Safeguarding

ACM (Academy of Contemporary Music) promotes a safe, inclusive environment through mandatory training, awareness programmes and secure campus measures to prevent harassment and sexual misconduct. ACM provides clear reporting procedures and comprehensive support services, and ensures student well-being and confidentiality, fostering a proactive and supportive community.

ACM is deeply committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment, where harassment and sexual misconduct are not tolerated under any circumstances. To achieve this, ACM has implemented various initiatives aimed at educating both students and staff. These initiatives include regular awareness programmes, which are delivered through micro-teach sessions led by visiting speakers. The programmes focus on critical topics such as safeguarding, consent, and personal safety.

Additionally, ACM has hosted student-led events like “Safe & Sound”, which highlights healthy relationships and includes performances by bands who share their personal experiences to raise awareness. This event fosters community engagement while reinforcing ACM’s dedication to supporting its students in every aspect of their well-being. If you would like to host this event please contact the Safeguarding team.

Moreover, ACM takes proactive steps to enhance campus safety with tangible measures such as improved security staffing, CCTV monitoring and increased lighting in key areas.

Partnerships with external organisations, including charities like Refuge, further strengthen ACM’s approach by ensuring students have access to resources beyond the institution. All students are required to complete an online safeguarding module at the beginning of each academic year, covering essential topics like healthy relationships and personal safety.

This commitment to education and safety is part of ACM’s broader mission to cultivate a secure and supportive environment, ensuring that every student feels safe while pursuing their studies.

Summary:

• ACM is committed to fostering a safe environment where harassment and sexual misconduct are not tolerated.
• Awareness programmes are available, featuring micro-teach sessions, guest speakers, and events like the “Safe & Sound” event, which promotes education on healthy relationships and harassment prevention.
• Self-defence classes and partnerships with organisations like Refuge are offered to empower students and address campus safety.
• All students must complete an online safeguarding module at the start of each academic year, covering healthy relationships, consent, and personal safety.
• ACM emphasises the importance of creating safe spaces through enhanced security measures, such as campus staffing, lighting, and CCTV.

Reporting Procedures

ACM has established clear and accessible procedures for reporting incidents of harassment or sexual misconduct. Students are encouraged to report any such incidents, whether in-person, online, or anonymously, ensuring that all students have a method that best suits their needs and comfort levels.

Reports are handled by a dedicated team of trained professionals who are equipped to manage these cases with care, confidentiality, and urgency. This team ensures that reports are thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action is taken to address the issue. ACM’s reporting mechanisms are designed to be transparent and supportive, making it easier for students to come forward without fear of retaliation or judgement.

In addition to internal reporting systems, ACM provides links to external support networks, ensuring students have access to help outside of working hours if necessary. These external resources include legal, medical, and emotional support, which can be critical in cases of harassment or sexual misconduct. Contact details can be found on the External Support Services & Crisis Line Numbers page here.

ACM actively works to foster an environment where students feel safe and confident in reporting incidents, knowing that they will be treated with respect and supported throughout the process.

By maintaining clear reporting procedures and ensuring they are well-communicated to all students, ACM reinforces its dedication to creating a safe and inclusive campus community.

Summary:

• ACM provides various channels for reporting incidents of harassment or sexual misconduct, including in-person, online, and anonymous reporting options.
• Reports are handled by designated teams trained to manage and investigate complaints confidentially and promptly.
• ACM promotes an inclusive reporting process and encourages students to report incidents to ensure swift action and support.
• Students may also access external support networks for assistance outside of working hours.

Support Services

ACM provides comprehensive support services for all students involved in cases of harassment or sexual misconduct, whether they are the victims, witnesses, or accused individuals.

ACM ensures that students can access personal and academic support throughout the investigation process and beyond. This includes offering counselling services to help students deal with the emotional impact of their experiences and making academic adjustments such as deferrals or extensions where necessary.

ACM is committed to ensuring that students can continue their studies without undue hardship, even while investigations are ongoing. The institution also takes steps to manage situations where both the reporting and accused students are in the same class or programme, offering alternative study arrangements if needed.

The academy also emphasises the importance of confidentiality throughout the process, ensuring that sensitive information is only shared on a need-to-know basis. Students who report incidents are assured that their privacy will be respected, and their case will be handled with the utmost discretion.

Furthermore, ACM takes a firm stance against the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence victims of harassment or sexual misconduct, allowing students the freedom to speak openly about their experiences if they choose to do so.

The institution’s survivor-centric approach to handling these cases reflects its commitment to providing not only academic support but also emotional and practical assistance to those affected.

