RNN Group recruits Safety Officer following Grant Funding

Rotherham College – part if the RNN Group – has recruited a Project Lead until the end of March with the remit of reducing violence against women and girls following an award of money from the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit.

The Project Lead will be tasked with leading on changing the culture by raising awareness of young people in Rotherham and will work with stakeholders to create an action plan to review and improve college practices and procedures. This role will work across the group, supporting students and staff within all three of their colleges, which also includes Dearne Valley College and North Notts College.

Day-to-day, the Project Lead will develop staff training as well as resources for student group work alongside reviewing college practices and procedures for managing peer-on-peer abuse, specifically sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Furthermore, the Project Lead will lead on campus mapping exercises, running forum groups to allow learners to share their thoughts and feelings, as well as work with stakeholders to develop referral routes, enhance support offer, and build relationships.

Campaigns will be developed using the ‘you said, we did’ model to highlight changes, as well as mini events throughout the RNN Group of campuses. RNN Group will ensure a long-term embedding of this work through providing ‘train the trainer’ opportunities. A Group action plan will also ensure the work continues to be developed and built on to support women and girls into the future after the Project Lead’s role finishes in March.

Laura Reid, Head of Student Support and Safeguarding, said of this new role, “I am extremely proud that we have been able to secure funding via the SY Violence Reduction Unit to enable the RNN Group to gain a more in depth understanding of our local context. Paul has a wealth of knowledge that will be utilised to raise awareness and understanding and to develop personal skills for both staff and students. Education is key to the development of both communities and culture and we know this project will be of benefit to both for our learners and stakeholders.”

Graham Jones, Head of the South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit, added: “Violence Against Women and Girls has a terrible impact, directly on victims, and indirectly on women and girls who too often do not feel safe in our communities.

“Through our Violence Against Women and Girls Reduction Fund, the VRU is aiming to support a range of different organisations and projects which aim to support both these short and long term objectives, including this initiative at Rotherham College and its partner campuses.”

Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of the Violence Reduction Unit, said: “As a society we have come to realise in recent years and months how much needs to change if women and girls are to feel safe at all times. “I am pleased that this grant from the Violence Reduction Unit will be used to help Rotherham College in building good and healthy attitudes and relationships within the college community. We recognise that the conduct and attitudes of these young people will shape the future of society and as a result make it safer for women and girls.”