Safeguarding
For safeguarding issues outside of college hours including weekends you should report any safeguarding concerns about a child, young person or vulnerable adult to CASS (the Children’s Advice and Support Service) on 0121 303 1888. Outside of office hours ring 0121 675 4806.
If you believe a crime has been committed contact the police on 101
If you believe that someone else is at immediate risk of harm dial 999
BMet has a duty to protect and promote the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults receiving education and training at our colleges, in accordance to the Education Act 2011 and the Children Act 1989 (Section 17 Child in Need (Provision of services for children in need, their families and others) and Section 47 Risk of Significant Harm (Local Authority’s duty to investigate).
We are committed to the highest standards in protecting and safeguarding at all times. BMet promotes a culture of vigilance where all of our staff know their responsibilities and act accordingly, and all learners are aware of what they can expect and what to do if they have concerns.
BMet is committed to ensuring:
- Children, young people and vulnerable adults have a safe environment to learn in.
- Children, young people and vulnerable adults who are suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm are identified and action is taken to address issues, in partnership with other organisations where appropriate.
- Appropriate action is taken to see that such children, young people and vulnerable adults are kept safe in the college environment and on college related activities.
- All staff receives safeguarding training, and we have a number of nominated safeguarders who are trained to a more advanced level. We have a Designated Senior Person with a lead accountability for children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Click here to view Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
BMet Key Safeguarding Contacts
If you study with us or your child studies with us and you have any safeguarding concerns you can contact the safeguarding team Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.
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Designated Safeguarding Lead Birmingham Metropolitan College (BMet) Kay Burton-Williams – 07779 328630 kay.burton-williams@bmet.ac.uk Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead BMet Kathleen Rennie 07545 100107 Katie Dyer 07764322398 |
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| James Watt College | Deputy DSL – Lisa Underwood
07712 407466
Lorraine Bayliss-Farley 07526177523 |
| Matthew Boulton College | Deputy DSL – Ianthe Smith
07967 679626
Kieran Nicholl 07716241632 |
| Sutton Coldfield College | Deputy DSL – Sonia Crook-Lake
07967 999125
Annette Grant 07747271992 |
If you are a professional working within children’s services, police or other key agencies please contact the above staff, Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.
Outside of these times please leave a message with your full details and contact number and we will respond to you on the next working day.
Safeguarding Out of Hours
If you have any Safeguarding concerns when the college is closed, you should contact either your Local Authority Out of Hours Social Care number for any concerns relating to a child (under 18).
Alternatively, if you feel that a child or any other student is at immediate risk and in need of protection you should contact the Police immediately (999 emergency, 101 non-emergency).
Further Support and Advice
The Birmingham Safeguarding Children Partnership website provides important safeguarding information for the public, children, young people, parents, carers, school staff and other professionals.
In addition you can anonymously contact the NSPCC via text 88858 for free and they will send an automated confirmation response followed by a specific response from a Helpline practitioner within three hours.
Learn about potential dangers can give you the knowledge and skills to act if there is a problem. Help to keep your child safe by preventing problems before they happen. For a helping hand for parents and carers, click here to read more about Parent Wise.
Click here to view all of BMet’s policies and procedures.
Safer Students Charter
The charter, developed by the Colleges West Midlands network, contains five safety elements to support students and help them to learn and develop by:
- Treating all students as active partners in learning and ensuring all college staff treat students with respect, consult with them and ask and listen to their views
- Creating an environment where peer-on-peer sexual assault and sexual violence is not tolerated and individuals can speak out and receive support
- Promoting equality, celebrating diversity, and ensuring whatever a student’s identity they will feel welcomed, supported, safe and included
- Providing opportunities for involvement in a calendar of themed activities to develop skills, confidence and resilience in preparing for the future
- Empowering students to become informed and healthy citizens.
Safety First
You are responsible for your own safety and well being, stay in control of all that you do and this could be a festive season for you to
remember for the right reasons.
Click here to view our full Festive Safety First Guide
Operation Encompass
BMet are taking part in a joint operation involving Birmingham Children’s Trust, Birmingham City Council, and West Midlands Police. This will formally be known as Operation Encompass.
Operation Encompass has been established to help schools/colleges provide in-college support to children who have been present at, exposed to or involved in any domestic abuse incident.
We know that children can be significantly harmed, physically and/or emotionally, during these situations, and that it also negatively affects their learning and behaviour in class.
Therefore, as part of the Operation Encompass procedure, and to help mitigate the resulting negative impact, the college will now receive a confidential phone call or email from West Midlands Police before 9am the morning after a child or young person has been witness to, or involved in, any reported domestic abuse incident.
Click here to find out more information on Operation Encompass.
Requests from Law Enforcement Authorities
If you are representing a law enforcement authority and require the personal data of out staff and/or students, please follow the guidance on this page.