LLA Student Handbook

Once you have completed the full enrolment process, you will be forwarded an email from Student Support, giving you details of how to log in to your chosen Course, how to access the learning materials and access the virtual learning environment case study. This email will also include a “How To Get Started” guide which you must refer to in order to get started on your programme. You will also be provided with your introductory ‘Case Study Questions’ which you should complete once you have downloaded the case study and learning materials.

In order to correctly install and operate the SCIL case study that is used for all of our online courses, please refer to the ‘How to Get Started’ guide in your Welcome email. If you have not received either your Welcome email or the guide, please contact us.

Learning plans are sent to all students at the beginning of each unit. These plans are simply guides. Some students are more used to a structured, classroom based way of learning so these guides are simply a way to give more structure to the learning system should you need it.

You are in control of your own learning and if you wish to submit 3 tasks per week or more/less, then that is up to you. So long as the previous task has been cleared by your Tutor and there are no outstanding questions, you can progress at your preferred rate.

Please note the learning materials for all units for your course are available to download.

Details of how to download these learning materials are included in your Welcome email and/or ‘How to Get Started’ guide. These are available in PDF format.

To view these files you may need to download and install Acrobat Reader if your PC or browser does not support viewing PDFs.

Most issues can be resolved by following the ‘How to Get Started’ guide but, occasionally, you may need additional help to get started. If you do require additional assistance, please contact the Student Support team at the email address that you received the welcome email from.

Once you have tried all the steps in the How To Get Started guide, if you have problems with the case study please contact us, giving as much information about the issue as possible. A screen shot of the error message or last screen you were working in is often a very useful tool for diagnosing the problem. You can take a picture of the current screen by pressing “Ctrl” and “PrtScrn” buttons together. Open a new email and press “Ctrl V” to paste the screen picture into the email. Alternatively open a new Word document, press “Ctrl V”, save and email that as an attachment.

It would also be helpful to know:

• Your Operating System (Windows/MAC)
• Your Microsoft Office Version
• Which Web Browser you are using.

Please Note: Most issues with case study revolve around not fully extracting it. Please follow the download instructions fully and ensure that you have fully extracted (unzipped) it to your computer. The case study will not work while it is still zipped.

It is important that you use the correct email subject when submitting your work, this ensures that it is processed quickly and accuratly.

Your Subject such include:

• Your name.
• Your Programme title.
• The Relevant Unit number or name.
• The task or assignment number.

For example: John Smith – CILT L5 – Management – Assignment 1    OR   John Smith – Medlog – Unit 1 – Task 1

It is important that you correctly label your files, when submitting your work, this ensures there is no confusion as to what you are actually submitting.

Your File nams such include:

• Your name.
• Your Programme.
• The Relevant Unit.
• The task or assignment number.

For example:

• John Smith – CILT L5 – Management – Assignment 1

If the file is an addition to your main submission, use the above and then add an addition to the name that describes what it is

For example: 

• John Smith – CILT L5 – Management – Assignment 1 – Question 1 Spreadsheet

If you are resubmitting a task or assignment following feedback from your tutor, ensure that you amend the file name appropriately.

For Example:  

• John Smith – CILT L5 – Management – Assignment 1 – v2

or

• John Smith – CILT L5 – Management – Assignment 1 – Version 2

Simply put, ensure the file names are logical and appropriate to what you are submitting.

It is important that you use the correct email subject when requesting help, this ensures that it is processed quickly and accurately.

• Try to give your tutor as much information as possible about what you need.
• If you are not understanding a question, be clear about which question it is and why it is not making sense to you.
• If you cannot find a specific piece of information, tell your tutor where you have looked already.
• Overall, be as clear as possible.

For task related queries, you have an industry-experienced, fully qualified Tutor. They are expert in the various logistics areas and are available via contact methods, details of these will be in the emails you have received from your tutor.

If you are struggling, need support or simply want guidance on your tasks, your Tutor will be happy to help. If your Tutor is on annual leave or is unavailable for any reason, one of the other Tutors will be able to assist in their absence. 

If you have a Course related technical query, your first option is to refer to the How To Get Started guide. If this does not resolve the issue, please take a screen shot of the problem and email it to us, along with full details of the issue.

It is also advisable to include details of:

• Your operating System (i.e. Windows/MAC)
• Your Browser (i.e. Chrome/Firefox)
• Your Microsoft Office Version (i.e. Office 16/Office 365)

Students who enrol on a Programme with LLA can declare a disability at any time, although preferably, for pre-existing conditions, during the registration process.

