DH Associates
Assessment Centre
Learner Handbook
Introduction
Welcome to dha Assessment Centre, the team wish you every success in
undertaking your programme of learning.
DH Associates is a training and consultancy company based on Merseyside. We
offer training and qualifications in Health & Social Care, Management, Business
Administration, Customer Service and Learning & Development. Ofsted have graded
us outstanding in all areas of delivery and we hope you find this reflects your
experience with us. All our staff are experienced and qualified in their vocational
area. Appendix 1 & 2
This handbook will guide you through our approach to assessment and compliments
the guidance issued by the awarding bodies, City & Guilds and Institute of
Leadership & Management.
We hope that you will find your programme enjoyable, challenging and rewarding.
Information, Advice & Guidance
Before starting your qualification your assessor will discuss with you the appropriate
type and level of qualification that reflects your job role. Whilst on programme your
assessor will offer you advice and support to help you progress, meet the targets set
in your ILP and achieve your qualification. They will advise you on opportunities to
develop your skills and knowledge and guide you in using the learning resources we
provide. Towards the end of your qualification they will review your progress and
achievement. You will have an opportunity to do a self evaluation of your learning
and the assessor will discuss the next steps to help you move on with your personal
development. This may include undertaking a higher level qualification, further
training or research. If you need to access specialist advice they can give you
information on how to access this.
Induction
Prior to starting your qualification we will arrange an information session to explain
the programme. This will be either a group or individual session depending on which
is most convenient for you and your employer. These sessions take place at your
worksite and can be arranged at a time to suit you. You need to set aside a minimum
of 2 hours. If you wish to proceed with the qualification you will complete
documentation to enable you to start your qualification.
At induction you will be given a portfolio containing your information on your
qualification/programme, learning resources and assessment centre paperwork. We
will have structured your portfolio for you to meet awarding body requirements so
please do not remove anything without consulting your assessor.
At induction you will be given the name of your assessor and internal verifier. Usually
your assessor will agree your first assessment plan at induction and arrange your
first assessment appointment.
Assessment
Our approach to assessment is to offer a flexible work based route for all
qualifications. This means you will have all your assessment meetings at your
workplace and will need to meet with your assessor for a minimum of 2 hours every
month. We will agree a learning contract with you detailing the expectations your
employer and our centre has off you. We will agree targets for achievement with you
that are realistic and enable you to progress towards completion. Most of our
learners achieve their qualification in 7- 12 months.
At each meeting your assessor will help you to identify how your work relates to
specific units and will agree a plan with you identifying the evidence you need to
collect to demonstrate your competence. At the next meeting you will present your
evidence and your assessor will give you feedback on your achievement.
Your assessor will take your portfolio for quality assurance by the internal verifier mid
way and at the end of the qualification. Assessment documents will be removed by
your internal verifier and placed in the Assessment Centre file. This ensures there is
evidence to show your units have been quality checked and enables your certificate
to be claimed.
Learners receive their certificate within 6 weeks of completion.
Information and records
DH Associates complies with Data Protection legislation and has clear protocols on
the sharing of information; a full copy of our Confidentiality policy is available on
request. We will need to share information with your employer, awarding body and
funding organisations.
As a learner with the awarding body and DH Assessment Centre you will be entered
into a database. The information stored in the database will be personal information
(address, registration number), a record of all contacts with your assessor and a
record of units achieved. A manual record will also be kept of all your assessment
records. These records will be kept for a minimum of 3 years to comply with
awarding body requirements. If your details change while you are a candidate you
will need to inform us so we can update our records e.g. address or name. These
records are subject to audit and inspection by the awarding body and funding
organisations.
We will share information with your employer and line manager. This will be in
relation to your progress and achievement. Some records will need to be signed by
your manager.
Code of Practice
DH Associates Assessment Centre personnel must comply with the Code of Practice
issued by the Qualifications Curriculum Authority. The Equal Opportunities Policy is
detailed in appendix 3. If at any time you have concerns about the practice of your
assessor you must contact your internal verifier or the Quality Assurance Coordinator. Our e mail address and telephone number are: [email protected]
0151 336 6900.