Summary:

• ACM ensures students involved in harassment or sexual misconduct cases, whether victims or accused, receive support, including academic accommodations, counselling, and well-being services.
• Mental health services and adjustments to academic schedules may be provided to assist students during and after investigations.
• Students are not restricted from discussing their experiences, and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are not used to prevent the sharing of such information.

Training

ACM places significant emphasis on training and education as key components of its strategy to prevent harassment and sexual misconduct.

Every student is required to undergo mandatory online module training at the start of the academic year, which covers vital areas such as consent, bystander intervention, and the identification of inappropriate behaviours. These training sessions are designed to not only raise awareness but also empower students to take action when they witness misconduct or find themselves in uncomfortable situations. By equipping students with the knowledge and tools to navigate these issues, ACM fosters a proactive community where students feel responsible for creating a safe environment for everyone.

In addition to mandatory training, ACM offers specialised sessions throughout the year, covering topics that are particularly relevant to the student body. For example, bystander training teaches students how to safely intervene in situations where someone may be at risk. These educational programmes are supplemented by ongoing awareness campaigns that utilise social media, posters, and online modules to continuously promote key messages around harassment prevention and support.

Staff training at ACM is a critical component of the institution’s efforts to prevent and address harassment and sexual misconduct. All staff members undergo mandatory training to ensure they understand the institution’s policies, reporting procedures, and how to support students who report incidents. This includes specific training for those likely to receive disclosures or manage investigations, equipping them with the necessary skills to handle sensitive situations with care and professionalism. Additionally, ACM emphasises ongoing education through specialised training in areas like bystander intervention, maintaining a respectful environment, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This continuous development fosters a safe and supportive campus culture, where staff are fully prepared to address misconduct and contribute to a positive learning environment.

ACM’s commitment to training reflects its broader goal of embedding a culture of respect and accountability within the institution, ensuring that all members of the community understand their role in preventing and responding to harassment and sexual misconduct.

Summary:

• Training programmes, such as bystander intervention and sexual consent education, are mandatory for all students. These sessions are designed to raise awareness, empower students to report inappropriate behaviour, and equip them with tools to intervene safely when witnessing misconduct.

Definitions:

Here are key definitions that are essential for ACM students to understand, particularly in relation to harassment and sexual misconduct policies:

1. Harassment: Unwanted conduct that violates a person’s dignity or creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment, as defined by the Equality Act 2010. This includes both physical and verbal acts, and can be related to any protected characteristic such as race, gender, or age.
2. Sexual Misconduct: Unwanted or attempted unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, which includes sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape. It refers to any behaviour that violates someone’s personal space or consent, either physically or verbally.
3. Consent: A clear, affirmative, and ongoing agreement to engage in sexual activity. Consent must be freely given, informed, and can be withdrawn at any time. Without explicit consent, any sexual activity is considered misconduct.
4. Retaliation: Any adverse action taken against a person for reporting or being involved in the investigation of harassment or sexual misconduct. Retaliation is prohibited and can include threats, intimidation or unfair treatment.
5. Reporting Mechanism: The process by which a student can report incidents of harassment or sexual misconduct, either anonymously or through formal channels, such as in-person, online or via a designated staff member.
6. Confidentiality: The commitment to protect the privacy of individuals involved in a report or investigation of harassment or sexual misconduct. Information is shared on a need-to-know basis only, ensuring the security and dignity of all parties involved.
7. Bystander Training: Training provided to students and staff to recognise, prevent, and intervene in situations where harassment or sexual misconduct may occur, ensuring the safety and respect of all members of the community.
8. Support Services: A range of personal, academic, and legal assistance offered to those impacted by harassment or sexual misconduct, including counselling, academic adjustments, and medical care.
9. Intimate Personal Relationships: Relationships between staff and students that involve a personal, romantic or sexual connection. ACM policies may regulate such relationships to prevent conflicts of interest, abuses of power or professional boundary violations.
10. Anonymous Reporting: A method by which students can report incidents of harassment or sexual misconduct without revealing their identity. While anonymity can limit investigation outcomes, it helps highlight patterns of behaviour and encourages reporting.
11. Informal Resolution: A voluntary, non-disciplinary process where parties involved in an incident of harassment or sexual misconduct agree on actions to resolve the issue without formal investigations or hearings. This might include mediation, apologies or behaviour agreements.
12. No-Contact Agreement: A formal arrangement put in place to prevent contact between individuals involved in harassment or sexual misconduct allegations. It is designed to protect the safety and well-being of both parties while investigations or resolutions are ongoing.
13. Safeguarding: The process of protecting students from harm, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse. Safeguarding measures involve creating policies, training staff, and implementing campus safety initiatives to ensure the well-being of all students.

Outcome Appeals

The appeals process at ACM provides a structured and transparent way for students to challenge the outcomes of investigations related to harassment or sexual misconduct.

