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Safeguarding Policy

Centre: ACLAS Global International Education Group

Effective: 2025-07-05 | Review Date: 2026-07-05

Policy Owner: Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

1. Policy Statement

ACLAS Global International Education Group is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all learners. The Centre recognises its particular responsibility towards learners under the age of 18 and vulnerable adults, and is committed to ensuring that they learn in a safe environment free from abuse, harm, or neglect.

2. Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Centre appoints a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) who is responsible for:

  • Receiving and responding to all safeguarding concerns
  • Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice relevant to the jurisdictions in which the Centre operates (USA, Georgia)
  • Liaising with external agencies (law enforcement, social services) when necessary
  • Ensuring all staff complete safeguarding induction and refresher training
  • Maintaining a confidential safeguarding log

DSL: Centre Director | Contact: [email protected]

Deputy DSL: Centre Quality Lead

3. Recognising Abuse and Harm

All staff are trained to recognise potential indicators of:

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional or psychological abuse
  • Sexual abuse or exploitation
  • Neglect
  • Financial or material abuse (particularly relevant to vulnerable adults)
  • Discriminatory abuse
  • Online abuse, cyber-bullying, or grooming
  • Radicalisation

4. Responding to a Concern

If a staff member has a safeguarding concern about a learner:

1. If the learner is in immediate danger, call 911 (USA emergency services).

2. Listen calmly and without judgment. Do not ask leading questions. Do not promise confidentiality.

3. Record what was said or observed, using the learner's own words where possible. Note the date, time, place, and any witnesses.

4. Report immediately to the DSL using the Safeguarding Concern Form. Do not investigate independently.

5. The DSL assesses the concern and decides on the appropriate course of action, which may include referral to external agencies.

5. Online Safety

Given the Centre's online delivery model:

  • All online interactions between staff and learners take place through Centre-approved channels (Moodle, Centre email, scheduled video sessions).
  • Staff do not use personal social media accounts to communicate with learners.
  • The Moodle platform is monitored for safeguarding risks.
  • Learners receive guidance during induction on safe online behaviour, including protecting personal information and reporting concerns.

6. Safer Recruitment

The Centre applies the following measures when recruiting staff:

  • Identity and right-to-work verification
  • Reference checks (minimum two professional referees)
  • Background checks as required by Georgia and federal law
  • Interview questions that address safeguarding awareness
  • Safeguarding induction as part of the onboarding process

7. Confidentiality and Record Keeping

  • Safeguarding information is stored securely and access is restricted to the DSL, Deputy DSL, and the Centre Director.
  • Information may be shared with external agencies without the learner's or family's consent where this is necessary to protect a person from harm.
  • Safeguarding records are retained in accordance with legal requirements and the Document Storage and Retention Policy.

8. Training

  • All staff complete safeguarding induction within their first month.
  • The DSL and Deputy DSL complete enhanced safeguarding training and refresh this at least every two years.
  • All staff complete a safeguarding refresher annually.

9. Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually and following any significant safeguarding incident or change in relevant legislation.

Approved by: ______________________ (Centre Director)

Date: ______________________