We have a dedicated Safeguarding Team committed to promoting the safety and wellbeing of all students. The team provides support, guidance, and protection for anyone who may be at risk of harm, abuse, or neglect. They work proactively to create a safe and inclusive environment, respond promptly to concerns, and ensure appropriate measures are in place to protect those who are vulnerable. Students are encouraged to reach out to the Safeguarding Team if they need help or are worried about themselves or someone else.
If the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are called to a domestic incident and children are involved, Operation Encompass helps make sure the right support is in place quickly. With care and confidentiality, the PSNI share relevant information with the College’s Safeguarding Team before 9am the next day, so we can check in and offer the support you may need. You’re not alone, we’re here to help.
The College has a duty of care to all its users to ensure their safety and wellbeing. In order to meet these responsibilities it is necessary for all students to declare any relevant convictions, cautions and warnings to enable the College to make a judgement on any particular risks.
Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar anyone from a place on a College course but a separate risk assessment or further checks may be required.
Here are some helpful questions and answers about safeguarding, including what it means, why it’s important, and who you can talk to if you’re feeling unsafe, concerned about someone else, or just need support. Your safety and wellbeing are our top priority.
The key principles of the College’s Safeguarding Policy are:
• To seek to provide and promote a safe learning environment for all users;
• To ensure that all allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and treated in accordance with the
College’s procedures;
• To ensure policy and related procedures on Safeguarding reflect current legislation and best practice;
• To use best practice in its safe recruitment of staff by undertaking the appropriate pre-employment
vetting checks, including enhanced disclosure checks through Access NI, and to ensure unsuitable
individuals are not employed;
• To ensure that students who undertake work placement in Regulated Activity are also subject to
enhanced disclosure checks through Access NI;
• To ensure best practice in relation to students who have declared a conviction for the abuse of a child,
young person or a vulnerable adult;
• To support, resource and train those who work with, or come in contact with children, young people and
vulnerable adults;
• To ensure procedures are in place for raising concerns, allegations or suspicions;
• To deal with all safeguarding matters confidentially and in accordance with the provisions of Data
Protection legislation and codes of practice.
The full policy can be accessed via the Student Hub on Canvas. FE Sectoral Safeguarding Care & Welfare Policy
Every campus has a designated safeguarding team who you can contact at any time with your worries. You can also email safe@nrc.ac.uk
If you would like to make a safeguarding referral to the College, please complete this form and a member of the College safeguarding team will be in contact. If your query is urgent, please phone one of the designated safeguarding officers listed on this page.
College Safeguarding Team
Newtownabbey Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officers
Lisa Burns - Student Finance
Nicola Davidson - Careers
Emma Mason - Education Support
Andrew Woodside - Education Support
Carrie Starkey - Student Engagement
Rob Wilson/George Beattie - Student Engagement
Ballymena Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officers
Emma Porritt - Education Support
Dalale McSorley - Education Support
Una O’Kane - Careers (Part-time)
Rhonda Livingstone - Student Engagement
Coleraine Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officers
Shannon Murphy - Education Support
Ryan Brolly - Student Engagement
Julie Hemphill - Careers
Lauren Millar - Education Support
Fiona Johnston - Education Support
Carly Heggarty - Human Resources
Magherafelt Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officers
Leo Meenan - Education Support
The College has a duty of care to all its users to ensure their safety and wellbeing. In order to meet these responsibilities it is necessary for all students to declare any relevant convictions, cautions and warnings to enable the College to make a judgement on any particular risks.
Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar anyone from a place on a College course but a separate risk assessment or further checks may be required.
Designated Safeguarding Officer/Adult Safeguarding Champion
Stephen McCartney, Head of Student Experience
© Northern Regional College