SAFEGUARDING FOR LEARNERS

You should speak to us if you are worried about:

• Abuse of any kind
• Neglect
• Bullying or harassment (online or in practice)
• Grooming or someone behaving inappropriately towards you
• Mental health struggles or feeling overwhelmed
• Radicalisation concerns
• Feeling unsafe at work
• Concerns about another learner or colleague or anything that just doesn’t feel right

Because your course is delivered online, safeguarding works in two places:

1. Online (with DNA)
   • We provide safe, monitored communication systems
   • Your assessors are trained to spot signs of concern
   • We have clear reporting and support routes
2. In Your Workplace
   • You should have a named workplace mentor
   • You should be properly supervised
   • You should be treated with respect
   • Your employer must provide a safe working environment
   • Your employer should have a Safeguarding policy, and a named DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) that you can talk to

If you raise a concern, we will:

• Listen to you
• Take you seriously
• Handle things sensitively
• Keep information confidential (where possible)
• Take action to keep you safe
• Support you throughout

Our Safeguarding Policy is available here

You tell us → We assess → We take action

That might include:

• Supporting you directly
• Helping you find the right expertise to get more help
• Speaking to your employer
• Involving external agencies if needed

You won’t be left to deal with it alone.

Beyond your direct learning with DNA, here are some useful tips to be aware of in general while you are online:

• Do not share personal information (e.g. address, phone number, workplace details) online
• Never send, share or request explicit images or messages
• Be cautious when speaking to people you don’t know — not everyone is who they say they are
• Do not click on suspicious links or download unknown files
• Keep your passwords secure and do not share them with others
• Use only approved platforms for your training and communication
• Report any inappropriate messages, behaviour, or content immediately
• Trust your instincts — if something doesn’t feel right, don’t engage

When learning online:

• Only use DNA-approved communication channels
• Learner-to-learner contact is not facilitated. Tell us if you think someone is trying to do this
• Tell us if you feel uncomfortable during any interaction with our team
• Emails and Text Messages can be faked to look like they have come from us, NEBDN or GDC. Call us if you are unsure
• Report anything unusual or inappropriate

It’s okay to ask for help.It’s okay to ask for help.

If you are:

• struggling with stress
• feeling low or anxious
• overwhelmed

Speak to us — we can help.

We also protect learners from harmful or extreme influences.

Tell us if someone:

• Shares extreme or harmful views
• Seems drawn to harmful ideologies
• Shows sudden behaviour changes
• Expresses grievances that may indicate extremist influence
• Tries to influence your beliefs in a concerning way
• Pressures you to think or act differently

We will handle this safely and appropriately.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

If in doubt — report the concern.