Safeguarding our students, staff and visitors is an important issue to us so it’s at the centre of all our planning and all that we do. Everyone here at college has an important role to play in safeguarding the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and preventing abuse.

All our staff complete compulsory safeguarding and prevent (extremism & radicalisation) awareness training and we have Safeguarding Managers and staff who are responsible for our campuses. We will always act in your best interest.

Safeguarding means:

• Promotion of your health and development
• Ensuring your safety and care
• Ensuring you are offered the best life chances
• Protection from abuse and neglect
• Prevention of bullying and harassment.

East Sussex College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We have developed a Safeguarding Policy and Procedure that aims to meet this commitment.

Our policy covers:

• Abuse and neglect
• Prevention of discrimination
• Anti-bullying and harassment
• Addressing attendance issues
• Supporting health care plans for students with specific medical needs
• Safety and security.

We have a designated team to protect our students and actively promote safeguarding

You don't have to face these things alone. You can talk to a member of staff you trust.

Helen Ding (Eastbourne)
Tel: 07980 049312

Lydia Leonard (Hastings & Ore Valley)
Tel: 07848 442081

Julia Proven (Lewes & Newhaven)
Tel: 07823 668772

Lead Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Fenella Potterton

You may have heard about Prevent, British Values and lots about radicalisation and extremism. This topic was covered in our tutorial sessions as well as part of your induction. Prevent is the Government's agenda and is about safeguarding people and communities from the threat of terrorism.

Your Wellbeing Team thought it might be helpful to let you know a little bit more about these topics, as well as give you some tips on how you can keep yourself safe and how we can support you at College if you are dealing with these issues.

What is radicalisation?

This term refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism leading to terrorism.

What is extremism?

Extremism is 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 beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas, and animal rights extremism.

This is not just Islamic extremism it can also include far right extremism such as fascism, racism, being anti-Jewish or agreeing with Nazism, for example.

Where can I find out more?

To find out more, take a look at the following websites. If you are concerned about any of the content speak to your teacher, Study Programme Tutor or Wellbeing Team.

• Educate Against Hate
• ACT: Action Counters Terrorism

It is important that you are critical of the things you see and read online and report any concerns that you have. If you're worried about a friend, you should speak to our Safeguarding team. We will always support you.

Recent events in the UK and around the world remind us all of the terrorist threat we face. Police and security agencies are working tirelessly to protect the public but it is also important that communities remain vigilant and aware of how to protect themselves if the need arises.

Click the image below to find out more about Run, Hide, Tell and staying safe.