Compliments & Complaints
We appreciate your comments and evaluation of our service and will use these to
improve our practice. Learners will be asked to complete evaluation forms at the
beginning, mid and end of programme. Your feedback will help us to ensure
improvements are made to our service.
If you do have a complaint that cannot be resolved with your assessor please do
contact us in the first instance. We will respond to all complaints as soon as possible,
a minimum of 5 working days. The complaints procedure is detailed in appendix 4.
DH Associates is committed to promoting equal opportunities and appreciating
diversity. We have extensive experience of working with learners with special
assessment needs and will adapt our practice to ensure your needs are met. If you
feel you needs are not being met please discuss this with your assessor or internal
verifier.
Appeals Procedure
An appeal is different to a complaint as it relates to assessor practice and
judgement. A learner may appeal against the assessment decision of an assessor,
this rarely arises but the most usual basis is when a learner believes they are being
asked to do too much to achieve a unit. The appeals procedure is detailed in
appendix 5.
Health & Safety
DH Associates Assessment Centre is committed to ensuring that through
assessment and monitoring learners operate in a safe working environment as
practical. Prior to induction your assessor will conduct a health & safety check to
ensure your workplace meets safety requirements. The check will include an
environmental assessment and we will also check your employer’s liability insurance.
If there are any concerns these will be noted at the time and reported to your
manager and the Quality Assurance Co-ordinator. At induction we will do an initial
assessment that includes the mandatory unit on health and safety and any training
needs will be identified. All learners have access to free health & safety training
through the centres open learning resource, www.smartscreen.co.uk. The learner
health & safety policy is detailed in appendix 7.
Bullying and Harassment
DH Associates Assessment Centre is committed to ensuring that learners are
treated with dignity and respect and that all learning takes place in a supportive
environment. Bullying and harassment is not acceptable and all learners should
expect to be treated with courtesy and politeness by their colleagues, managers and
by the staff/ representatives of the Company. Any learner who feels they are the
victim of bullying and/or harassment will have their concerns taken seriously. If you
feel this applies to you please discuss with your assessor and read our full policy
detailed in appendix 8
Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults
DH Associates Assessment Centre is committed to ensuring that learners are
safeguarded whilst in learning and work. We are duty bound to comply with the Skills
for Care Code of Practice and will take appropriate steps to safeguard learners and
service users. The company policy is included in this handbook. If you have any
concerns about safeguarding please raise these with your assessor or verifier.
Lead for all Policies
Any learner who needs to report or discuss any issues under code of practice,
complaints, appeals, health & safety, equal opportunities, bullying/harassment or
safeguarding can contact the Quality Assurance Manager at Dh Associates:
Caroline Murphy 0151 336 6900 email:[email protected]
Unit Certification
If you are unable to complete your qualification you can have certification for any
units achieved and internally quality assured. This means you will not have to do the
same units again if you want to complete your qualification at a later date.
Registration for awards is for 3 years with the awarding body so you can complete
your award at another assessment centre. Please inform your assessor or contact
the Quality Assurance Co-ordinator if you need unit certification.
DH Associates Limited Organisational Chart
Managing Director
Dawn Hodge
Finance Director
Val Murray
Employer
Engagement
Officer
Dawn Rogers
Quality Assurance Manager
Caroline Murphy
Business Development Manager
Sue George
Business Development
Administrator
Team Manager
Izzy Veste
John Maxwell
Kellie Collister
Chris Rogers
Joanne Moorcroft
Jo Harding
Eileen Houseman
Julie Murphy
Assessors/Verifiers
Jacquie Williams
Mike Hall
Nicola Bagshaw
Martine Ross
Michelle Colebrook Joanne Rose
Nicki Abel
Tracy Bradley
Carrie Ryan
Dawn Gouldthorpe
Centre Administrators
Jeanette Jones
Tom Caldwell
Kathryn Yelland
DH Associates
Assessment Centre Organisational Structure
Quality Assurance
Manager
Caroline Murphy
Team Manager
Chris Rogers
Assessors/Verifiers
Jacquie Williams
Joanne Moorcroft
Jo Harding
Eileen Houseman
Julie Murphy
Izzy Veste
John Maxwell
Mike Hall
Nicola Bagshaw
Martine Ross
Michelle Colebrook
Joanne Rose
Nicki Abel
Carrie Ryan
Tracy Bradley
Dawn Gouldthorpe
Centre
Administrators
Jeanette Jones
Tom Caldwell
Kathryn Yelland
Equality & Diversity Policy
Equality & Diversity Statement
Dh Associates is committed to providing high quality learning and assessment to all
our potential customers. We embrace equality and diversity and recognise the
uniqueness of each individual learner.
