As a University community, we consider the safety and wellbeing of our students to be of paramount importance. We want to ensure as far as possible, that students are able to learn and achieve safely, free from abuse, harassment and harm. Safeguarding at Lancaster University is everyone’s responsibility and all staff receive training and support to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and anyone who engages with University activities remains a top priority.

To further help us achieve our aim of maintaining a safe campus and environment for students, staff and visitors, we have appointed a number of Designated Safeguarding Leads and Local Safeguarding Officers to work across the different departments within the University. It is the job of the Designated Safeguarding Leads and Local Safeguarding Officers to offer advice, guidance and support around safeguarding issues and to promote a safe environment for all our students and staff to work and study in.

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding means protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of individuals at risk, enabling them to live safely, free from abuse and neglect. Individuals at risk may be children (anyone under 18) or adults who may be at risk of abuse, harm or exploitation.

Safeguarding works best when it focuses on prevention of harm. At Lancaster University, students can access support from a variety of sources including the ASK (Advice, Support and Knowledge) student enquiries team, Student Mental Health Service, Student Wellbeing Services, Disability and Inclusive Practice Service, Learning Development team, academic departments and College Advisor Teams. Find out more about the support available for students from our ASK portal.

In cases where harm cannot be prevented and has already occurred, Safeguarding is about ensuring the right action is taken to prevent further harm from taking place or to support an individual to manage the potential impact of past harm or abuse.

What is Prevent?

The  Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015  requires all Universities to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. This is known as the Prevent Duty. There are a number of requirements that UK Universities must meet with regards the Prevent Duty and you can find out more about how we are meeting these requirements.

At its heart, Prevent is about safeguarding individuals from harm. We believe our robust approach to support and wellbeing and attendance and engagement monitoring ensures that our students can access the right help and support during their journey with us.

Safeguarding policy and procedures

• Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk Policy
• Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk Procedures and Guidance
• Safeguarding Statement
• Under 18: Policy for the Admission of Students Under the Age of 18
• Safeguarding in Research Framework