Theme 3: Training and Policies

thema 3

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 Schools Safeguarding and Well-being Team has been newly established. The Team provides information and support to the Designated Person for Safeguarding in every school in Gwynedd.
  • 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 members have attended the Safeguarding training, and the Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence training.
  • Since January 2025, every school in Gwynedd is visited by the Schools Safeguarding and Well-being Team once a year. The Team will look at safeguarding within the school, and ensure that posters and information are available, and that staff know how to deal with concerns.

 

What will happen between January 2026 and July 2026?

Cyngor Gwynedd will:

  • Arrange additional training for staff working with children to help them recognise changes in a child's behaviour that could be a sign of an inappropriate relationship or abuse.
  • Adopt a policy to raise concerns ("Whistleblowing" Policy) and do more work to raise staff awareness across the Council. A similar policy will also be introduced to Gwynedd Councillors.
  • Introduce training on keeping safeguarding records.
  • Members of the Council's Scrutiny Committees (a group of councillors who check that the Council is doing things right) will finish looking into safeguarding arrangements in schools.

What will Cyngor Gwynedd have achieved by February 2027?

Cyngor Gwynedd will:

  • Ensure that every new member of staff receives safeguarding training timely at the start of their post.
  • Receive the outcome of the investigation by members of the Scrutiny Committees and draw a plan to implement any recommendations.

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.
  • That every school receives a visit from the Schools Safeguarding and Well-being Team, and the number of schools following the Council's safeguarding policies.
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