Royal Welsh College revises safeguarding regulations following allegations

The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama has outlined a 10-point summary of how it will keep its students safe after it was sued for negligence by two previous students. 

Following the landmark hearing, the college has apologised to the two students; a spokesperson from the school has said: ‘we have transformed how we respond to sensitive disclosures, how we deal with complaints or concerns and how we support and safeguard our students’.

The school has created a new confidential feedback system so students can anonymously report concerns. As part of the system, all those who file a complaint or allocation are to be given safety ‘immediately’, with enhanced training and procedures given to mentors, tutors and the Student Services team. 

The 10-point summary released by the school is as follows:

1. We’ve introduced a new confidential feedback system. It means that today, students and staff can report a concern at any time, and anonymously if they prefer. This also offers immediate support resources.
2. We share clear, simple guides on how to complain. These are explained to students as an essential part of student induction and promoted year-round. For students involved in a formal complaint, we then make sure they clearly understand their options at every stage.
3. As soon as we receive a complaint or allegation, we immediately make sure that anyone involved is safe and trained support is in place throughout the process. We always involve independent experts where appropriate.
4. We’re continually enhancing our professional Student Services team of mentors and tutors to ensure we offer a range of specialist skills. In 2020 we created a new role, Student Voice Officer, who advocates for students.
5. We’re ensuring that we have a systematic approach to training in policy and procedures for all colleagues across College.
6. As part of induction, we introduce students and staff to a core principle for us: respect. This is central to our community. Everyone is entitled to work in a safe space and we reinforce this every day. We also run a professionally delivered session for students on sexual consent and conduct, including boundaries and available support.
7. We’re developing specialist communications tools to support difficult day-to-day conversations, with almost 40 staff qualified in restorative practice.
8. Since 2020, we’ve introduced new clear Guidelines for Close Contact and Intimacy in teaching and production work, created with leading external experts.
9. We now train teaching staff in inclusive practice and intimacy work, to ensure the learning environment is safe.
10. We’ve launched a regular panel event, jointly with the Students’ Union, to encourage an open dialogue on difficult and sensitive subjects.