Italia Conti puts the safeguarding, safety and well-being of all its students and staff at the heart of its activities.
Italia Conti prides itself on the high level of support offered to students across all courses and disciplines. We have a designated wellbeing area, staffed by wellbeing team members during operating hours.
The Safeguarding and Wellbeing Lead (Designated Safeguarding Lead), or a deputy, is always available on site. We offer both a drop-in and appointment-based service supporting students with advice and guidance around student wellbeing, including positive mental health, housing issues, finance matters, liaison with outside agencies, including advice on access to external services such as counselling and many other challenges students might face. The Wellbeing Team also provides first aid support and immediate injury management advice.
Staff have annual training in Safeguarding, Child Protection and Prevent; these topics also form part of the Student and Staff Inductions. All students and staff members are expected to abide by the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.
Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
As well as the Wellbeing Team, we have a large cohort of staff who are trained as Mental Health First Aiders and so are equipped to support with mental health concerns as a first port-of-call. Students are able to access online counselling via Italia Conti’s association with LifeWorks (TELUS Health) via referral from the Wellbeing Team.
Heads of Year host regular tutorials to provide pastoral support to students, disseminate information and provide a forum to discuss relevant issues. There is also a close working relationship between Course Teams and the Wellbeing Service to ensure student needs are communicated effectively and appropriate support is put in place. Students receive peer support from Course Reps as well as through the Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) reps as a channel to highlight and promote EDI issues, ideas and good practice.
Students on courses validated by UEL also have access to some support services via the UEL collaborative student entitlement agreements.
The Wellbeing Team provides first-aid support and immediate injury management advice. Many on-site staff are also first aid trained and able to attend to any minor ailments. A member of the Wellbeing Team is always available on-site during normal working hours. The Wellbeing Officers also act as important confidants to students with personal or medical problems and may advise on counselling, specialist or medical appointments as required. Where appropriate, emergencies are referred to hospital. The Wellbeing Officers have access to students’ self-declared medical information and emergency contacts in case of need. We recommend that all students register with a doctor if living away from home.
Students have access to ‘The Hub, a student relaxation and social area with facilities for students to prepare food, eat and relax during breaks.
It’s fantastic. Showcases, shows, summer shows, carol concerts. It’s very full on but I don’t wake up regretting coming here. It is the best thing ever!
“The college provides you with a disciplined, yet family atmosphere that trains you to become the best of the best moving forwards into the performing arts industry.”
“Italia Conti has helped me in terms of my acting development, but also as a person and how I engage and view the world, which aids me as an actor.”
“The building and staff inside welcome you with open arms, guide you through your training and proudly push you, prepped with the best tools for the job.”
“Italia Conti allowed me to do my favorite thing, every day in a safe space amongst talented, supportive people. Being taught by skillful tutors was invaluable. The small classes ensured my voice was always heard and helped me hone my skills.”
“My training at Italia Conti has challenged, fulfilled, and broadened me as an actor and as a person. The buffet of techniques on offer will allow me to meet all challenges in any avenue.”
“The influx of inspiring people flowing through the building creates an atmosphere for greatness and I am honoured to be a part of that.”
“I couldn’t have asked for a more understanding place to spend these crucial moments. The door is always open for us to come back ‘home’ for advice, or even for a cup of tea!”
“Having the most supportive faculty (many of which are working professionals), who are always pushing you to be the best version of yourself has made my transition into the industry a seamless one.”