Special arrangements can be made for students who can provide evidence of having a learning difficulty such as dyslexia. Such students can request additional support at any time.

Once a disability is disclosed, a needs assessment will be carried out and reasonable adjustments to assessment arrangements made.

If you need to make a payment:

• Follow the instructions on the email containing the invoice or payment
• Payments are accepted via bank transfer or through credit/debit card. Payment details can be found at the bottom of your invoice.
• Instalments must be paid by the due date to avoid impacting your progression. Please speak to us ASAP if your are having difficulties making a payment.

The assessment process is designed for two purposes:

1. To test the knowledge of the individual
2. To test the ability of the individual to apply that knowledge

The assessment process will take into account prior learning, achievement and experience which is appropriate to the requirements of the Programme and these should be brought out in your responses to the tasks set wherever possible.

Each student is assigned a personal Tutor, who will work with you to provide the evidence to satisfy:

1. All the performance criteria
2. All aspects of the qualification
3. All the knowledge requirement of the qualification

Evidence of performance will be assessed on an on-going basis by Logistics Learning Alliance through your responses to the assigned tasks or assignments.

For regulated and accredited qualifications your final completion will need to be verified by the appropriate Awarding Organisation before your final Certificate is issued.

The Awarding Organisations we work with have set time limits on your registration period in which to complete your Programme. You should check what this limit is and have it firmly in mind as you work through the Programmes. All of the Programmes have been designed to be completed in considerably less time than the maximum allowed. The average completion times for the Programmes and are all achievable given the right level of commitment.

LLA does not follow an examination route for the majority of its Programmes which have been designed against outcomes of performance, i.e. what you should be able to do at the end of the Programme. For this, competence, assessment, the Tutor is trying to find out not just how much you know, but if you understand it sufficiently to apply it in real life.

Unlike a teacher, or college Tutor, they have no knowledge of your background, past attainments or experience. They can take nothing for granted, and in addition cannot be too specific in the advice they give you at times, as this may give you the answer without you having to research it yourself and working it out from first principles. It is common for questions to be asked to clarify particular issues but once you have completed a few of the lessons you will see how the system works.

Your Tutor will use a combination of directive and supportive behaviour to Tutor you through this process. This may be delivered face-to-face, via e-mail, or by a fusion of the two. You may also be required to submit regular reports to your Tutor, who will brief the appropriate assessor (if they are different) as you progress through the tasks.

If at any time you feel you need help or advice either on the Course content or the questions being asked, please let us know. There may also be some difficulty in understanding the terminology or understanding fully the problem you feel you have. If you are experiencing difficulties, please let us know as soon as possible.

In each unit, following the completion of a brief introductory task, your “line manager” (character in the case study) will set you a series of tasks designed to enable you to demonstrate your underlying knowledge and understanding.

Reporting back to you will show and justify how, using this knowledge and understanding together with your own experience, you would respond to each task. The full Course of study is then completed in this tried and tested ‘little and often’ way enabling the principles learned to be gradually integrated into your real-life daily work plan. The method is enjoyable, practical and a genuine fast-track route to an internationally recognised qualification.

You will be taken through the steps of:

1. Analysing the current operational processes for a given scenario
2. Identifying the simulated company’s current and future requirements
3. Devising a series of options to meet those requirements
4. Showing how to implement your chosen solution

On the completion of the tasks or assignments for the unit, you will have compiled a portfolio of evidence of competence which your Tutor will assess or have assessed by a qualified Assessor and then verified Internal Verifier. This may lead to a request for further evidence of your competence. In this eventuality, the candidate may have to re-visit one or two of the tasks and expand on or clarify work previously submitted. This will only happen if the final Assessor and/or Internal Verifier disagrees with the assessment of the learner’s Tutor.

Some Programmes offered by LLA have a requirement for Independent Assessment. This is where a selected piece of Course work has to be assessed externally to LLA.

The Programme of submissions for the Independent Assessment is controlled by the Awarding Organisation and you will be informed of the relevant submission dates.

You are strongly advised not to leave this work until the end of the Programme, as there can sometimes be limited occasions when we can submit them for review and feedback will take longer than you will have been accustomed to with your LLA task submissions.

Where your Programme has an element of Independent Assessment, we will send you out full instructions on how to prepare the report and you should plan your submission into your overall work plan for the Programme.