After a decision is made regarding an incident, both the student who experienced or alleged the misconduct, and the alleged perpetrator, have the right to appeal under the Student Conduct and Discipline policy if they believe the outcome is unfair or if new evidence has emerged.

Appeals can be based on procedural errors, new information that has come to light which could not reasonably have been provided at the time of the initial decision, or an unsatisfactory sanction. ACM ensures that the process for submitting an appeal is clearly outlined, including timelines, required documentation, and who will review the case. The goal is to ensure fairness and thoroughness in reconsidering the original decision.

During the appeal, ACM maintains open communication with both parties, explaining the steps of the review and the possible outcomes, which could range from upholding the original decision to modifying the sanctions or overturning the outcome entirely. A separate and impartial panel or nominated person will assess the appeal to ensure the process remains fair. ACM also provides support services throughout the appeals process, including counselling and academic adjustments where required, to help students navigate the emotional and academic challenges that may arise.

This commitment to transparency and support during appeals reflects ACM’s dedication to fairness and student well-being.

Summary:

• Appeal Grounds and Process: Both the student who experienced or alleged the misconduct and the alleged perpetrator can appeal investigation outcomes under the Student Conduct and Discipline policy, based on procedural errors, new evidence, or dissatisfaction with the decision. ACM provides clear guidelines for submitting appeals, including timelines and necessary documentation.
• Review and Possible Outcomes: Appeals are reviewed by an impartial panel or nominated person, which may uphold, modify, or overturn the original decision. ACM ensures open communication throughout the process, informing both parties of each step and the potential results.
• Support During Appeals: ACM offers support services, including counselling and academic adjustments where required, throughout the appeals process to help students manage any emotional or academic challenges. This ensures fairness and student well-being during the review.

Prominence Principal Statement

At ACM, we are committed to ensuring that all information related to harassment and sexual misconduct is easily accessible and prominently displayed for all students and staff.

Our policies, procedures, and support services are published in a clear and visible location on our website, without the need for any password or security check, making it straightforward for anyone to access at any time.

Additionally, this information is communicated annually through direct emails and is integrated into key documents such as the student and staff handbooks, prospectuses, and induction materials.

We continuously update and promote this resource to ensure everyone is aware of how to access help, report incidents, and understand their rights and responsibilities in maintaining a safe and respectful campus environment.

Should you have a concern for the wellbeing of anyone associated with ACM please contact the safeguarding team: dsl@acm.ac.uk, 01483 910 197 or click this link.

Prevent is a UK government initiative designed to safeguard individuals from being drawn into terrorism or supporting extremist ideologies. It forms one of the four key elements of the UK’s CONTEST counter-terrorism strategy, which also includes:

• Pursue: Focused on stopping terrorist attacks.
• Protect: Strengthening security measures to protect against terrorism.
• Prepare: Ensuring the country can respond effectively to a terrorist attack.

Prevent takes a more proactive and preventative approach by addressing the root causes of radicalisation and extremism. It aims to stop people from becoming involved in terrorism or supporting it before any criminal activity occurs. Prevent is not about criminalising individuals or restricting freedom of speech, but about safeguarding vulnerable people, promoting social cohesion, and tackling harmful extremist ideologies that may pose risks to public safety.

What is the Prevent Duty?

The Prevent Duty is a legal obligation placed on certain organisations, including higher education providers like ACM, to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.” This means that ACM has a responsibility to identify and support individuals who may be at risk of radicalisation or extremism.

Reporting Concerns

If you have concerns about a student or member of staff who may be at risk of radicalisation or extremism, please report your concerns to the Safeguarding Team. They will investigate the matter confidentially and take appropriate action.

Staff and Student Responsibilities

• Be aware of the signs of radicalisation and extremism.
• Report any concerns to the Safeguarding Team.
• Challenge extremist views or behaviour.
• Promote positive values and British values.
• Support vulnerable students and staff.

Signs of Radicalisation and Extremism

It is important to be aware of the signs of radicalisation and extremism, as early intervention can be crucial in preventing individuals from becoming involved in harmful activities. Some common signs of radicalisation may include a sudden withdrawal from friends and family, increased interest in extremist ideologies or groups, significant changes in behaviour or appearance, extreme views on religion, politics, or social issues, and isolation or exclusion from the wider community.

Additionally, individuals who may be at risk of radicalisation may exhibit signs of increased anger, frustration, or resentment towards society or authority figures. They may also become increasingly secretive or withdrawn, and may begin to associate with individuals who hold extremist views.

How to Keep Safe

• Be informed about current events and issues.
• Challenge extremist views and behaviour.
• Support vulnerable individuals.
• Promote positive values and British values.
• Seek help if you are concerned about your own or someone else’s safety.

