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Theme 3: Training and Policies

We want to ensure:

That Cyngor Gwynedd staff are trained to be more suspicious, that is to think the 'worst possible' and understand that 'it could happen here'.

We develop and strengthen policies to ensure that there is clear guidance for Cyngor Gwynedd employees.

What does the Our Bravery Brought Justice report say?

(This is the report that was published following the North Wales Safeguarding Board's investigation into the former Headteacher's crimes (See full report)

  • The Designated Person for Safeguarding in the school where the former Headteacher offended had not received suitable safeguarding training. (The Designated Person for Safeguarding is the person that has been appointed to be responsible for safeguarding matters in a school).
  • The school's staff and Governors had not received suitable safeguarding training.
  • The School staff or Cyngor Gwynedd staff did not know when and how to raise a concern (a procedure known as "Whisteblowing").

What has already been done to improve things?

  • Cyngor Gwynedd has included information about grooming in the training pack for every school at the start of the school year (September 2025).
  • A worker has been appointed to raise awareness of the safeguarding field across the Council and inform staff of the safeguarding training available.
  • Every department within Cyngor Gwynedd checks how many staff have attended Safeguarding training, and training on Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (called VAWDASV). This is now monitored during regular performance meetings.
  • The Council has created a video to introduce safeguarding training to staff who work out in frontline roles, for example bin workers, cleaners and others.
  • As part of the training on the use of the Beam Notes system for the social care workforce, a dedicated session was introduced on how to record safeguarding concerns accurately and consistently.
  • The Council has purchased specialist training from the NSPCC to help staff who work with children recognise changes in a child’s behaviour that could be signs of grooming or abuse.
  • The NSPCC will also provide general online training for all staff members on recognising signs of abuse and grooming.
  • The Council has adopted a whistleblowing policy and carried out more work to raise awareness among staff across the Council.
  • The Council has introduced a Raising Concerns Policy and Guidance (“Whistleblowing” Policy) for Gwynedd Councillors.
  • The Council has introduced training on the Raising Concerns Policy and Guidance (“Whistleblowing” Policy) for all Cyngor Gwynedd staff and Councillors.
  • Members of the Council’s Scrutiny Committees (a group of councillors who check that the Council is doing things properly) have completed an investigation into safeguarding arrangements in schools and have made recommendations to strengthen those arrangements: Scrutiny Investigation Report on School Safeguarding Arrangements.
  • The Council has reviewed and introduced a new Corporate Safeguarding Policy. The policy was adopted by the Council’s Cabinet in July 2026: Safeguarding Policy (2026)

What will Cyngor Gwynedd have achieved by February 2027?

Cyngor Gwynedd will:

  • Map out the appropriate level of safeguarding training to each job so that those who need it receive advanced training.
  • Ensure that every new member of staff receives safeguarding training timely at the start of their post.

Measuring impact

  • That every staff member who requires a DBS Certificate for their post has a current DBS Certificate. (A DBS Certificate is the inspection to check whether a person is safe to work with children or vulnerable people).
  • Report on the number of staff who have completed the Safeguarding training and the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence training.
  • Report on the number of staff who have completed the “Whistleblowing Policy” training.
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