Candidates are fully supported through their report construction and subsequent draft submissions. However, in regards to the final submission for independent assessment, we allow two failed attempts (Refers) where all standard advice and examples have been supplied to the candidate, the project portfolio will then get reviewed by a second assessor. If that assessor cannot add to the prior instruction given, then the candidate will not receive any further advice and the project is left to the approval of the Independent Assessor.

Once you have passed your Independent Assessment (if necessary, for your chosen Course) and your Tutor has cleared all your tasks, you have completed your studies (qualifications are subject to external verification by the Awarding Organisation).

For those studying LLA Short Courses, you will receive a signed Certificate through the post from LLA.

In the case of those studying Fritz-CILT Humanitarian Certification Programmes, certificates will be sent directly by the Awarding Organisation.

You will be informed of processing time for the release of certificates when you are notified of completion and this may be different depending on the Awarding Organisation.

To aid students in avoiding Plagiarism, please see our guidance on avoiding plagiarism and how to reference in the required Harvard Style.

This guidance can be found HERE.

As previously mentioned, we have a full Student Support Team available to all students and your Tutor will give you advice and help if you need it.    Remember: all you have to do is ask.

If your Tutor gives you advice, the best suggestion is to listen carefully and follow this advice.

Our Tutors have worked with many students over many years and have come across a wide range of problems, issues and unusual events that have prevented work from continuing, at least in the short term.

Tutors are here to advise and support all students.

All Courses have a Target End Date, which is usually 1 calendar month before the expiry of your registration period, this is to ensure that our Admin Team have time to process and submit your portfolio to the Awarding Organisatio. Failing to meet your Target End Date could mean you have to Re-Register on your programme which will incur additional fees.

You will be given your Target End Date during your programme startup. 

Students who fully commit to the Programme and properly plan out the time during their programme, are usually more successful with their studies.

IF YOU NEED TO BE REMINDED OF YOUR TARGET END DATE, PLEASE CONTACT STUDENT SUPPORT.

There is total flexibility with student’s learning, and they can factor into their study times, periods of holiday, increased work load within their employment or other times when study may need to take a ‘back seat’ and catch up with work in their own time.

However, it is best to submit tasks or assignments on a regular basis around these busier periods. 

Experience has shown that students who make regular submissions are more likely to complete the Course than those who do not.

• Aims and objectives

Logistics Learning Alliance Ltd (LLA) aims to enable students to begin their programme of learning with all of the necessary information, tools and support needed to succeed. In order to do this students are required to be given a basic induction to their programme by the assessment team, who will ensure that students have everything they need and that LLA receives all information and documentation required to start a Student on their chosen programme.

Scope of the policy

This policy covers:

• All accredited and none regulated programmes delivered by LLA.
• All OFQUAL regulated programmes delivered by LLA and awarded by OFQUAL Regulated Awarding Organisations (AO).

The Induction: Requirements

1. All students must at the beginning of their programme be introduced to the following aspects of their programme of learning.

• The requirements, aims and objectives of their programme of study.
• The structure of their programme of study.
• Learning Materials and Learning Support.
• Assessment methods and processes.
• Internal and External Verification Processes.
• Time scales for their programme including time scales for:
  • Programme Duration and Target End Dates.
  • Assessment and Verification.
  • Submission to Awarding Organisation and Certification.
• LLA Policies and Procedures:
  • Data Protection and Confidentiality
  • Equality, Diversity and Equal Opportunities.
  • Academic Misconduct
  • Enrolments and Registrations
  • Appeals and Complaints

2. An induction must be carried out by a member of the LLA Team who must ensure that the above is covered during the induction and that the student has fully understood each aspect.

3. The induction must be carried out before the student begins their main programme and a student cannot begin until the induction is carried out.

The Induction: Procedure

1. Once a student is confirmed by the LLA Admin Team and all relevant documentation has been completed, the student is sent a Welcome Mail with a step by step breakdown of how to get started with the programme of learning.

• The Welcome Mail includes:
  • Access to the ‘Getting Started’ guide relevant to their programme of learning.
  • Details of their assigned Tutor or Coach, along with their contact details.
  • Details of their Target End Date.
  • Details of how to access the Materials needed for the programme.
  • Details of how to access any online platforms needed for their programme.

