible for government funding. If you do not provide this information, this will hinder NA College’s ability to administer the funding and your training may be subject to cancellation.

ESFA Privacy Notice

How the ESFA use your personal information.  

Personal information is collected by the ESFA in accordance with the terms and conditions of funding imposed on providers of learning, for example, further education colleges and private training organisations.

Your details will be kept in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2016 and its principles.

This privacy notice is issued by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Department of Education (DfE). It is to inform learners how their personal information will be used by the DfE, the ESFA (an executive agency of the DfE) and any successor bodies to these organisations. For the purposes of relevant data protection legislation, the DfE is the data controller for personal data processed by the ESFA.

Your personal information is used by the DfE to exercise its functions and to meet its statutory responsibilities, including under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 and to create and maintain a unique learner number (ULN) and a personal learning record (PLR).

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Other information

Your information will be securely destroyed after it is no longer required for these purposes.

Your information may be shared with third parties for education, training, employment and well-being related purposes, including for research. This will only take place where the law allows it and the sharing is in compliance with data protection legislation.

The English European Social Fund (ESF) Managing Authority (or agents acting on its behalf) may contact you in order for them to carry out research and evaluation to inform the effectiveness of training.

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Links

For more information about how the ESFA may use your details, please click here.

For more information about the ULN and the PLR refer to the Extended Privacy Notice available here.

To view the LRS Privacy Notice, please click here.

Introduction

The information contained on this website is provided by NA College. By accessing this website or downloading any material contained in it, you agree to the terms and provisions set forth in this legal notice. If you do not agree to them, do not use this website or download its content.

Ownership
This website’s content is protected by intellectual property laws and any unauthorised use of it may violate copyright, trademark and other laws. NA College authorises you to view and download the contents of this website only for personal and non-commercial use, on the condition that you retain all copyright and other proprietary notices contained in the original material on all the copies you make of the material. You may not modify this website’s content in any way or reproduce or publicly display, perform, or distribute or otherwise use it for public or commercial purpose. Any use of this website’s content on any other website or networked environment is prohibited, no matter what the purpose.

Third-Party Companies & Products
The use of names of third-party products, companies and/or websites on this website is only for informational purposes. It does not constitute an endorsement or a recommendation. These names have been provided for your convenience, and to help you locate other resources of interest. We do not maintain, and are not responsible for, the content of any of these websites, and do not endorse or sponsor any part of the content linked to their web pages. When you access any these websites, you do so at your own risk. Clients listed on this website reflect both direct clients and indirect clients. Logos of companies other than NA College are the trademarks of the respective companies.

Warranties & Disclaimers
We intend that the information contained on this website be accurate and reliable. However, since this information has been compiled from several sources, it is provided on as is basis. We disclaim all warranties and/or conditions, express or implied, relating to or referenced by the website, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties and/or conditions of merchantability or satisfactory quality and fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement, or arising from a course of dealing, usage, trade or practice. We shall not be liable for any technical inaccuracies including typographical errors on this website, and will not, under any circumstances, be liable to any party for direct, special or other consequential damages for use of this website, or any other website mentioned on this website. This website may contain information that is created and maintained by a variety of sources both internal and external to NA College. These sites may be unmoderated forums containing the personal opinions and other expressions of the persons who post the entries. NA College does not control, monitor or guarantee the information contained in these sites or information contained in links to other external web sites, and does not endorse any views expressed or products or services offered therein. Any links to external websites provided on this website are provided as a courtesy. They should not be construed as an endorsement by NA College of the content or views of the linked materials. Due care has been taken in collecting the material presented on this website, however if you find any error or omissions, please do not feel offended and kindly email the web master with the details. Although every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, NA College makes no guarantees of any kind. We reserve the right to make changes to our website and these disclaimers, terms and conditions at any time.