Dh Associates will promote equal of opportunity to all learners and potential learners
and will ensure effective equality and diversity by all employees of the company.
Dh Associates will ensure that all learners are treated with respect to their
individuality. Any special assessment needs will be identified and resources and
assessment adapted to take account of individual needs.
Dh Associates will work with contracting organisations to anticipate and plan to take
account of the individual needs of their learners.
Dh Associates will ensure that no discrimination occurs during any of its internal
procedures and processes. All employees have been trained and are aware of the
policy and its implications for practice.
Dh Associates will comply with the equal opportunities requirements of QCA, the
Code of Practice and awarding bodies.
Implementing Equality & Diversity
Promotion
Dh Associates will promote the training and qualifications it offers ensuring access to
under represented groups. We offer 24 hour access to learning ensuring learning
reaches part time, shift and night staff.
Entrance Requirements
Learners will be able to access training and qualifications based on their identified
needs. We will identify any barriers to learning with contractors and work with them
to reduce these.
Enrolment and Registration
The Centre registration form enables the early collection of equal opportunities
information. For learners and the centre this enables identification of any need to
adapt resources or the programme.
Induction
All learners receive an induction and are given a copy of the centre handbook
explaining our commitment to equal opportunities and their rights as a learner. We
explain at induction the support that is available to them from the centre and how to
proceed if a complaint arises. All learners complete an initial skill scan and self
evaluation to identify any learning or special assessment needs. We also discuss the
actions we would take if a learner discriminated or experienced discrimination within
their work place.
Programme
During the delivery of programmes all learners would experience equal opportunities
being promoted and if necessary reviewed. At 3 months we review all learners’
progress looking at any issues regarding access to assessment and agreeing
solutions.
We have and will continue to adapt assessment practice and resources to take
account of special assessment needs. We will engage interpreters to ensure access
to Deaf candidates, ensure access to adapted materials for candidates with visual
impairments, provide alternative assessment methods to those with English as a
second language.
Assessment
Assessment will be based on the requirements of the qualifications. Learners will be
assured equal access to fair assessment and have the right to appeal assessment
decisions. The appeal procedure is explained at induction. The internal quality
assurance arrangements will actively monitor fair assessment will not be influenced
by gender, race, age, disability or any other factor.
Reasonable adjustments will be made to meet special assessment needs provided
this does not compromise the integrity of qualifications and advice will be sought if
necessary from awarding bodies through the external verifier.
Facilities
To ensure equal access to assessment all meetings will take place at the learners
workplace.
Complaints Procedures
There is a complaints procedure for learners and this is explained to all learners at
induction. Learners can complain if they experience discrimination or sexual or racial
harassment or bullying.
Staff Development
All employees have had training on equal opportunities. Up dates are incorporated
into personal development plans. For example all assessors have recently attended
Deaf Awareness training and 1 assessor is doing a Basic Sign Language course.
Monitoring
All information on equal opportunities, progress and achievement is entered on the
centre database to enable monitoring and comparisons to be made. Reports on
groups of learners are sent to contract managers from the purchasing organisation
on a monthly basis to enable issues affecting progress to be identified and
addressed.
Action Plan
The Quality Assurance Co-coordinator is responsible ensuring the implementation
and monitoring of equal opportunities and diversity through the center’s procedures
and processes for managing contracts, learners and employees.
