1. Our Commitment
TESS Group adopts an "it could happen here" approach to safeguarding. We are committed to:
- Protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of all learners
- Creating environments free from abuse, neglect, bullying, harassment, discrimination and exploitation
- Fulfilling our duties under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty)
- Promoting British Values: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance
- Training all staff to recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns
- Working with external agencies to protect those at risk
These commitments reflect our core values:
Working together with learners, partners and agencies to ensure safety.
Consistent, dependable safeguarding practices that learners can trust.
Supporting learners to build confidence and resilience.
Taking action when we identify concerns, no matter how uncomfortable.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all TESS Group learners regardless of age, and covers all aspects of their programme wherever it takes place.
Key Definitions
All those who have not yet reached their 18th birthday.
Those aged 18+ who may be in need of support by reason of disability, age or illness and may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
3. What Safeguarding Covers
Safeguarding at TESS Group encompasses protection against a wide range of harms:
4. The Prevent Duty
Section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a duty on education providers to have due regard to preventing people from being drawn into terrorism.
Our Approach
TESS Group recognises threats from all forms of extremism, including far-right extremism, Islamist extremism, INCEL-related extremism and other ideologies that oppose fundamental British Values.
Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British Values: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
How We Promote Safety
- British Values in teaching and learning: We embed teaching about democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance throughout your programme
- Safe spaces for debate: We create environments where learners can discuss sensitive topics, ask questions and challenge ideas in a respectful way
- Partnership working: We work with Regional Prevent Coordinators and CHANNEL panels where appropriate to support individuals at risk
- Online awareness: We educate learners about online radicalisation and provide guidance on identifying and reporting concerning online activity
- Trained staff: All staff receive training to recognise signs of radicalisation and respond appropriately
The current UK threat level from terrorism can be checked at gov.uk/terrorism-threat-level
5. How We Keep You Safe
TESS Group implements a range of safeguarding measures to protect all learners:
Trained Staff
All staff receive annual safeguarding and Prevent training. They are trained to recognise signs of abuse, neglect, exploitation and radicalisation, and to respond quickly and appropriately to concerns.
DBS Checks
All staff undergo Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks before starting work. No staff member has unsupervised contact with learners until DBS clearance has been confirmed.
Safeguarding Information
All learners receive safeguarding contact details at the start of their programme so you know how to get help.
Multiple Reporting Channels
You can report concerns in several ways:
- Speak to your Skills Coach or any TESS Group staff member
- Contact the safeguarding team directly
- During remote sessions, use the internationally recognised hand gesture for help if you cannot speak freely
Embedded Learning
Safeguarding topics are woven into teaching and learning sessions throughout your programme. This includes healthy relationships, online safety, recognising grooming, and understanding your rights.
Safe Environments
All learning spaces comply with health and safety requirements. We maintain appropriate supervision and ensure facilities are secure and fit for purpose.
Ongoing Monitoring
Staff are alert to changes in learner behaviour that may indicate a safeguarding concern, such as changes in attendance, withdrawal from activities, unexplained absences, or signs of distress.
6. Your Rights as a Learner
As a learner at TESS Group, you have the right to:
- Make a disclosure to any member of staff, knowing it will be dealt with quickly, sensitively and appropriately
- Learn in an environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and sexual violence
- Be informed about safeguarding risks relevant to your programme
- Be informed about radicalisation, terrorism, gangs and County Lines
- Access support on personal health and safety issues — either from TESS Group or external agencies
- Have your concerns taken seriously
- Provide feedback on how well TESS Group promotes safety and wellbeing
- Learn about healthy relationships, online safety, and how to recognise grooming and manipulation
7. Sexual Harassment and Violence
TESS Group operates on the principle that sexual harassment and sexual violence could impact our learners, even if reported cases are low. We take this issue seriously.
Our Response
- We train staff to recognise signs of sexual harassment and violence
- We always take reports seriously, whether they occurred recently or some time ago
- We support learners to recognise harassing behaviour and understand it is not normal or acceptable
- We promote understanding of healthy relationships and sexual consent throughout your programme
- We encourage reporting of any experiences, including historical ones
For full details on our sexual harassment framework, please refer to our Equality and Diversity Policy.
8. How to Report a Concern
If you are in immediate danger
Call 999
To Report a Safeguarding Concern to TESS Group
- Speak to your Skills Coach or any TESS Group staff member — Any member of staff will listen and take your concern seriously
- Contact the safeguarding team directly:
- DSL — Stephanie Richardson: stephanie.richardson@thetessgroup.com / 07701 395521
- DDSL — Ian Palmer: ian.palmer@thetessgroup.com / 07701 395516
- DSO — Elaine Denney: elaine.denney@thetessgroup.com / 07701 395512
- Board — Lisa O'Reilly: lisa.o'reilly@thetessgroup.com / 07539 012690
- During remote sessions, use the internationally recognised hand gesture for help if you cannot speak freely
What Happens When You Report
- Your concern will be taken seriously
- The Designated Safeguarding Lead will assess the situation and take appropriate action
- Where necessary, concerns will be referred to external agencies such as the police, local authority, or CHANNEL panel
- You will be kept informed and supported throughout the process
- Confidentiality will be maintained as far as possible — but the safety of the individual always comes first
Report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. If your concern is about the DSL themselves, report to the Director.
9. Confidentiality
- All disclosures are treated confidentially
- Information is shared only with those who need to know
- Staff cannot promise absolute secrecy — the safety of the individual is always the priority
- Where possible, consent will be obtained before sharing information with third parties
- All records are kept securely in line with data protection legislation (GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018)
10. Martyn's Law
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (commonly known as Martyn's Law) received Royal Assent in April 2025. The Act is expected to come into force around 2027 following a 24-month implementation period.
The legislation places duties on premises operators to assess terrorism risks and implement appropriate security measures. TESS Group is monitoring the implementation of these requirements and will comply with all obligations as they come into force.
11. Online Safety
- TESS Group uses web filtering on our systems to prevent access to inappropriate material
- We educate learners about safe and responsible internet use, including recognising and reporting harmful content
- We are alert to online grooming, radicalisation, and cyberbullying
- Breaches of acceptable use policies are dealt with through our disciplinary procedures
- For full details on our approach to online harassment, please refer to our Equality and Diversity Policy
12. External Support and Resources
If you need support or advice outside of TESS Group, the following organisations can help:
13. Legislative Framework
This policy is based on and complies with the following legislation:
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE, September 2025)
- Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government)
- Education and Training (Welfare of Children) Act 2021
- Children Act 1989 and 2004
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
- Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
- Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn's Law)
- Care Act 2014
- Equality Act 2010
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (Whistleblowing)
14. Related Policies
For more detailed information on related areas, please refer to the following TESS Group policies:
This policy is reviewed annually or immediately upon changes in legislation. We encourage all learners, parents, employers and stakeholders to provide feedback on how TESS Group promotes safety and wellbeing.