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Partnership provides pathway to learning

The University has struck up an innovative partnership with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) to further develop its staff and help protect children and vulnerable adults.

A specially designed training programme has been developed for case workers who will all eventually go on to receive a University Certificate in Advanced Professional Development (UCAPD) in Professional Decision Making in Independent Safeguarding Authority Casework. The ISA is a national organisation which was set up in Darlington to help prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults.

Thirty case workers have already completed the four month course, which covers a range of complex subjects from the purpose of safeguarding legislation to the nature of sexual harm. The programme is worth 60 credits towards a degree.

Jonathan Roberts, Senior Lecturer in Youth and Community Work at º£½ÇÖ±²¥, has been leading the course.

He said: ‘There’s been a big mix of students on the course so far. Some people who have been used to studying at a university level, but also people who have never been anywhere near a university in their life.

‘It’s to their credit that they have all been highly professional about the programme, and the writing that they have undertaken shows the commitment they have to both their work and the ISA.’

A phenomenal achievement ISA Chief Executive Adrian McAllister added: ‘When we first began setting up the ISA, one of the things we were very keen on was ensuring our case workers were trained to the highest possible standard.

‘We decided that this would be best achieved through external accreditation and thanks to everyone at º£½ÇÖ±²¥, we’ve gone from concept to design to implementation in about a year, which is nothing less than phenomenal.

‘Not only does it emphasise the importance we place on developing our staff and bringing them on and into the academic world, but it also makes them genuinely better at their job because it is challenging and complex work.’

The University’s £13m Darlington campus is due to open next year and it’s hoped ISA staff will continue to take advantage of learning opportunities in the town.

Mark Simpson, Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Law, said: ‘It’s a credit to both the ISA and the university that they’re working together in such a positive and innovative way.'

‘What’s particularly exciting is the new building that is being built in Darlington and hopefully members of the ISA will see that as their building and continue to look at opportunities for developing their learning with º£½ÇÖ±²¥ in Darlington.’

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