DH Associates Comments & Complaint Policy
Policy Aim
The aim of this policy is to ensure that suggestions, comments, and complaints
concerning services delivered by DH Associates are dealt with in a timely and
appropriate manner. Comments, suggestions or complaints enable us to improve the
service we deliver. Formal evaluations and feedback enable the centre and company
to review the service learners and employers receive.
Complaints Procedure
1. Under this procedure complaints may be made by anyone receiving a service
from DH Associates. The complainant will be informed of the progress and
outcome of any investigation.
2. The first point of contact for learners is their assessor and / or line manager.
Assessors in receipt of a complaint shall take immediate steps to try and resolve
the issue. This must be reported to their line manager.
3. The first point of contact for employers is the Employer Engagement Manager
and any complaints received can be resolved at by them or where appropriate
passed to the Quality Assurance Manager for investigation under the procedure
outlined below.
4. If the complaint cannot simply be resolved the Quality Assurance Manager must
be informed. A formal investigation will be planned and the complaint will be
responded to within 3 working days of reporting.
5. A written record of the complaint, investigation and how it is resolved must be
made. The learner and employer must be informed of the outcome.
6. Learners and employers can appeal the decision reached within 5 working days
and the complaint will be reviewed by DH Associates Senior Management Team.
7. If the complainant remains dissatisfied in certain circumstances the learner and
employer can complain to the awarding body, either to the external verifier or
direct to the awarding body. Similarly learners and employers can in certain
circumstances make a complaint to the Skills Funding Agency. Learners and
employers may only do this if the internal complaints procedure has been
exhausted.
8. Information regarding complaints, the response times and outcomes, shall be
collated and reviewed by the Quality Assurance Manager.
Comment & Complaint Reporting
Name of Reporter:
Date Received:
Address:
Tele:
Email:
Employer:
Learner:
Assessor:
Briefly outline key issues
Reported to:
Signature:
Date:
INVESTIGATION & OUTCOME
Investigation Plan:
Date Agreed
Signature:
Date:
Outcome of investigation:
Resolution: YES/ NO
Signature:
Date:
DH Associates Appeals Procedure
Policy Aim
The aim of this policy is to ensure that appeals by learners are dealt with in a timely
and appropriate manner. Learners registered with the centre have the right to
challenge the outcomes of their assessment. Any appeal shall be taken seriously
and people who raise any such issues shall be dealt with fairly and reasonably.
Learners should be aware that there are a number of grounds upon which they might
appeal for example:
 The conduct of the assessment
 The adequacy of the range, nature and comprehensiveness of the evidence
when set against the national standards and evidence requirements
Appeals Procedure
1. If a learner wishes to appeal, the appeal must be lodged with the centre
Quality Assurance Manager (QAM), Caroline Murphy, within 20 days of being
notified of the assessment decision.
2. The QAM shall respond in writing within five working days [Mon-Fri],
acknowledging the appeal.
3. The QAM shall take immediate steps to investigate the appeal. During an
investigation a solution may be agreed with the learner. As part of the
investigation the learner or relevant others may be interviewed and
statements taken. Access will be required to all documentation and evidence.
The QAM will lead the investigation and will involve other key staff as
appropriate.
4. Should this not prove satisfactory then the QAM will set a date for the appeal
to be considered by the appeals panel.
5. The QAM will notify the awarding body via the External Quality Assurer that
an appeal has been lodged and gives detail of how it will be heard, including
the composition of the appeals panel.
6. The appeal panel will meet to consider the appeal within 5 working days of the
investigation concluding. The learner is immediately notified of the outcome of
the appeal by QAM, and in writing by the centre within 5 working days.
7. If the learner is still not satisfied then they shall have recourse to the
Complaints Procedure and, if still dissatisfied any appeal can be escalated to
the awarding body and, in the case of assessment of a regulated qualification,
can subsequently be escalated to the appropriate regulator or Ofqual..
8. Information regarding appeals, the response times and outcomes, shall be
collated and reviewed by the QAM in order to improve our services, and
organisation.