Indemnity
You hereby expressly agree to indemnify, defend and hold NA College and all its agents, employees, directors, licensor’s and licensees (collectively called Indemnified Parties) harmless from and against any and all liability and costs, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and costs, incurred by the Indemnified Parties in connection with any claim arising out of any breach by you of these Terms of Use, or any of the representations, warranties, disclaimers and covenants contained herein. However, we reserve the right to assume the exclusive defence and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you and you shall not in any event settle any matter without our written consent.

This is the Cookie Policy for NA College, accessible from nacollege.co.uk and na-college.co.uk

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What Are Cookies

As is common practice with almost all professional websites this site uses cookies, which are tiny files that are downloaded to your computer, to improve your experience. This page describes what information they gather, how we use it and why we sometimes need to store these cookies. We will also share how you can prevent these cookies from being stored however this may downgrade or ‘break’ certain elements of the sites functionality.

For more general information on cookies see the Wikipedia article on HTTP Cookies.

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How We Use Cookies

We use cookies for a variety of reasons detailed below. Unfortunately in most cases there are no industry standard options for disabling cookies without completely disabling the functionality and features they add to this site. It is recommended that you leave on all cookies if you are not sure whether you need them or not in case they are used to provide a service that you use.

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Disabling Cookies

You can prevent the setting of cookies by adjusting the settings on your browser (see your browser Help for how to do this). Be aware that disabling cookies will affect the functionality of this and many other websites that you visit. Disabling cookies will usually result in also disabling certain functionality and features of the this site. Therefore it is recommended that you do not disable cookies.

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The Cookies We Set

• Email newsletters related cookies
• This site offers newsletter or email subscription services and cookies may be used to remember if you are already registered and whether to show certain notifications which might only be valid to subscribed/unsubscribed users.

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Third Party Cookies

In some special cases we also use cookies provided by trusted third parties. The following section details which third party cookies you might encounter through this site.

• This site uses Google Analytics which is one of the most widespread and trusted analytics solution on the web for helping us to understand how you use the site and ways that we can improve your experience. These cookies may track things such as how long you spend on the site and the pages that you visit so we can continue to produce engaging content.
• For more information on Google Analytics cookies, see the official Google Analytics page.
• From time to time we test new features and make subtle changes to the way that the site is delivered. When we are still testing new features these cookies may be used to ensure that you receive a consistent experience whilst on the site whilst ensuring we understand which optimisations our users appreciate the most.
• We also use social media buttons and/or plugins on this site that allow you to connect with your social network in various ways. For these to work the following social media sites including; {List the social networks whose features you have integrated with your site?:12}, will set cookies through our site which may be used to enhance your profile on their site or contribute to the data they hold for various purposes outlined in their respective privacy policies.

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More Information

Hopefully that has clarified things for you and as was previously mentioned if there is something that you aren’t sure whether you need or not it’s usually safer to leave cookies enabled in case it does interact with one of the features you use on our site.

However if you are still looking for more information then you can contact us through one of our preferred contact methods:

• Email: brand@nac-group.co.uk
• Call: 0191 466 1188
• Write to us: 1 Spire Road, Washington, NE37 3ES

NA College Trust recognises the importance of sound environmental and sustainable principles when implementing its educational objectives throughout the college.

The college will exercise diligent control over its activities that may have an impact on the immediate and local environment and educate staff, learners and apprentices to be more environmentally friendly and ensure all visitors and contractors are aware of our environmental commitment.

NA College Trust understands its legal and moral obligations in protecting the environment and the importance of reducing its carbon footprint for a sustainable future in the education sector.

NA College Trust will ensure enough resources are made available to achieve its environmental goals and will comply with all relevant legislation and guidance on environmental protection.

