Overview
Your safety and protection from harm are paramount. Safeguarding is at the core of our community. It ensures every Apprentice learns in an environment free from harm. This guide explains how to recognise safeguarding risks, how to report a concern, and where to access support.
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding at Multiverse refers to the work we do to make sure you're safe while you're with us. We also help you get support if you're not. This includes, but is not limited to, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, and radicalisation.
It is the responsibility of every member of the Multiverse community to be vigilant and report any concerns they may have. We'd always rather hear about something early, while there are still lots of options. We don't want to find out later that you dealt with it on your own.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
Multiverse is committed to creating a culture where Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Our dedicated Safeguarding Team is trained to manage, investigate, and respond to all reported risks. The team collaborates with external agencies when required.
You can find more detailed information about our commitment and procedures in our Safeguarding Policy: Multiverse Safeguarding Policy.
All our Apprentice-facing staff receive comprehensive and up-to-date training on recognising, responding to, and supporting Apprentices who may be at risk. This proactive approach aims to ensure early intervention and prevent potential harm.
Recognising a Safeguarding Concern
A safeguarding concern may arise in various situations. You don't need to fit your situation into a category. If it helps to see some examples, Apprentices come to us for:
Disclosures or suspicions of abuse or neglect.
Indications of harm, self-harm or suicide risk.
Domestic abuse, including coercive control in relationships.
Observations of behaviour that may indicate an Apprentice is at risk.
Homelessness or unsafe housing.
Concerns about safety online or offline.
Bullying, harassment or discrimination.
Being pulled towards violence or extreme views, or worrying about someone who is.
Being groomed, coerced, or exploited by someone.
If what's going on for you isn't on this list, it still matters. Get in touch anyway.
How to Report a Safeguarding Concern
If you have a concern about yourself or another Apprentice, report it promptly to the Safeguarding Team by email:
Email: [email protected]
The Safeguarding Team monitors this inbox for disclosures and risks of harm from Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:30 UK time.
Outside those hours, use the emergency and crisis contacts on this page. You're welcome to email us as well, and we'll pick it up when we're next in. Please don't wait for us if you need support urgently.
A member of the Safeguarding Team handles all reports promptly and with sensitivity. You can also speak to your Coach. Coaches are trained to recognise Safeguarding concerns and know how to escalate them to us.
Getting Help in an Emergency
If you believe there is an immediate risk of harm to yourself or someone else, contact one of the following services:
Emergency Services: Call 999 immediately if there is an immediate danger to life or a serious injury.
Samaritans (24/7 crisis line): Call 116 123 for immediate emotional support.
Shout Crisis Text Line (24/7): Text SHOUT to 85258.
NHS: Dial 111 and select option 2 for mental health support.
Mind's Crisis Services: Access additional resources on handling a crisis at Mind's Getting Help in a Crisis.
Support Within Multiverse
The Safeguarding Team takes a proactive role in addressing concerns that indicate a risk of harm. Your initial point of contact for general support and guidance during your apprenticeship remains your Coach. Coaches are trained to identify Safeguarding risks and escalate any concerns to the Safeguarding Team on your behalf.
Additional External Support and Wellbeing Resources
The Safeguarding Team focuses on protecting Apprentices from harm, and we recognise the importance of overall wellbeing. If you are experiencing difficulties that do not constitute an immediate safeguarding concern but are impacting your wellbeing, these external resources offer valuable support:
Side by Side (Mind): A supportive online community for peer support.
Hub of Hope: A national mental health support database to find local services.
NHS Every Mind Matters: Practical self-care advice and personalised action plans to help manage stress, mood, and everyday wellbeing.
The Mix: Support for young people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 (16:00 to 23:00 daily).
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I have a safeguarding concern?
Email [email protected] promptly. If there is an immediate risk of harm or an emergency, call 999.
What happens after I submit a Safeguarding concern?
The Safeguarding Team follows five steps after receiving a concern:
We read it properly. A member of the Safeguarding Team reads your disclosure and makes an initial assessment of whether anyone is at immediate risk.
We get in touch with you. We usually email within 24 working hours. We'll ask how and when you'd prefer to be contacted.
We talk it through with you (via email or call). This is a conversation, not an interview. We'll ask questions so we understand what's happening, but you're in control of how much you tell us and how fast.
We agree what happens next, together. We'll set out the options, which might include support from us, a referral to a specialist service or a conversation with your employer. We'll agree a plan with you. We will always work with your consent. In some exceptional circumstances, risk overrides confidentiality.
We stay in touch. We'll agree how and when we'll check in. You can contact us at any point to ask a question, change your mind, or ask for an update.
Who should I talk to in Multiverse if I'm struggling with my overall wellbeing?
While the Safeguarding Team addresses specific risks of harm, we encourage you to speak with your Coach about any challenges you are facing. Your Coach can offer support and guidance and may signpost to wellbeing resources as appropriate.
What is the role of the Safeguarding Team?
The Safeguarding Team is responsible for responding to and managing safeguarding concerns, working to protect Apprentices from harm, abuse, and neglect. The team works proactively to create a safe environment and collaborates with external agencies when necessary.
Will my employer be told?
Your employer will not automatically be told about your disclosure. Raising a concern with us does not mean your Apprentice Manager gets an email. In many cases, your employer never needs to be involved at all.
Sometimes involving your employer is genuinely the right thing. For example, the concern may be about something happening at work, you may need adjustments to your working pattern, or there may be a risk we can't manage without your employer. In those cases, we'll talk to you about what would be shared, with whom, and why. We'll agree an approach with you.
In exceptional circumstances, risk overrides confidentiality. In those situations, we will need to share information or take action to keep everyone safe.
Who do I contact for non-Safeguarding issues like workload or learning adjustments?
For general programme support, speak to your Coach.
For reasonable adjustments, contact the dedicated Additional Learning Needs (ALN) team. Read the article Receiving Support for Additional Learning Needs.
Is there a phone number for the Multiverse Safeguarding Team?
Initial contact must be made by email to [email protected].