2. To get started the student will follow the ‘Getting Started’ Guide covers step by step:

• The Student Handbook.
• The Terms and Conditions.
• Academic Misconduct, Plagiarism and how to reference.
• The Learning agreement.
• Student Record Form and Student Identification.
• How to access the LLA systems and learning materials.
• Exploring the LLA systems and learning materials.
• An Introductory Task to ensure the student has accessed and explored the LLA systems and materials.
• How to submit the introductory task and who to send it to (their assigned tutor).

3. Once an Introductory Task has been completed and submitted to the assigned tutor will then contact the student to welcome them to the programme, introduce themselves and further support the student to get started. The tutor will double check that all documentation and information required has been received and if not will ask the student to provide this.

4. Within the Tutor’s welcome mail, the tutor will provide feedback on the introductory task. This task is very basic and consists of exploring the provided systems and materials and then answering several questions about the contents.

5. If the student has found everything needed and answered the questions in the introductory task to a satisfactory standard, the task can be signed off. If it is not the tutor will provide guidance and direction within the feedback, asking the student to re-examine their responses, amend and re-submit.

6. Once the task is signed off, the tutor will book an appointment with the student for an induction call. Induction calls are carried out via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Induction calls will not be completed until all documentation and information have been confirmed as received.

7. During the induction call the tutor will cover with the learner many of the aspects covered already by the policy but will confirm the students understanding of these areas. The call will cover:

• An overview of the programme of study including:
  • Assessment and Verification methods.
  • Timescales.
  • The student Handbook, policies, and procedures.
  • Support systems, available support and how to access support.
  • How to submit assessments.
  • Feedback and using Feedback to the student’s advantage.
  • Details of what happens at the end of the programme, including submission to and verification by the Awarding Organisation, along with details of how the programme is certificated.
•  The tutor will verify any details of additional learning needs that LLA have been informed of and ensure that the student has everything they need to begin their programme in support of any additional learning needs.
• An introduction to any learning systems, case studies and learning materials used by the student’s programme of study. The tutor will share screen using Teams or Zoom and give the student a visual tour of these.
• The tutor will then discuss the units covered by the programme, explaining about mandatory and optional units. The tutor will introduce the optional units available and giving guidance based on the student’s background, job role, needs and requirements. It will be explained to the student that optional units are not locked in until they are started.
• The tutor will go on to introduce the student to the first assignment for their first unit. The tutor will talk the student through the contents, giving guidance on the requirements, looking at each question and giving hints and tips about how to respond to the questions.
• The tutor will give guidance on how to respond to the different types of questions and the meaning of the various command words used.
• The tutor will end the session by checking with the student that they do not have any further questions and that they have understood everything that is needed.

8. Following the induction ‘start-up call’, the tutor will send an email to the student with details of any information needed by the student, details of any information the tutor agreed to send to the student during the induction and a copy of the assignment covered in the induction call. The tutor will re-iterate to the student in the email that they should contact them immediately if they have any questions, concerns or require support with their assignment.

9. A copy of the induction completion email will be stored in the students portfolio as confirmation that the induction has been completed and the student has been fully started on the programme

Policy review

The policy will be reviewed on a yearly basis or as procedural changes occur.

You can find our Academic Misconduct policy HERE.

This policy covers:

• Plagiarism
• Self-Plagiarism
• Enabling-Plagiarism
• Collusion
• Contract cheating
• Misconduct in an Exam

This policy is available to all customers of Logistics Learning Alliance (LLA), to include all learners and staff members who are using or delivering courses and qualifications offered by LLA.

Communication of the policy

It is important that all staff involved in the management, delivery, assessment and quality assurance of qualifications and learners undertaking a qualification are aware of this policy.

Policy Statement

Internal verification is a key part of the LLA internal quality assurance system. Internal verification at LLA is concerned with being accurate, consistent and ensuring all learners’ have access to quality assessments that are fair and of high quality which results in achievement.

Statement of Principles

This policy will ensure all assessment and internal verification activities conform to the qualification specification and awarding body standards. We will ensure that all evidence is valid, authentic, reliable, current and sufficient. LLA will provide a sampling plan detailing our internal activities and monitor this on a regular basis.

 We will ensure assessors meet on a regularly to share best practice and identify areas for improvement. These meetings will be documented, and actions monitored. We will hold regular standardisation and team meetings with assessors, tutors and internal verifiers. As a minimum these will be held every 6 months. The finding of these will be used to inform annual appraisals and training and development needs. They will also be used to update centre staff on qualification and associated information.

