Gas Engineers Join Forces with NSPCC to Safeguard Children
In a groundbreaking collaboration, the NSPCC has teamed up with Britain's four Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) to launch a comprehensive training program for gas engineers and utility workers across England, Scotland, and Wales. Over 18,000 employees from Northern Gas Networks, Cadent, SGN, and Wales & West Utilities will undergo an online safeguarding course designed by the NSPCC.
Commenting on the initiative, Edward Allard, social programmes manager at Cadent, said:
“We visit thousands of homes every day, and thanks to this partnership we can create
an army of safeguarders to help identify children at risk of neglect or abuse,”
Alarmingly, around half a million children suffer from abuse and neglect each year in the UK. Last year alone, the NSPCC Helpline received nearly 60,000 calls from concerned adults, including utility workers, reporting potential child safeguarding issues.
Gas engineers and other utility workers often have unparalleled access to homes, putting them in a unique position to spot signs of abuse or neglect. Their regular interactions with families across the country make them invaluable allies in the fight against child abuse.
The NSPCC's "It's Your Call" is an interactive online learning course designed specifically for professionals who, as part of their job, enter homes to undertake work or deliver services. The course aims to:
Recognize Signs: Equip workers with the knowledge to recognize signs of possible abuse and neglect.
Report Concerns: Encourage them to report concerns either through their work channels, the NSPCC helpline, or, in urgent cases, the police.
Support and Advice: Provide guidance to those who may have already witnessed signs of child abuse, ensuring they know the appropriate steps to take.
The course emphasizes that protecting children is everyone's responsibility. Whether you're an electrician, plumber, telecoms engineer, or builder, "It's Your Call" highlights the importance of spotting signs of potential child abuse and taking the necessary actions.
“Everyone has a role to play in preventing child abuse and neglect. With this training and support, we can create a real force for good and help protect some of the most vulnerable members of our society,” remarked Sir Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC.
This collaboration between the NSPCC and GDNs is a testament to the power of cross-sector partnerships in addressing pressing societal issues. By empowering utility workers with the right tools and knowledge, this initiative paves the way for a safer environment for children across the UK.
If you think you or your employees could benefit from taking the course, it only takes around 15 minutes to complete and is available for purchase on the NSPCC website for £19. However, group packages and tailored pricing schemes are available for multiple purchases.