Attendance Standards and Expectations

Purpose

The Newcastle Safeguarding Adults Board (NSAB) and Newcastle Safeguarding Children Partnership (NSCP) are committed to providing accessible, high-quality safeguarding learning and development opportunities.

This document sets out:

Expectations for delegates attending training and learning events.
Responsibilities of managers and organisations.
Standards for participation in online and face-to-face learning.
Arrangements for cancelling places.
Charges associated with bespoke commissioned training.

The aim is to maximise valuable training places, support effective workforce development and ensure learning resources are used responsibly.

Access to multi-agency training

Training is available free of charge to:

Organisations that are members of, or contribute to, NSAB or NSCP.
Registered charities and voluntary organisations operating within Newcastle.
Newcastle CVS member organisations.
Early years providers and education settings working within Newcastle.
Other approved partner agencies.

Individual events may have specific eligibility criteria.

Responsibilities of Delegates and Managers

Delegates are expected to:

Only book places on training they are able to attend.
Obtain manager approval before booking.
Read joining instructions and any pre-course materials.
Attend promptly and remain for the duration of the session.
Cancel their place (following instructions received at booking) as soon as possible if they cannot attend.
Engage respectfully and professionally throughout learning activities.
Complete evaluation and feedback requests where requested.

Managers are expected to:

Support staff to attend training once booked.
Ensure attendees have protected time to participate.
Encourage learning to be reflected upon within supervision and team meetings.
Promote a culture where learning and development are valued.

Cancelling a Place

If you can no longer attend

Delegates should cancel their place as soon as possible to allow another practitioner to attend.

The NSAB and NSCP recognise that unforeseen circumstances occur and will always seek to take a proportionate and reasonable approach.

Where possible:

Cancellation should take place at least 5 working days before the event.
Organisations may send a substitute delegate where appropriate.
Repeated non-attendance or late cancellations may be monitored and discussed with organisations to understand barriers and improve access to learning. Please note that attendance records may be shared with a participant’s organisation/line manager.

Online Learning and Virtual Training Standards

Preparing for online training

Participants should:

Join from a suitable environment with minimal distractions.
Test equipment before the session begins.
Join a few minutes early where possible.
Ensure devices are charged and internet connectivity is sufficient.

During the session

Participants should:

Use their full name for identification.
Keep cameras switched on wherever possible to support engagement and interaction.
Mute microphones when not speaking.
Participate actively in discussions and activities.
Use chat functions respectfully and professionally.
Avoid multitasking or undertaking other work during sessions.

Creating a respectful learning environment

All participants are expected to:

Treat others with respect and professionalism.
Value different experiences and opinions.
Challenge ideas constructively.
Contribute to an inclusive learning environment free from discrimination, harassment or intimidation.

Facilitators and trainers will:

Provide clear joining instructions.
Create opportunities for participation.
Encourage a psychologically safe learning environment.
Make reasonable adjustments where required.

Face-to-Face Learning Standards

Participants are expected to:

Arrive on time.
Attend for the full duration of the event.
Participate respectfully.
Minimise interruptions.
Notify organisers if significant delays occur.

Bespoke Training Charges

Bespoke or single-agency training will be considered on an individual basis.  In some cases it may be free if it meets the wider strategic aims of the NSAB or NSCP, otherwise the charges are as follows.

The NSAB and NSCP reserve the right to review charges periodically.

Organisations wishing to commission bespoke training should contact safeguardingboards@newcastle.gov.uk with their requirements.

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

The NSAB and NSCP will periodically review:

Attendance levels.
Waiting lists.
Cancellation patterns.
Feedback from delegates.
Accessibility of learning opportunities.

This information will support continuous improvement of the safeguarding learning offer across Newcastle.

Contact Information