Example standardisation meeting agenda

• Actions from previous meetings
• Resources, H&S, E&D issues
• Progression and achievement of learners
• Examples of learners work to standardise
• Good practice from assessors
• Areas for improvement
• Internal quality assurance reports
• External quality assurance reports
• Qualification updates

LLA will monitor the quality of the qualifications and courses we offer. We will consider the quality of delivery, assessment decisions and judgements made and highlight any issues, emerging trends and the development needs for assessors.

All assessments and sampling strategies will be in agreement with awarding body guidelines and we will ensure that internal verification drives the assessment process. We will keep reliable, up to date and auditable records of all internal quality control activities. These will be made available to an awarding body upon request.

As part of our internal quality procedures, we will ensure all of our assessors and tutors who deliver and assess on our qualifications are suitably qualified and experienced. All staff will receive access to Continuous professional development (CPD)

Process

Internal Verification (IV) Process

To IV the student portfolio in accordance with the following guidance:

• For each new programme every unit is to be checked.
• For ongoing programmes containing 4 units, 25% of units sampled, , 20% sampled for 5 unit programmes, 33% sampled for 3 unit programmes & 100% for single unit programmes
• Complete IV form and sign-off the Candidate Record
• Send completed Candidate Record to Student Support for recording and posting to student mailbox folder.

To inform the Coach/Assessors of relevant feedback requiring action.  To be checked as complete within 7 working days.

For Completed students – where allocated as the Lead IV, complete Portfolio Check List after completion by Assessor and return PCL to Student Support.

IV to check:

• All unit CAR forms present and completed
• That at least the minimum IV has been completed for the programme

Coach/Assessors who have been investigated will be monitored and supported more closely to ensure the expected standards of Coach/Assessors are maintained.100% of all completed units will be internally verified until it is agreed that the standards have now been met.  Coach/Assessors not maintaining the expected standards will be removed from the approved list until further evidence of competence has been demonstrated.

The Internal Verification process not only serves as means to improve coaching and assessing practices, but to review the assignments and overall programmes. Comments made to an assessor must be shared with the assessment team to raise awareness and to promote continuous improvement. Assignments that constantly prove difficult, in terms of understanding for learners, should be noted and flagged at the next assessor meeting.

Review of the policy

LLA will review the policy annually and revise as and when required in response to feedback, changes in legislation, practices or actions required by any of the affiliated awarding bodies. Our review will ensure that our procedures remain consistent with the regulatory criteria and are applied properly and fairly in arriving at judgements.

1. Your chosen Programme involves you in the gathering of evidence to prove that you have met the requirements of the Awarding Organisation’s standards. Your efforts in meeting these standards are supported by your assessment and verification team who will:

• Assign you a personal tutor/assessor.
• Advise on the evidence that should be gathered – this may take a variety of forms and may include some form of testing.
• Assess and internally verify your evidence.
• Provide feedback and guidance to support you in preparing the relevant evidence.
• Ensure that the assessment you receive meets the required standards.

2. For every assessment submission, you will receive written and/or verbal feedback on your evidence, which shows that:

• Provides feedback on the evidence you have submitted. This will include once of the following:
  • Details of what you need to do to amend or improve a submission to meet the required standards, if your submission does not meet those standards.
  • Details of why a submission has been rejected if it is rejected for reasons pertaining to our Academic Misconduct Policy
  • Summative feedback that states clearly that the work you have submitted meets the requirements and has been signed off.

3. If, however, you do not understand or agree with this assessment, the following information outlines how you might resolve the problem, how you can obtain help and advice or how you can appeal a decision.

All candidate complaints will be handled in the strictest of confidence and information will only be shared with the relevant parties.

4. Appeals Process:

• Talk to your tutor/assessor first and explain your point of view. If, after your assessor has explained how the decision has been reached and how you could improve your evidence so it can be re-submitted, you still believe that the assessment decision is mistaken, you have the right to appeal and your assessor will understand this.
• Send an email to Logistics Learning Alliance Student Admin, detailing your issue and requesting a review of the assessment decision.
• On receipt, your appeal will be forwarded immediately to one of the LLA Internal Verification team, with a request to check student work against Tutor/Assessor responses and decisions, to ascertain whether proper Tutor/Assessor guidance and support is being given. This check will be carried out within 10 working days and handled in strict confidence.
• If the verifier considers that the Tutor/Assessor has acted correctly, an email will be sent to the candidate explaining this.
• If the verifier agrees that the student is correct, they will discuss this with the Tutor/Assessor and an amendment to the decision will be made.

