Policies & Statements

Below you will find our policy information related to Safeguarding.

eSafety Advice for Parents and Carers

Current written protocols, policies and procedures for delivering our services and responsibilities. The buttons below contain the overarching Safeguarding Policy as well as the Appendices, letters A through to T.

Click here to download our Safeguarding Policy 2025-2026

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Etc. is committed to growing and diversifying the range of courses it delivers to widen participation, deliver to niche markets, engage in new and emerging markets and meet the regional and local economic development agenda. In order to achieve this, the Group has taken the strategic decision to subcontract part of its provision to partner organisations who can demonstrate high quality delivery.

Subcontracted partners will be expected to meet Etc.’s quality assurance standards with the Group being committed to supporting, developing and sharing good practice and professional development of staff through quality reviews, operational meetings, observations of teaching and learning and learner and employer feedback. As with college directly delivered activity, stretching retention and achievement rate targets will be set for all Subcontracted provision.

Upon commencement of the subcontracting process, Etc. will consider a Business Case Proposal to ensure that the subcontracting aligns with the aforementioned activity principles.

Each subcontractor that works with the group has a specific rationale for how its provision fits with the groups strategic priorities and benefits young people or adults. This rationale is detailed in the ‘Learning Provision Sub-Contract Agreement’ for each subcontractor, which is reviewed annually. We will ensure that:

• The proposed delivery is in the best interests of learners and employers;
• The proposed delivery has a clear strategic fit with our mission, objectives and values;
• The provision can help to enhance the opportunities available to young people and adults;
• The provision plays a part in filling gaps in niche or expert provision, or provides better access to training facilities;
• The provision supports better geographical access for learners;
• The provision can offer an entry point for disadvantaged groups;
• The provision is inclusive of individuals who share protected characteristics;
• There is sufficient expertise within the Group to quality assure the provision;
• There is sufficient staff resource in support areas to administer the processes;
• The Subcontractor is approved by our due-diligence process;
• There is sufficient funding available within our funding contract;
• The Subcontractor agrees to work within the terms of our contract;

The Group’s Subcontracting, Supply-chain Fees and Charges Policy details the services the Group will provide when subcontracting to delivery subcontractors and how we determine the associated costs involved in doing so.

If you have the required quality, track record of delivery and would like to discuss becoming one of our delivery partners, contact Samantha Curd on 01642 865549 or email Samantha.Curd@the-etc.ac.uk

Click here to download Subcontractor Contracts 2025-26

Click here to download Subcontracting-Supply-Chain-Fees-and-Charges

Modern Slavery Statement
Modern Slavery Statement for Education Training Collective

Introduction

Education Training Collective (Etc.) is committed to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking in all areas of our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility to take a proactive approach to ensure that modern slavery, in any form, is not tolerated. This statement outlines the steps we have taken and will continue to take to uphold this commitment.

This statement is made pursuant to section 54(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and relates to the financial year [insert financial year].

Our Organisation and Supply Chains

Etc. is a group of educational institutions across the Tees Valley, including Bede Sixth Form College, NETA Training, Innersummit, Redcar and Cleveland College, Stockton Riverside College and Skills Academy. We provide a wide range of educational services, proudly serving our students, communities, and businesses.

Our supply chains include procurement of goods and services such as IT equipment, educational materials, facilities management, professional services, and catering. We are committed to working with suppliers and contractors who share our values in combating modern slavery and upholding ethical business practices.

Our Values and Commitment

At Etc., we are high performing, with heart. We are confident, with absolute focus on success, and we strive to raise aspiration and ambition, improving opportunities and life chances. These values underpin our commitment to preventing modern slavery and human trafficking.

We fully support the aims of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of slavery, servitude, forced labour, or human trafficking. We are dedicated to promoting fair and ethical practices throughout our organisation and supply chains.

Due Diligence Processes

We have implemented robust due diligence processes to identify and address risks related to modern slavery and human trafficking:

· Supplier Vetting: We thoroughly vet all suppliers to ensure compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

· Supplier Contracts: Our contracts include clauses requiring compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

· Risk Assessments: We regularly assess our supply chains to identify potential modern slavery risks.

Training and Awareness

We provide training to staff, particularly those involved in procurement and supply chain management, to raise awareness of modern slavery issues. We also promote awareness through internal communications, highlighting our policy and reporting mechanisms.

Reporting and Monitoring

We have established clear procedures for reporting concerns related to modern slavery. Our safeguarding and whistleblowing policies provide guidance for staff and stakeholders to raise concerns confidentially and without fear of retaliation.

We regularly monitor and review our modern slavery compliance measures to ensure their effectiveness.

Ongoing Commitment

We are committed to continuous improvement in our approach to addressing modern slavery. We will:

· Review and update our modern slavery policies and practices annually.

· Strengthen partnerships with suppliers to ensure they meet our ethical standards.

· Enhance staff training on modern slavery risks and reporting mechanisms.

· Engage with industry partners and external experts to remain informed of best practices.

Approval

This statement has been approved by the governing body of the Education Training Collective and is signed by the Chief Executive and Group Principal.

This statement affirms our ongoing commitment to combatting modern slavery and upholding human rights in all aspects of our work and partnerships, reflecting our values of being high performing with heart and our dedication to serving our students, communities, and businesses.

Signed by Chief Executive and Group Principal: Grant Glendinning

Date: December 2024