In order to achieve our environmental goals NA College Trust has the following key objectives:

1. A commitment by the board of directors to promote and take the lead on environmental protection by considering all environmental impacts from business decisions and activities across the college
2. Train, inform, educate and empower all employees and learners about their impact on the environment during normal college activities and encourage them to work in an environmentally sustainable manner
3. Reduce waste through recycling and efficient energy control across the organisation with regards of electricity, gas, water and other natural resources
4. Purchase and use environmentally responsible products to reduce the impact on the environment and source products from environmentally sustainable suppliers
5. Monitor and review environmental performance periodically throughout the college in line with current legislation and best practice and strive to continually improve our environmental impact
6. Ensure all contractors are vetted, educated and monitored on environmental performance to reduce their impact on the environment when conducting work on the college’s behalf
7. Minimise the use of solvents, non-biodegradable products and lead based paints used in the maintenance and upkeep of the college
8. Seek to integrate a consideration of environmental issues into all relevant aspects of the College’s teaching and business activities
9. In conjunction with local, national and other agencies, promote and raise awareness of good environmental management policies and practices among staff and students of the College
10. Implement sound long-term waste management strategies to actively promote and reduce overall waste production and increase the recycled component of the waste stream, both internally and amongst its customers and suppliers
11. Continue to encourage and facilitate modes of transport by staff and students which minimise environmental impact, and apply environmentally friendly principles to the operation of the College owned vehicles

What is County Lines?

County lines has been much in the news in the last few years and we must be alert to its manifestation within our company. County lines is the process by which gangs supply drugs to suburban or rural areas using vulnerable children or vulnerable adults to courier drugs or money.

Gangs use mobile phones to facilitate drug orders and supply users. They also use local properties as a base. These properties might belong to a vulnerable adult and are obtained through force or coercion (known as cuckooing).

If staff have concerns, their first port of call should be to the Designated Safeguarding Officer to discuss their concerns. The Safeguarding Officer has the responsibility of linking with the local authority and/or the police. The Home Office has produced a useful County line guidance booklet. Some adults may be particularly vulnerable if they are experiencing:

• Economic vulnerability

• Homelessness

• Insecure accommodation

• Connection to people involved with gangs

• Having mental health or substance misuse issues

• Domestic violence Please see attached the County Lines procedure.

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Reference and Further Information

Home Office: Criminal exploitation of children and vulnerable adults: County Lines guidance adcs.org.uk

The regional representatives are based in Sunderland Council Offices.

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Referral Procedure

Purpose

Prevent

This guidance policy is designed to provide a clear framework for staff with which to respond to safeguarding concerns for those students who may be vulnerable to the messages of extremism.

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Scope

The Prevent strategy is about safeguarding children and adults from being drawn in to committing terrorist-related activity, whether this is radicalisation or extremism. It is about early intervention to protect and divert people away from the risk they face before illegality occurs.

Responsibility

The NAC Quality Manager and internal Prevent contacts are responsible for the effective operation of this procedure but may require the assistance of the learners, tutor/assessor, project manager or delivery manager in order to investigate any concerns

Definition

Radicalisation is defined as the process by which people come to support terrorism and extremist views and, in some cases, to then support or even participate in terrorist groups or acts. Extremism is defined as vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and belief (see British Values section of policy for more detail).

National Guidance and Strategies

CONTEST is the Governments counter terrorist strategy; its aim is to reduce the risk to the UK and its interests overseas from terrorism.

The strategy is made up of four elements:

·      Protect Strengthen our borders, infrastructure, buildings and public spaces from an attack

·      Prepare Where an attack cannot be stopped, to reduce its impact by ensuring we can respond effectively

·      Pursue To disrupt or stop terrorist attacks

·      Prevent This aims to stop people becoming terrorists, or supporting terrorism

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Early intervention is at the heart of prevent in diverting people away from being drawn into terrorist activity. Prevent happens before any criminal activity takes place. It is about recognising, supporting and protecting people who might be susceptible to radicalisation.