6. If you still disagree with the assessment decision or have any other grievances with the training provided, you should inform Logistics Learning Alliance Student Admin Team. Details of your complaint will be forwarded to the Managing Director who will investigate, considering all evidence and decisions made. The Managing Directors decision will be final and no further appeals will be accepted by LLA, however you do have the right to further appeal to the Awarding Organisation for your programme. Details of the Awarding Organisation can be requested from the Student Admin Team.

1. Your chosen Programme involves you in the gathering of evidence to prove that you have met the requirements of the Awarding Organisation’s standards. In your efforts in meeting these standards you are supported by:

• LLA Student Admin Team.
• Allocated Tutor/Assessor.
• Internal Verification Team

2. You have the right to request an inquiry into any areas of the support functions or assessment decisions.

The procedure:

• Email is to be sent to Logistics Learning Alliance (LLA) for review.
• On receipt, your complaint will be forwarded immediately to one of the LLA Quality Standards team.
• An investigation will be carried out within 10 working days and handled in strict confidence and information will only be shared relevant parties.
• We will consider all evidence and discuss a way forward that will satisfy all parties.
• Results of the investigation and any decisions made will be shared with the relevant parties.

3. If you are not satisfied with the results of any investigation or decisions made you are within your rights to escalate your complaint to the relevant Awarding Organisation for your programme. LLA will forward all evidence and details of any investigation we have carried out to the Awarding Organisation when asked.

This policy is provided for Logistics Learning Alliance (LLA) customers, including all staff members and learners accessing the courses and qualifications we offer.

COMMUNICATION OF THE POLICY

A copy of this policy is included within the Student Handbook which is provided to all students on enrolment. Students are required to confirm they have read this as part of signing their Learning Agreement.

LLA Staff will be advised of the policy during the company induction process.

Updates to the policy will be communicated directly to all parties directly.

REVIEW OF THE POLICY

LLA will review the policy annually and revise as and when required in response to feedback, changes in legislation, practices or actions required by any of the affiliated awarding or regulatory bodies.

Our review will ensure that our procedures remain consistent with the regulatory criteria and are applied properly and fairly in arriving at judgements. Reviews and amendments will be recorded in the tables at the end of this policy.

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

LLA is committed to the principles of equality and diversity. Equality of access and opportunity for all are core values of our organisation, and we are committed to raising the profile of equality and diversity by being proactive in fairness to all. The Equality Act 2010 underpins our policies.

All learners and staff members are required to follow and honour these principles. We encourage everyone to play a part in promoting our policy in the course of their learning or work.

There are no circumstances in which LLA will tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation from or towards any staff member or learners. This also includes cyber-harassment or cyber-bullying.

Any issues must be reported to the Centre Coordinator.

DISCRIMINATION

Discrimination is when people are treated less favourably than others because of a protected characteristic they have or are thought to have. This includes discrimination on the grounds of their gender, race, ethnic background, religious beliefs, age, marital status, stage of development, ability or disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and wealth and background.

There are four types of discrimination: Direct discrimination, Discrimination by association, perception discrimination and indirect discrimination.

RACIAL HARASSMENT

Racial harassment is any action of a racist nature that results in people feeling threatened or compromised, it can include (but is not limited to):

• Racial name calling
• Derogatory remarks
• Racist graffiti or jokes
• Display or circulation of racially offensive material
• Physical threats, insulting behaviour or gestures
• Open hostility
• Exclusion from normal conversation or social events

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that affects the dignity of women and man at work, including physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct. It can be in the form of (but is not limited to):

• Insensitive jokes or pranks
• Lewd comments about appearance
• Unnecessary bodily contact
• Displays of explicit material
• Gestures and leering
• Speculation about a person’s private or personal life

BULLYING

Bullying is a form of harassment, whether by staff or other learners. Bullying is verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct that causes individuals to feel threatened, isolated or humiliated.

This may include members of a group other than those being directly targeted. Bullying can take many forms and can be quite difficult to detect by those not directly involved. All learners and staff are asked to report bullying at the earliest stages, so that it can be stopped. Your confidentiality will always be respected.

The law recognises bullying as a serious issue and the protection from the Equality Act 2010 makes it a criminal and civil offence to cause harassment, alarm or distress another person.

VICTIMISATION

Victimisation is when a person is treated less favourably in the same circumstances because that person has, in good faith, made a complaint or raised a grievance under the Equality Act, or because they are suspected of doing so.

