Safeguarding

The University aims to ensure that it maintains the highest possible standards to meet its social, moral and legal responsibilities to protect and safeguard the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom the University’s work brings it into contact, whilst recognising that it cannot act “in loco parentis”

The University’s approach to safeguarding is outlined in the Policy on the Safeguarding of Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults. For more information on this policy and the Reporting Safeguarding Concerns Form please click here.

Groups covered by the safeguarding policy

  • Children (under the age of 16)
  • Young People (aged 16 and 17)
  • Vulnerable Adults (adults who have to rely on others for tasks of daily living or may be unable to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation)
  • Students at risk of radicalisation

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined for the purposes of this guidance as:

  • protecting children from maltreatment;
  • preventing impairment of children's health or development;
  • ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and
  • taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

(Working Together to Safeguard Children March 2013)

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and families has a role to play in identifying concerns, sharing information and taking prompt action. University staff are responsible for reporting any concerns about a child, young person vulnerable adult or student at risk of radicalisation to their Designated Safeguarding Contact.

Why is safeguarding relevant to the University of Liverpool?

  • Some of our students are under 18. For more information about safeguarding students aged under 18, please click here
  • Widening Participation undertake outreach activity with children and young people
  • Placements may involve children, young people and vulnerable adults, particularly in clinical disciplines
  • Research projects may involve children, young people and vulnerable adults. The safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults who are engaged in research is the responsibility of the Committee on Research Ethics
  • The University hosts work experience students and may engage with young people on apprenticeships or pre-apprenticeships
  • Students may be at risk of radicalisation
  • Disabled students and those with long-term medical conditions may be considered vulnerable adults
  • Students or staff may have children or siblings under 18 about whom we have cause for concern.