Realise Learning and Employment Limited has clear lines of accountability in their arrangements for safeguarding children and adults at risk. The DSL and her team of deputies have a good level of independence in decision-making in safeguarding cases. The DSL has established effective lines of communication with local authorities in cases where this is required. Senior leaders provide highly effective support for the safeguarding team. They ensure that safeguarding and child protection are prioritised and remain at the forefront in all aspects of process and policy development.

A positive, supportive culture exists throughout the organisation which supports and promotes safeguarding very effectively.

The detailed report on Realise was presented for final approval to the Leaders in Safeguarding Scrutiny and Valuation Panel. It read:

“There is a very well-established process in place for quality assuring the safeguarding arrangements at Realise. Senior leaders including those in governance have clear oversight of the safeguarding arrangements and understand trends in risk and vulnerability. The nominated governor for safeguarding takes an active role in supporting and quality assuring the safeguarding arrangements throughout the organisation. This includes regular safeguarding audits ensuring that good practice is identified and shared, and making sure that lessons are learnt from the cases managed.”

“The statutory information sharing protocols involved in safeguarding are understood very well by the staff and safeguarding team at Realise. This ensures learners remain safe and receive the best help and support to meet their needs.”

“Statutory safeguarding partners hold the Realise safeguarding team in positive regard for their knowledge, skills and experience.”

“Safeguarding case records contain a very good level of detail including precise detail of the concerns identified, the actions taken to resolve the issues and provide support, and the outcomes for the learner. All information is stored securely.

Information relating to low-level concerns and that which is passed to LADO, contain a good level of detail.”

“Realise have highly effective safer-recruitment practices. This includes a clear safeguarding statement in job vacancy advertisements, good awareness of the importance of DBS vetting, the taking up of suitable employment references and a well maintained and quality assured single central record. What is more, the DSL is involved in managing and quality assuring the SCR.”

“Staff have very good awareness of safeguarding risks and the signs and symptoms of abuse. Staff at all levels understand the needs of learners and there is good support available from various national organisations, such as Able Futures. Learners feel safe because they know staff are looking out for them.”

“The staff and safeguarding team at Realise have a good understanding of the risks faced by learners. High priority is given to identifying the needs of the most vulnerable groups.

The safeguarding team is led by highly experienced staff with can-do, solution-focused attitudes.”