NOTIFICATION OF APPEAL
Outline nature of and reason for appeal:
Date Lodged:
With Whom:
By Whom:
Centre Co-ordinator Notified:
Yes / No
Acknowledged in writing by:
[Name]
[Date]
Name of Assessor/Internal Verifier
Resolved:
Yes / No (if no go to Appeal Panel Section)
CO-ORDINATOR’S COMMENTS:
CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE
CORRESPONDENCE.
SHEET IF
Appeals
Yes/No
EXTERNAL VERIFIER INFORMED
DATE OF APPEAL:
OUTCOME OF APPEAL:
[Signed]
NEED
BE
Panel
/ ATTACH
OR
[Signed]
FORWARD COPIES OF ALL
Convened
YES/NO
Awarding Body Details
City & Guilds
External Verifier:
Caroline Basham- Jones Health & Social Care
Teresa Holmes Learning & Development
Kevin Bissett Customer Care Business Administration
Contact Details:
City and Guilds North West
Unit 4
Firecrest Court
Warrington Centre Park
Warrington
WA1 1RG
Telephone Number:
01925 897900
Institute of Learning & Management
External Verifier:
Contact Details:
Graham Walker
Stowe House
Netherstowe
Lichfield
WS13 6TJ
Telephone Number:
01543 251346
Role of External Verifier
The external verifier is the representative on the awarding body and ensures the
centre is meeting national standards in delivering qualifications. The external verifier
for each group of qualifications carries out inspections of the centre at least annually.
The external verifier will sample portfolios to ensure compliance with qualification
requirements. If a learners portfolio is picked for sampling we will contact you and
arrange to collect and return your portfolio. External verifiers may wish to interview
learners to judge the quality of delivery, this maybe in person or by telephone.
Learners Health & Safety Policy
D H Associates
Statement
Dawn Hodge Associates is committed to ensuring through assessment and
monitoring that learners work in a safe environment as possible.

All workplaces will have a safety check prior to induction to ensure public
liability insurance is in place and the workplace complies with all statutory
health and safety requirements.

All learners will be assessed on their understanding of health and safety,
signing in/out, fire, first aid and accidents procedures during induction.

All learners will have an assessment of their learning or training needs in
relation to health and safety through the skill scan and health & safety check.
Any needs identified will be recorded, action agreed as to how these are to be
met and learners responsibility to inform their manager

All learners will be informed of access to smartscreen learning materials on
health & safety, www.smartscreen.co.uk. For management learners www.i-lm.com/activate

All learners will be assessed on their understanding and practical application
of health and safety during the course of their learning.

Learners with any concerns about health & safety practice within their
workplace must report these to their manager.

Assessors or centre staff who have concerns about a learners health & safety
practice must discuss this with the learner and agree how practice will be
improved.

Assessors or centre staff who have concerns about health & safety practice in
an learners workplace must report these concerns to the employer and the
Quality Assurance Co-ordinator.

Where there is a statutory duty to report DH Associates will comply with this.

Health & safety of learners will be audited yearly to identify any improvements
and agree an annual development plan
DH Associates
Bullying and Harassment Policy
Statement
DH Associates Ltd is committed to ensuring that learners are treated with dignity and
respect and that all learning takes place in a supportive environment. Bullying and
harassment is not acceptable and all learners should expect to be treated with
courtesy and politeness by their colleagues, managers and by the staff/
representatives of the Company.
Promoting Good Practice
DH Associates Ltd has a code of practice and equal opportunities policy that clearly
define the values and standards of customer care expected of its employees. All sub
contractors will be given copies of these documents and must comply with the
requirements of these policies.
Bullying and Harassment Definitions
“Bullying can be described as offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting
behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine,
intimidate, denigrate or injure the recipient” ACAS
“Harassment is unwanted… conduct affecting the dignity of individuals in the
workplace. It may be related to age, sex, race, disability, religion, nationality or any
personal characteristics of the individual, and may be persistent or an isolated
incident.” ACAS
DH Associates considers the following to be examples of unacceptable behaviour
 Spreading malicious rumours or insulting someone
 Ridiculing or demeaning someone
 Unwelcome sexual innuendo or attention
 Unfair treatment
 Exclusion or victimisation
 Overbearing supervision or other misuse of power or position
 Making threats or comments about job security without foundation
Responsibilities
DH Associates is responsible for ensuring that the learning experience is free from
bullying or harassment by any of its employees and employees of subcontractors.