British Values

British values are a set of principles that underpin British society and culture. They are often associated with the country’s democratic traditions, legal system, and cultural diversity. Here are some key British values:

• Democracy: The belief in a government by the people, where citizens have the right to vote and participate in decision-making processes.
• Rule of Law: The principle that everyone is equal under the law and subject to the same rules.
• Individual Liberty: The freedom of individuals to do as they please, within the limits of the law.
• Mutual Respect and Tolerance: The understanding and acceptance of different cultures, beliefs and ways of life.
• Fairness: The belief in equality of opportunity and treatment.
• Compassion: The concern for the wellbeing of others.

These values are often promoted in schools and other educational institutions to help young people understand and appreciate British society.

Key Definitions

• Prevent: The duty to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.
• Channel: A multi-agency approach to safeguarding individuals at risk of radicalisation.
• Terrorism: Any action that endangers or causes serious violence.
• Radicalisation: The process of coming to support terrorism or extremist ideologies.
• Extremism: The vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values.
• Academic freedom: The principle that academic staff have freedom to question and test received wisdom.
• Freedom of speech: The principle that governing bodies must ensure freedom of speech within the law.
• Vulnerable individual: An individual who may be at risk of harm.

By understanding the Prevent Duty and being aware of the signs of radicalisation and extremism, we can all play a role in keeping our community safe.

Should you have a concern for the wellbeing of anyone associated with ACM please contact the safeguarding team: dsl@acm.ac.uk, 01483 910 197 or click this link.

Raising a concern about concerns you may have is crucial to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all individuals associated with ACM.

If you notice any signs of distress, abuse, or potential harm, reporting these concerns can lead to timely intervention, support, and protective measures that can prevent further issues.

Your proactive involvement helps create a safer community, as it allows our student services teams to assess the situation and take appropriate action.

Should you have a concern regarding the wellbeing of anyone at ACM, please contact the safeguarding team at dsl@acm.ac.uk, 01483 910 197 or click this link to report a safeguarding concern.

We can help students access external support services and agencies by providing them with contact details and support to contact or refer themselves to the service. There are a wide range of external support agencies that are universally accessible to any student and some services that operate locally. These include Crisis Line Numbers that students can contact.

Student Services in each campus are able to provide a comprehensive list of both universal and localised support for students.

Although ACM Student Services can offer support, advice and guidance to all students, please be aware that we cannot provide an emergency/ crisis support service. If your need is extremely urgent, please contact the following organisations that can best assist you with your support your needs:

In an Emergency

If you feel you are in immediate danger of seriously harming yourself or someone else, please dial 999 to contact the Emergency Services or go to the nearest A&E Service Department or NHS Walk in Centre.

POLICE 101

This is the number to call when you want to contact your local police in the UK when it’s less urgent than a 999 call.

Call: 101 (from both landlines and mobile networks) cost 15 pence per call, no matter what time of day you call, or how long you are on the phone.

NHS 111

Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

111 is the NHS non-emergency number. It’s fast, easy and free. Speak to a highly trained adviser, supported by healthcare professionals. They will ask you a series of questions to assess your symptoms and immediately direct you to the best medical care for you.

Call: 111 (free from landlines and mobile phones)

www.nhs.uk

Local GP finder

www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/GP/LocationSearch/4

Local Dentist finder

www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/Dentists/LocationSearch/3

National Helplines

For information, support and advice.

The Samaritans

Befriending helpline for anyone in crisis or despair, open 24 hours/ 365 days per year.

Call: 116 123

Email: jo@samaritans.org

www.samaritans.org

Saneline

SANE runs a national, out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers.

Call: 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm to 10:30pm every day)

www.sane.org.uk

Gov.uk Website:

The first point of contact for information on all government services, including money, tax, benefits, disability, employment and carer’s rights.

www.gov.ukwww.gov.uk/report-terrorism

www.gov.uk/report-hate-crime

www.gov.uk/report-suspicious-activity-to-mi5

Anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321

CALM

The Campaign Against Living Miserably is an award- winning charity dedicated to preventing male suicide, offering crisis support by phone helpline, webchat or website. 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year.

Call: 0800 58 58 58

www.thecalmzone.net

Papyrus (Prevention of Young Suicide)

HOPELineUK Help dealing with suicidal thoughts or feelings for young people under the age of 35, plus advice and support for anyone concerned about a young person with suicidal thoughts.

Call: 0800 068 41 41

Mon – Fri: 10am – 10pm

Weekends: 2pm – 10pm

Bank Holidays: 2pm – 5pm

Text: 07786209697

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

www.papyrus-uk.org

Student Minds

Student Minds is the UK’s student mental health charity. They aim to empower students and members of the university community to look after their own mental health, support others and create change.