Employer Safeguarding Hub

Sometimes it’s not always obvious what’s going on, but you might notice changes. They could be hanging around with the wrong crowd, feeling uncomfortable at home, or dealing with a stressful living situation.

You don’t need to have all the answers. We’re here to support and can step in where needed, but you’ll often be the person who sees them day to day.

What to do:

• Keep an eye on patterns or changes
• Gently check in if it feels appropriate
• Make a note of any concerns

When to contact us:

• Something doesn’t feel right
• You notice ongoing changes in behaviour
• You’re worried about their safety or wellbeing
• Please feel free to report anything concerning or unusual to our Safeguarding Team

If something feels off, it’s always better to share it. You’re not expected to investigate, that’s where our Designated Safeguarding Officer comes in and she will follow through with any concerns.

What to do:

• Stay calm and don’t question too deeply
• Make a note of what you’ve seen or heard
• Avoid making assumptions

When to contact us:

• Immediately, if you’re concerned
• If there are sudden or unusual behaviour changes
• If they mention money, new influences, or seem secretive

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to check rather than wait for it to become a bigger issue.

What to do:

• Trust your gut!
• Make a note of what you’ve noticed, write down the date & time as these may come in handy
• Have a gentle, supportive conversation if you feel you are comfortable with that

When to contact us:

• If you’re unsure what to do
• If you want to sense-check a concern
• At the earliest opportunity, no concern is too small just email safeguarding@reflectionstraining.co.uk with any queries

Your apprentice is there to learn with you, and not every apprentice will get everything right straight away. It’s important to work out what is the difference between an easy mistake, or a skills gap/training issue.

What to do:

• Give clear, constructive feedback
• Set simple, achievable goals
• Offer guidance and extra support
• Be patient and consistent

When to contact us:

• There’s no improvement over time
• You’re unsure how to support them
• It’s affecting their progress significantly
• Discuss any performance concerns with our Employer Engagement Team or your Site Visitor for any informal advice

We understand this can feel like the only option sometimes, but there are often other ways to resolve issues first. You must also consider legal implications of terminating a contract early without grounds to do so.

What to do:

• Have an honest conversation with the apprentice
• Identify the root of the issue
• Consider additional support or a plan

When to contact us:

• Before taking any formal action
• If you’re unsure of the correct process
• If the situation isn’t improving
• You can check any concerns with our Employer Engagement Team or the Tutor to see if they can offer any informal support

It can feel frustrating, especially when you have invested in their progression but sometimes things happen, people move on and you can potentially resolve any underlying reasons that have led to this decision.

What to do:

• Stay calm and open to the conversation
• Ask why they’re feeling this way
• Explore possible solutions or adjustments

When to contact us:

• As soon as they mention leaving
• Before any decisions are made
• If you need support with next steps

Apprentices are still learning workplace expectations, but ongoing behaviour concerns should be addressed early to prevent escalation.

What to do:

• Address the issue early and calmly
• Give clear, specific examples
• Set expectations and agree next steps

When to contact us:

• Speak to your Site Visitor/Tutor or our Employer Engagement team if behaviour isn’t improving
• If it’s starting to impact the team or clients
• If you’re unsure how to manage the situation

Taking on an apprentice is an amazing opportunity but it can also seem like a big responsibility, and it’s normal to need some guidance along the way.

What to do:

• Focus on providing day-to-day support and guidance
• Create opportunities for them to learn your ways of doing things
• Keep communication open with your apprentice

When to contact us:

• If you’re unsure about your responsibilities (your contract outlines these, which if you need a copy of we can forward to you)
• If you need any advice or reassurance
• You can contact us at any point, we’re here to help! Please don’t hesitate to contact your Tutor/Site Visitor or our Employer Engagement Team