Any learner who feels they are the victim of harassment and/or bullying needs to
know that this will be taken seriously and that they will not be treated unfairly
because they have made a complaint.
Employees of the company or subcontractors who are the subject of a complaint
need to be told what is alleged and to be given a chance to explain their actions.
Learners may feel they are experiencing bullying or harassment within their place of
work. They may disclose their experiences and feelings to employees of DH
Associates Ltd or its subcontractor. Such disclosures should be taken seriously and
the learner should be given support and guidance on how to make a complaint to
their employer.
Employers have a duty of care for all workers and a liability under legislation for the
actions of managers and employees. Some forms of harassment and bullying may
be a criminal offence.
Dealing with Complaints
Informal Approach
In some cases it may be possible to deal with matters informally. Sometimes people
are not aware their behaviour is unwelcome and sometimes behaviours arise
unintentionally. In the first instance learners are encouraged to resolve issues
themselves. For example they can:
 Raise the issue with the person, stating what the person is doing to harass/
bully them and explain how they feel
 Listen carefully to the persons response
 Ask the person to adapt or stop the behaviour
It is recognised that individuals can have difficulty raising issues on their own behalf
directly with the person concerned and may need support. Learners may need to
involve someone else in this informal stage. For example:
 If they are experiencing problems with their assessor they can contact the
internal verifier or quality assurance co- coordinator to mediate.
 If they are experiencing problems with a colleague their supervisor can be
contacted to mediate.
Formal Approach
Where an informal approach is not possible the learner can take formal action.
1. In relation to employees of DH Associates Ltd and its subcontractors the
learner can use the complaints procedure. Learners are given information
about this procedure at induction and a copy is in the candidate handbook.
2. In relation to colleagues or supervisors in the workplace the employer’s
complaints procedure should be used.
Learners who are feeling harassed or bullied will need to know that their concerns
will be dealt with promptly, investigated and will be treated in the strictest confidence.
They may which to be accompanied by a colleague or trade union representative.
Actions
Action taken in response to formal procedures can include counselling, training,
suspension, discipline, written warnings or dismissal. It may be that no action is
required as the allegation is unfounded.
DH Associates Ltd will consider the suitability of employers or subcontractors for
current or future learner provision. Serious or persistent complaints under this policy
may result in withdrawal of services.
DH Associates
Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy
Principles
DH Associates Ltd is committed to promoting and protecting the rights of children/
young people and vulnerable adults and ensuring they are treated with dignity and
respect. The company will strive to provide a safe learning environment for any
learners, particularly those who are under the age of 18 years or are identified as
vulnerable adults. This policy and procedure are based on the following principles:
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The welfare of children/ young people and vulnerable adults is of primary
concern.
All children/young people and vulnerable adults have a right to safeguarding
from abuse.
It is everyone’s responsibility to report any concerns about abuse to the
Designated Safeguarding Officer and the responsibility of the statutory
authorities to conduct an investigation.
All incidents of alleged poor practice, misconduct and abuse will be taken
seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately
All personal data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection
Act.
Responsibility
The Managing Director is responsible for the oversight of the company’s
Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adult’s Policy. Managers are responsible for
ensuring all staff are informed of the policy at induction and understand their
responsibilities for reporting concerns.
The Quality Assurance Coordinator and Contracts Manager is the Designated
Safeguarding Officer with responsibility for issues arising under this policy.
Sub contractors will be required to comply with this policy.
All employees of the company and subcontractors and learners are required to take
shared responsibility for the safeguarding and safety of children/ young people and
vulnerable adults.
Training
Training for all employees on this policy will be included in the induction for all staff
and an annual update on the policy will be included in Senior Manager and Team
meetings. Employees working with learners or in services for vulnerable adults or
children will be required to attend mandatory training on safeguarding and keep this
training up to date.
