Safeguarding
Here at QA, we pride ourselves on our duty of care to our learners, we believe that when learners feel safe and happy, they can reach their full potential and flourish throughout their apprenticeship and beyond.
If you feel you need support with a safeguarding concern please contact our Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@qa.com
Emergency contact: 07552597253
QA Safeguarding leads
QA has a six-strong Safeguarding team of experts led by Mark Soady and Jaspreet Kaurhothi who are here to help.
QA’s Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mark Soady: mark.soady@qa.com / 07552597253
QA’s Prevent Lead is Jaspreet Kaur Hothi: jaspreet.kaurhothi@qa.com
Why safeguarding matters
Safeguarding is important because it helps protect people –especially young people – from harm, abuse, and neglect. Here's why it matters:
1. Protects wellbeing and safety
Safeguarding ensures that individuals are safe from physical, emotional, and psychological harm. It creates a secure environment where people can thrive.
2. Promotes mental health and stability
By identifying and addressing issues like bullying, abuse, or neglect early, safeguarding supports mental health and emotional wellbeing.
3. Builds trust
When people know they are protected and supported, they feel more confident and secure in their learning or work environment.
4. Encourages reporting and support
Safeguarding policies make it easier for individuals to speak up if something is wrong, knowing they will be taken seriously and helped.
5. Prevents long-term harm
Early intervention can stop problems from getting worse and help individuals recover and move forward in a safe and healthy way.
6. It’s a legal and moral responsibility
Organisations like QA have a duty to protect their learners and staff. Safeguarding is not just the right thing to do – it’s also required by law.
If you or someone else is at risk, it’s important to speak up. You will have support every step of the way from the safeguarding team and the case will be closed once you are satisfied that the safeguarding concern is no longer a risk.
Safeguarding referral routes
To refer a learner to one of our team, simply use one of the forms below:
The Safeguarding Referral Form affords staff, employers and even fellow apprentices the opportunity to raise a safeguarding concern about an apprentice.
The Safeguarding Self-Referral Form allows an apprentice to raise a concern about themselves.
Low-Level and Behavioural Safeguarding Concern Form – This form serves 2 purposes:
- Highlight behaviour that may not be a safeguarding issue but could still be inappropriate (e.g. microaggressions or offensive language).
- Report concerns about the behaviour of QA staff.
This helps us take a proactive approach and build a clearer picture.
How safeguarding supports learners
Watch the video to find out about how our safeguarding service can help support you.