VULNERABLE ADULTS

A vulnerable adult is a person aged 18 years or over who may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves from harm or from being exploited.

Abuse can take a number of forms and cause victims to suffer pain, fear and distress. Adults may be too afraid or embarrassed to raise any complaints. They may be reluctant to discuss their concerns with other people or unsure who to trust with their worries. Sometimes people can be unaware they are being abused.

LLA staff members have a responsibility to follow this policy and report any suspicions that may arise.

PROTECTION OF CHILDREN

The policy of safeguarding a child is to protect any person under the age of 18 years and those whom are considered vulnerable. The Children Act 1989 provides the legal framework for the protection of children and young people in the UK.

LLA is committed to the safeguarding of children and our staff members have a responsibility to follow this policy and report and suspicions that may arise. Both the safeguarding policies above also include the protection of our staff from unfounded allegations of abuse.

TRAINING

All staff take part in Equality and Diversity Training as part of the induction process, this must be updated at least every 2 years. Staff may be required to engage in regular CPD activities to ensure up to date knowledge of Safeguarding topics, procedures and regulations. LLA current Equality and Diversity training is detailed in Appendix A.

SAFEGUARDING

LLA has a separate Safeguarding and Prevent Policy, with details of procedures and named contacts. Please contact LLA directly to request a copy of this policy.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY LEAD

Chris Taylor, Operations Manager

Office+44 (0)1530 276591

1. INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Logistics Learning Alliance (LLA) is committed to the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of all its students. To that end, we seek to ensure that our organisation, its activities, staffing and procedures are carefully managed through rigorous application of safeguarding principles that reflect our statutory responsibilities and government guidance.

We also aim to ensure that our approach to handling any issues of a safeguarding nature is in accordance with sector best practice.

Our safeguarding policy and procedures seek to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or socio-economic background, all students:

• have a positive and enjoyable experience while learning with LLA;
• have the opportunity to study or take part in their studies in an environment where they are safe, listened to, respected and valued;
• are supported to challenge discrimination and promote the right to equal protection;
• are protected from emotional and other forms of abuse whilst participating in:
• tutor-led sessions, whether in the classroom or online;
• organised online discussion forums;
• LLA-led online networking groups (social media); Our safeguarding policy also seeks to ensure:

Our safeguarding policy also seeks to ensure:

• effective management of safeguarding and prevent procedures through support and training;
• prompt response to any concerns raised;
• confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding and prevent concerns are kept and securely stored;
• ensure that all staff members in unsupervised direct contact with minors are subject to annual DBS checks, and that accurate records of these are maintained.

Failure to comply with the safeguarding and prevent policy and procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately result in dismissal or exclusion from the organisation.

2. DEFINITIONS

2.1          A Minor

A minor is defined as anyone who has not yet reached their eighteenth birthday.

2.2          A Vulnerable Adult

A vulnerable adult is someone aged eighteen or over who is, or may be, in need of additional support and/or community services due to age, illness or mental or physical disability, or who is, or may be, unable to take care of him/herself or unable to protect him/herself against significant harm or exploitation.

2.3          Abuse

Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual or neglect) is a form of maltreatment of a child or vulnerable adult, caused by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm.

2.4          Prevent

Prevent is the government’s national counter-terrorism strategy aimed at stopping people from being drawn into terrorism or extremism. It aims to reduce the risk of radicalisation and to ensure those at risk are given advice and support.

2.5          Extremism

Extremism is vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

2.6          Radicalisation

Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism leading to terrorism.

3. DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD

In the event of any concern of a safeguarding nature, a student or his/her parents/carer or chosen representative should contact the relevant Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Chris Taylor, Operations Manager

Office+44 (0)1530 686663

4. DESIGNATED PREVENT LEAD

In the event of any concern relating to Prevent, any student, staff member or other individual should EMAIL or contact:

Chris Taylor, Operations Manager

Office+44 (0)1530 686663

5. RESPONSIBILITIES

All staff in direct contact with students have a responsibility to be alert to the possibility of abuse, extremism or exposure to radicalisation and to raise a concern via the appropriate channel. LLA expects its staff to promote tolerance and respect by acting as a role model. Guidance on how to behave if a student discloses abuse, or provides any information that suggests abuse, is included as Appendix 1.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead has the responsibility for operational coordination of safeguarding procedures and for advising and supporting staff who raise concerns.

The Designated Prevent Lead has overall responsibility for compliance with the Prevent Duty and for operational coordination of prevent procedures and for advising and supporting staff or students who raise concerns.

