21 Mar 150 local taxi drivers sign up for safeguarding training
So far, 150 taxi and private hire drivers have booked themselves onto safeguarding training sessions being given by Basildon Council’s Safeguarding team in conjunction with the Licensing team. The first safeguarding training session is taking place on Friday 23 March in the Gielgud Room of the Towngate Theatre.
Basildon Council’s Licensing Committee backed the idea of introducing mandatory safeguarding training for all prospective and existing licence holders last year.
As a licensing authority, Basildon Council’s primary role is to protect and ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
In recent years, official reports into child sexual exploitation cases have made specific references to the role of taxi and private hire vehicle drivers, who may unwittingly transport victims or hold important information which could prevent and detect offending.
Basildon Council has previously encouraged drivers to attend free local training sessions on safeguarding, but the Licensing Committee decisions now means it is a mandatory condition for holding a licence. The training ensures drivers know how to recognise and report suspicious activity in relation to abuse and exploitation of young people and adults with care and support needs.