The Prevent Strategy objectives are:

·      Ideology Respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the threat we face from those who promote it

·      Individuals Prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure that they are given appropriate advice and support

·      Institutions Work with sectors and institutions where there are risks of radicalisation which we need to address

CHANNEL is a key element of the prevent strategy and is a multi-agency approach to protect people at risk from radicalisation. Channel uses existing collaboration between local authorities, statutory partners, the police and the local community to:

·      Identify individuals at risk of being drawn into terrorism

·      Assess the nature and extent of that risk

·      Develop the most appropriate support plan for the individuals concerned

Understanding and Recognising Risks and Vulnerabilities of Radicalisation

Most individuals, even those who hold radical views, do not become involved in extremism. Numerous factors can contribute to and influence the range of behaviours that are defined as extremism. It is important to consider these factors in order to develop an understanding of the issue. It is also necessary to understand those factors that build resilience and protect individuals from engaging in violent extremist activity. Safeguarding children and young people from radicalisation is no different from safeguarding them from any forms of harm. Indicators for vulnerability to radicalisation are the same as those we are already familiar with:

·      Family tensions/breakdown

·      Sense of isolation/exclusion

·      Migration/Immigration

·      Distance from cultural heritage

·      Experience of racism or discrimination

·      Feeling of failure/low self esteem

·      Loss/Bereavement

·      Poverty

·      Substance misuse

·      Perceived injustice

·      Confusion over identity

·      Criminality

·      Mental health issues

However there is no single profile of a terrorist, rather the vulnerability results from the interaction between circumstance, experience and state of mind. Those in the process of being radicalised may become involved with a new group of friends, search for answers to questions about identity, faith and belonging, possess extremist literature or advocate violent actions, change their behaviour and language, seek to recruit others to an extremist ideology.

There is no such thing as a typical extremist and those involved in extremism come from a range of backgrounds and experiences. The following indicators have been provided to support staff to understand and identify factors that may suggest a child, young person or their family may be vulnerable or involved with extremism. It is vital that all staff that have contact with vulnerable individuals are able to recognise those vulnerabilities and maintain professional curiosity and not dismiss concerns purely due to assumed unlikelihood.

Referral and intervention process

Where there is an identified risk/potential risk that a young person may be involved/potentially involved in supporting or following extremism, further investigation by the police will be required, prior to other assessments and interventions.

Any members of staff who identifies such concerns, for example as a result of observed behaviour or reports of conversation to suggest the child/young person supports terrorism and/or extremism, must report these concerns to the designated Safeguard contact using the cause for concern form.

The designated Safeguard contact will consider whether the situation may be so serious that an emergency response is required. Professional judgement and common sense will be used to identify whether an emergency situation applies. Examples in relation to extremism are expected to be very rare but would apply when there is information that a violent act is imminent, or where weapons or other materials may be in possession of a young person, another member of their family or within the community. In this situation, a 999 call should be made.

Where a child/young person is thought to be in need or at risk of significant harm, and/or where investigations need to be carried out a referral to the Sunderland Council Referral and Assessment Team or equivalent in other local authorities should be made.

However, it should be recognised that concerns of this nature in relation to violent extremism are most likely to require a police investigation (as part of CHANNEL) in the first instance. The designated Safeguard contact will make a referral raising the concern via https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/article/14081/How-to-report-a-safeguarding-concern and then this will be passed onto Northumbria Police Prevent Team: preventmailbox@northumbria.pnn.police.uk or by phoning 101 ext. 62957/62778.

British Values

Aims

This strategy sets out the four key areas within which the DfE has defined as British values, and the ways in which NAC students learn and develop understanding of these areas, both through the curriculum, extracurricular and other opportunities.

Definition

The fundamental British Values are defined by the DfE as:

·      Democracy: Respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process.

·      The rule of law: Respect for the basis on which the law is made and applies in England.

·      Individual liberty: Support and respect for the liberties of all within the law.

·      Mutual respect and tolerance: Support for equality of opportunity for all and respect and tolerance faiths and religious and other beliefs.