Partnership
DH Associates will work in partnership with local safeguarding boards and statutory
agencies in relation to any investigation under these procedures.
Definition of Abuse
Abuse is any behaviour towards a child/ young person or vulnerable adult that
deliberately or unknowingly causes harm, endangers life or violates their rights.
Abuse may be physical, sexual, psychological, financial, neglect.
Definition of Vulnerable Adult
A vulnerable adult is defined as a person” who is or may be in need of community
care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is or
may be unable to take care of him or herself or unable to protect him or herself
against significant harm or exploitation” (Department of Health 2000)
Definition of a Child
A child is a person who has not yet reached the age of 18.
Employees
All employees of the company and its subcontractors are in positions of trust with
learners and external employers. Staff at all times need to be aware of this and act
accordingly.
The company has a process in place to check the suitability of staff to work with
learners or to deliver learning in settings where there are children/young people or
vulnerable adults. On application employees complete a declaration and disclosure
form detailing any offences. Prior to commencing a DBS check is made on new
employees. New employees may start employment whilst awaiting clearance but
restrictions will apply to direct contact with children of vulnerable adults.
All employees must report any criminal offences subsequent to their employment to
the Designated Safeguarding Officer.
All subcontractors must demonstrate that they apply the same checks to their
employees and make checks available to DH Associates Designated Safeguarding
Officer when required.
It should be noted that whilst a young person can consent to sexual activity once
they reach the age of 16, the Sexual offences (amendment) Act 2000 makes it a
criminal offence for a person to engage in any kind of sexual activity with a person
under 18 where the adult is in a position of trust. All employees must consider
themselves in a position of trust with learners under the age of 18 years.
Safe Learning Environment
A safe learning environment is one:
 In which the health, safety and welfare of learners has been assessed and
any special needs identified and catered for.
 In which staff are alive to the possibility of abuse and take measures to
prevent that possibility.
 Where there is a sound and known reporting system for any incident
 Where staff take reasonable and practical precautions to avoid any suspicions
of abuse being brought against them.
Children/ Young People Safeguarding Procedures


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


DH Associates Limited has a Designated Safeguarding Officer with the lead
role for child safeguarding issues. This is Quality Assurance Coordinator and
Contracts Manager, Caroline Murphy.
Subcontractors will have to report any concerns to Caroline Murphy and must
have a named lead officer with responsibility for safeguarding.
Any employee who observes, has a disclosure or suspects abuse of children/
young people within services they are delivering learning in must report their
concerns to the manager of that service and to the company’s Designated
Safeguarding Officer.
Any employee who observes, has a disclosure or suspects abuse of a learner
under the age of 18 years must report their concerns to the learner’s manager
and to the company’s Designated Safeguarding Officer.
The Designated Safeguarding Officer will be keep a record of all such
incidents and will ensure concerns are investigated.
All staff should be aware that in accordance with statutory requirements
where child safeguarding issues are involved, it is not possible to offer
confidentiality to a person under 18 as any disclosures must be reported.
Vulnerable Adults
 DHe Associates Limited has a Designated Safeguarding Officer with the lead
role for vulnerable adult safeguarding issues. This is Quality Assurance
Coordinator and Contracts Manager, Caroline Murphy.
 Subcontractors will have to report any concerns to Caroline Murphy and must
have a named lead officer with responsibility for safeguarding
 Any employee who observes, has a disclosure or suspects abuse of
vulnerable adults within services they are delivering learning in must report
their concerns to the manager of that service and to the company’s
Designated Safeguarding Officer.
 Any employee who observes, has a disclosure or suspects abuse of a learner
who is a vulnerable adult must report their concerns to the learner’s manager
and to the company’s Designated Safeguarding Officer.
 The Designated Safeguarding Officer will be keep a record of all such
incidents and will ensure concerns are investigated.
 Where possible DH Associates Limited will identify vulnerable adults and
ensure that the appropriate support measures in place. This is most likely to
be when the candidate presents to, or is referred to and clearly has mental
health difficulties or a disability that puts them into the legal definition of
‘vulnerable’.
