Keeping you safe whilst studying at The University of Law
The University of Law recognises that it owes a duty of care towards everyone on University premises and an enhanced duty towards those under the age of 18 and vulnerable adults to ensure that they are safeguarded against the risk of abuse.
The University encourages a culture whereby all members of the University community feel safe, involved and socially included in University life. A number of policies and procedures have been developed by the University and these can be found by following this link
The University considers its duty to pay due regard to the need to prevent people from the risk of being drawn into terrorism [the Prevent Duty] as part of its safeguarding duties. Please see below for further information.
Who should I contact if I have a concern?
If you do not feel safe or you have a concern about someone else, you can contact one of your Campus Safeguarding Officer. You will find contact details for your Campus Safeguarding Officers in the additional resourses below, on your Campus Organisation on ELITE and on the Wellbeing App.
If you concerned with your academic progress, please contact your personal tutor.
If you a concerned about a personal issue, please contact your Campus Welfare Advisor via the Welfare email at your Campus [welfare-[campus]@law.ac.uk] or via the Wellbeing App.
What is Prevent?
Many of you may be aware that the government introduced the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, which outlined a number of measures aimed at tackling extremism and radicalisation of people in the UK. This was termed the ‘Prevent’ agenda. This is a contentious issue to many students, and so the Students' Union has provided this guide.
How does Prevent affect the University?
The University views Prevent as part of its overall safeguarding agenda; it sits alongside duty of care, health and safety, and the commitment to equality and inclusivity, and as part of just looking after yourself and your friends.
When the duty was introduced the Students' Union President and Administrator were part of the team that drafted the University’s policy and joined staff training sessions on Prevent. The message that came through this training was that the duty is not about monitoring or pursuing individuals.
Prevent is about being aware that some people, especially vulnerable people, can be targeted by extremists for radicalisation, and that unchallenged extreme views could lead vulnerable people into being radicalised.
The University has had robust procedures in place for vetting external speakers to ensure that those attending events are not radicalized. These procedures work within the existing guidance on freedom of speech which can be found in our ‘Freedom of Speech and External Speakers Policy’
What does this mean for us?
The University’s nominated Prevent Lead is the Director of Student Experience, Wellbeing and Inclusion, who is the Designated Senior Person for Safeguarding. She oversees compliance with the University’s duties and responsibilities and ensures staff receive the appropriate training in safeguarding and the Prevent agenda.
If staff or students have any concerns that an individual is expressing extremist views or is at risk of being drawn into terrorism, they can speak to a Safeguarding Officer of their Campus Dean.
All information is confidential, and information is assessed by a panel made up of the Prevent Lead, the Campus Dean and the Group Legal Counsel. If you feel uncomfortable contacting the University directly or have any questions, you can contact the Students' Union President in the first instance. Please also see the University’s Student Voicing Concerns policy.
Where can I go for further information?
Please feel free to discuss any questions or queries with the Students' Union or Email.
Alternatively, you may find this site helpful
Our overall message is: look after your fellow students, yourself and your friends, and it is okay to speak up if you have any concerns. Ensure you adhere to all University policies and ensure that there are balanced discussions and healthy debate where possible!