The Operations Manager has overall responsibility for the strategic and operational implementation of Safeguarding and Prevent duty policy.

6. PROCEDURES

Safeguarding or Prevent concerns should be reported immediately to the relevant Designated Safeguarding Person (see Section 3 above).

Any allegation against a member of staff with regard to safeguarding or prevent should be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Person in the first instance.

Designated Safeguarding Persons will assess any concern raised and determine what action, if any, should be taken. Actions may include:

• Referral to social services, police or other relevant agencies;
• Seeking further advice from the relevant agencies such as:
  • Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Safeguarding Boards
• Referral to the LLA Directors for any case involving an allegation against a member of staff.
  • All allegations against members of staff will be referred to the relevant bodies, to ensure

The Prevent Lead will then assess any potential prevent-related concern raised and determine what action, if any, should be taken. Actions may include:

• Referral to social services, police or other relevant agencies, including the Channel programme;
• Seeking further advice from the relevant agencies such as:
  • Leicestershire Police Prevent team
  • Leicestershire and Rutland Safeguarding Boards

Confidential case notes will be kept for all referrals by the Designated Safeguarding and Prevent Lead

7. STUDENTS WHO ARE MINORS

LLA will work with referring partners, employers and training providers to ensure the consent of parents or guardians of students under the age of 18 has been received prior to the enrolment on a programme of study with LLA.

8. STUDENT INFORMATION

Students will be advised about LLA procedures with regard to safeguarding and prevent through Induction and the Learning Agreement (in relation to online monitoring and acceptable use policies) and publication of this policy.

9. CONFIDENTIALITY AND INFORMATION SHARING

Staff should only disclose information or sensitive information about students with nominated safeguarding or prevent contacts. All staff must be aware that they have a professional duty to share information with other agencies in order to safeguard minors, adults and those at risk of radicalisation. However, information will be shared on a need to know basis only, as judged by the Designated Safeguarding Persons and the Prevent Lead.

10. STAFF TRAINING

All student facing staff will undertake Safeguarding and Prevent Duty training, including updates at least every two years. Staff may be required to engage in regular CPD activities to ensure up to date knowledge of Safeguarding and Prevent topics, procedures and regulations.

11. ONLINE MONITORING

All online activity and communications with students are monitored. Students are advised of this practise via the terms and conditions.

During monitoring any terms that are linked to terrorism or extremism, are reported to the Prevent Lead to determine whether there is any cause for concern.

12. POLICY ACCESS

A copy of this Policy is included within the Student Handbook which is provided to all students on enrolment. Students are required to confirm they have read this when they sign their Learning Agreement.

13. REVIEW

The safeguarding and prevent policy and associated procedures are reviewed at least every two years, or in the following circumstances:

• changes in legislation and/or government guidance;
• as a result of any other significant change or event.

APPENDIX. STAFF GUIDANCE

If a student discloses that they are being abused, or provides any information suggesting that this is the case, staff should follow the guidance below.

DO

• Remain calm, accessible and receptive
• Ensure you are meeting the student an appropriate place (i.e. private)
• Listen carefully without interrupting or asking leading questions
• Communicate with the person in a way that is appropriate to their age, understanding and preference
• Be aware of the non-verbal messages you are giving
• Make it clear that you are taking them seriously.
• Acknowledge their courage and reassure them that they are right to tell.
• Reassure them that they should not feel guilty and say that you’re sorry that this has happened to them.
• Let them know that you are going to do everything you can to help them and what may happen as a result.
• Make a note of what was said, using the person’s actual words wherever possible
• Make note of your observation (signs of abuse, if any)
• Complete cause for concern form (if urgent contact a safeguarding officer immediately)

DON’T

• Judge the person
• Investigate or seek to prove or disprove possible abuse Investigate, suggest or probe for information
• Make promises about confidentiality or keeping ‘secrets’
• Jump to conclusions, be dismissive or react with shock, anger, horror etc.
• Speculate or accuse anybody
• Offer opinions about what is being said or the persons allegedly involved
• Confront another person (adult or child/young person) allegedly involved
• Forget to record what you have been told
• Assume that someone else will take the necessary action
• Fail to pass this information on to a safeguarding officer

The terms and conditions for Online Learning can be accessed and read at:

https://logisticslearningalliance.com/terms-and-conditions/

Our data protection policy can be accessed and read at:

https://logisticslearningalliance.com/data-protection-policy/