 Any employee of DH Associates Limited with concerns regarding a candidate
whom they believe or know to be vulnerable must contact the Designated
Safeguarding Officer.
Role of the Child and Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding Officer
The role of the Designated Safeguarding Officer and Lead Officer for subcontractors
is:
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

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To receive information from any employees who have child or vulnerable adult
safeguarding concerns and record it.
Assess the information promptly and carefully, clarifying and obtaining more
information about the matter appropriate.
Consult initially with the manager of the service where the concerns have
occurred to ensure the concern has been reported and clarify the agency
responsible for investigation.
Make a formal referral to a statutory child safeguarding agency or the police.
Reporting and Monitoring Procedures
 All employees’ working in services for children and vulnerable adults have to
be alert to possibilities of abuse.
 It is the duty of the employees to alert only not to investigate.
 If employees in the course of their work have a safeguarding issue brought to
their notice this must be treated as a priority over all other work.
 Guidance with regard to a specific incident may be obtained form the
Designated Safeguarding Officer.
 An oral, then written report should be provided to the Designated Safety
Officer who will keep a confidential record of any such incidents.
Allegations of Abuse or Inappropriate Behavior Involving Employees
 Allegations involving employees of the company or its subcontractors should
be reported to the Designated Safety Officer and Lead Officer.
 Abuse of children or vulnerable adults is a disciplinary offence
 Reports of abuse will be made to the relevant statutory agencies responsible
for investigations
Awareness of Policy
All employees of DH Associates Ltd ,subcontractors , employers and learners will be
given a copy of this policy. The implications for practice will be discussed at team
meetings and/or supervision. The following topics must be covered;
Health & Safety issues
Handling a disclosure
Reporting an allegation
Confidentiality
Code of Practice
The policy will be promoted through the company`s marketing and promotional
material e.g on the company website. All learners will be informed of the policy at
induction and given a copy of this policy in the candidate handbook.
Review
This policy and procedures will be regularly monitored and reviewed:
 In accordance with changes in legislation and guidance on the safeguarding
of children and vulnerable adults.
 Following any issues or concerns raised about the safeguarding of children or
vulnerable adults within DH Associates Limited.
 In all other circumstances, at least annually.
Related Policies
 Health & Safety Policy
 Safe Learner Policy
 Code of Practice
 Bullying & Harassment Policy
 Complaint Procedure
 Recruitment Policy
 Customer Care Policy
 Equality & Diversity Policy
Learning Resources
Smartscreen
DH Associates provides free access for all health and social care learners to
Smartscreen. This is a web based resource was developed by City & Guilds and is
constantly updated. To use Smartscreen you need access to the internet and an e
mail address.
Your assessor will e mail you and you up will need to register as a user by giving an
e-mail address. Follow the instructions given to register on line. Once registered you
can go on to www.smartscreen.co.uk and log in using your e-mail address and
password. If you have any problems contact your assessor.
Guroo
If you are doing functional skills and would benefit from on line learning your
assessor will allocate you a guroo account.
Other Learning Resources:
The following books can be purchased on amazon or from www.kirwinmaclean.com.
L2 Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care Ayling, Cape, Mc Aleavy & Walsh £8
L3 Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care Ayling, Cape, Mc Aleavy & Walsh £8
L2 Health & Social Care Candidate Book Yvonne Nolan, Burges & Shaw £19
L3 Health & Social Care Candidate Book Yvonne Nolan, Pritchatt & Railton £19
L5 Leadership& Management for Health & Social Care Maclean & Connors £18
L3 Management Basics in Easy Steps £9.85
Level 3 Business & Administration Parton & Watkins £22
Useful Websites
www.skillsforcare.org.uk Sector skills council for adult care
www.i-l-m.com/studying-members Awarding body for management
www.ofsted.gov.uk Safeguarding child care reviews
www.hse.gov.uk Advice and information on workplace health & safety
www.learndirect.co.uk Computer based courses to enhance learning
Google- key skills trainer – on line ICT, maths and English skills
www.direct.gov.uk/NationalCareersService Impartial and free careers advice for
adults tel: 0800 100 900 8am-10pm 7 days a week