Government Advice to guide policy

The regulations state that to meet the standard NAC must:

(a) Actively promote the fundamental British values: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

(b) Prevent the promotion of partisan political views in the teaching of any subject

(c) Take such steps as are reasonably practicable to ensure that where political issues are brought to the attention of students they are offered a balanced presentation of opposing views.

·      Enable learners to develop their self-knowledge, self-esteem and self-confidence

·      Enable learners to distinguish right from wrong and to respect the civil and criminal law of England

·      Encourage learners to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative and understand how they can contribute positively as a whole

·      Encourage respect for other people, paying particular regard to the protected characteristics set out in the Equality Act 2010

·      Encourage respect for democracy and support for participation in the democratic process, including respect for the basis on which the law is made and applied in England

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NAC must also ensure they actively promote principles that:

·      An understanding as to how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process

·      An understanding that participation in elections by those opposed to democracy should be allowed by law, but the success of such candidates is undesirable for the well-being of society if it would lead to theend of democracy

·      An understanding that bodies such as the police and the army can be held to account by the people, through the democratic organs of government

·      An understanding that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law, and an acceptance that other people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.

·      Provide learners with a broad general knowledge of, and promote respect for public institutions and services through lessons

·      Embed within all relevant lessons and take advantage of unplanned opportunities to embed

·      Ensure NAC rules and expectations are transparent, clear and fair, available for all to consult and that they are used consistently across the different areas and age groups

·      Help learners to distinguish right from wrong through discussion and modelling positive behaviour

·      Support all learners to develop positive self-esteem, self-confidence and self-awareness and self-knowledge.

·      Encourage learners to assume responsibility for their own behaviour and acknowledge the effects it may have on others.

·      Challenge stereotypes and promote individuality at every opportunity, modelled by staff and older students to set positive examples.

·      Work tirelessly to establish and maintain a climate in which all students feel safe and bullying is not tolerated.

British values: Learner Expectations

The kinds of understanding and knowledge that can be expected in learners as a result of meeting the standard in respect fundamental British values:

How NAC will actively promote British Values

·      Democracy

·      Rule of Law

·      Individual Liberty

·      Promote respect for individual differences

·      Discuss differences between people: ethnicity, gender, faith, disability, sexuality and family situations such as young carers or looked after children ensuring that learners can understand these different elements within British society.

·      Work tirelessly to establish and maintain a climate in which all learners feel safe and bullying is not tolerated.

·      Respect and Tolerance

Summary

All staff and learners at NAC are expected to behave with integrity, tolerance and compassion in their dealings with one another. We will lead by example and ensure we promote British Values within all that we do.

Introduction

NA College Trust may engage with partners or sub-contractors in order to meet its mission to ‘be a leading independent training provider at the heart of the UK skills agenda, providing solutions to emerging challenges and opportunities by promoting an innovative and creative curriculum’, and we will engage with organisations who can help achieve this goal. We will do so where the subcontracted provision is relevant to our core business objectives, values and business offer.

Sub-contracting arrangements will be considered where they assist in achieving some of our strategic aims such as:

• To achieve growth through efficient resource management and diversification of income streams and products
• To further develop strategic alliances a strong stable supply chains with delivery partners and service suppliers
• To better service the local community
• To diversity and develop the current offer
• To future proof delivery through new product development with partners
• To further develop the range of our offer to employers and learners

Contract Compliance

The Board of Directors agrees that sub-contracting provision is aligned to the strategic aims of NA College Trust and ESFA and enhances the quality of the training offer for our learners. All Partners or sub-contractors engaged provide high quality provision and are low risk.

