The University of Chester has become one of the first Higher Education institutions to organise an intensive workshop providing staff with the training required to safeguard children and vulnerable people.

In response to legislation being introduced at the start of next year which requires at least one member of any panel appointing staff to work in a school to have undertaken approved training in safer recruitment, the University has set up similar training for relevant staff.

The training has been organised by the Faculty of Education and Children’s Services, but has also been opened up to staff in other relevant departments, such as Student Support and Guidance, Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions, and Work-Based Learning.

The training was developed by the National College for Leadership of Schools and Children’s Services (NCSL), and included an assessment which led to a formal certificate jointly badged by the University and NCSL.

Karen Turner, the Faculty’s Designated Safeguarding Officer, said: “In the wake of the Soham case, new legislation is being introduced to make sure that there are robust policies and procedures in place protecting children and young people.

“We clearly have a role to play. If we’re putting people in a position where they are working with children, whether it be training them as teachers, social workers or in other areas, we’re potentially in the accountability loop so it’s important that we’re trained to the highest level so that we’re aware of anything that may be cause for concern.

“This training will be absolutely essential, which is why we have been so keen to introduce it. There are many hurdles that people have to go through before they can work with children and vulnerable people, and this means that there are several opportunities to identify those individuals who are a concern.

“Given our involvement in children’s services more generally, this is also about putting the procedures and training in place to ensure that young people are protected in every environment, not just in a school or nursery setting.”