Rationale for Sub-Contracting:

NA College Trust recognises the contribution which Partners / Sub Contractors make in providing a diverse range of learning and training programmes which may not be available within NA College Trust and will enter contract arrangements if one or more of the following apply:

We will work with partners and sub-contractors where the following is applicable:

• Qualifications or programmes not readily available as part of our direct curriculum or training offer
• Expertise is available or has specialist niche provision/facilities
• To support employers and learners within wider geographical location
• Share similar views on delivering quality training programmes and customer service
• Add or complement our current offer
• Prove that they have the capacity and financial viability to sustain high quality training programme
• Can demonstrate a commitment to improving the quality of teaching and learning through collaborative working

Management Fee Strategy

NA College Trust shall be responsible for the procurement, support and management of all subcontracted provision. The organisation supports Partners / Sub Contractors in terms of improving the quality of teaching and learning and investing in resources to ensure ESFA compliance.

Due Diligence for Subcontractors

A comprehensive due diligence process will be implemented for new partners covering key areas such as quality assurance, data management, health & safety, staffing capability and capacity, finance, EO and Safeguarding. There will be a legally binding contract in place prior to delivery commencing that includes the terms specified in the Funding Rules. NA College Trust engages with external auditors to undertake an annual assurance review of the procurement and contracting processes to manage and control sub-contracting.

The standard management fee is between 15% and 20% of the funding value of the provision, as recorded in the Individual Learner Record (ILR). Any other rate must be agreed as an exception with the rationale and explanation for fees predicated on contract risk factor and levels of support required.

Fees are usually calculated taking into consideration the following:

• Previous ESFA contract experience
• Previous/recent Ofsted inspection results
• Quality systems in place
• Administration/management systems in place
• Experience/history of delivering planned provision

Partners/Sub-Contractors Support

NA College Trust will provide some or all of the following depending on sub contractor’s experience, capability and performance:

• Contract management – liaising with ESFA (negotiating contract allocation, profiles, monthly reviews, quarterly reviews, growth cases etc.)
• Contract administration — ILR and data input, claims paperwork, audit and quality assurance, paperwork checks and compliance, claims information and reports
• Training — contract compliance, paperwork, ILR, apprenticeship agreements, learner reviews etc.
• Quality — training in quality assurance, compliance, sharing of best practice, inclusion in quality forums, SAR & QIP support
• Performance management — regular reviews, OLT, MIS reports etc.
• Staff training and development
• Evaluation — support to gather customer and learner feedback
• PR and marketing support

Monitoring Arrangements

Business Partners/Sub Contractors are reviewed against a range of performance criteria to ensure high quality delivery is being delivered against the Funding Rules. Regular contract performance meetings will be scheduled, and reports produced for Board of Directors.

Regular monitoring visits at Business Partners/Sub Contractor premises will be scheduled. Visits to discuss performance may also include announced, short notice and unannounced observations and assessment of teaching and leaming, discussions with staff and learners and a review and audit of documentation.

There will be set standards in terms of performance and where there are areas for improvement notification will be provided to make and implement suggested improvements. Where the quality of provision fails to improve then financial penalties and I or withdrawal of contract could be applied.

A Learner Contingency Plan will be agreed and implemented in circumstances where sub-contract arrangement ceases, or the Business Partner goes into liquidation or administration or the contract is removed due to quality concerns.

Sub-contractors will be required to prepare and submit an annual Self-Assessment Report and Quality Improvement Plan which reflects the Common Inspection Framework and any other relevant guidance. The sub-contractor will also be required to submit a copy of their annual SAR and QIP.

Payment Terms

NA College Trust will make regular payments in arrears to partners and sub-contractors according to the value of provision recorded on the ILR and submission of a valid claim.

The ILR is regularly updated and submitted monthly. We will work with sub-contractors to ensure that they are aware of amount to invoice and we will make payment via BACS. Payments will be made within 30 days of receipt of a valid claim for payment.

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Policy Publication & Review

The Education Skills Funding Agency require publication of subcontractor and partnership activity including actual level of funding paid and retained. This will be made available on our website.

The policy will be reviewed and updated annually in August. Sub-contractors will be made aware of any changes. The policy will be provided to all sub-contractors and is available on request. NA College Trust will submit details of all subcontracted provision to the ESFA who publish a Sub Contractor Register twice annually.