Safeguarding Policy

1. Purpose and Scope

This Safeguarding Policy sets out the measures taken by Britskill Academy (operated by Solid Black Ltd) to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people aged 10–18 who participate in our online learning services, including live online lessons, recorded sessions, tutoring, mentoring and platform-based learning ("Users").

Although children may sometimes be referred to as young people or young adults, for the purposes of this policy and in line with UK safeguarding law, they are referred to as children.

Britskill Academy is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all children who use our services.

All children, regardless of:

• age
• disability
• gender reassignment
• race or ethnicity
• religion or belief
• sex
• sexual orientation

have an equal right to protection from all forms of harm and abuse.

We recognise that abuse and neglect can take many forms and may occur online or offline. All staff and volunteers are required to maintain an attitude of "it could happen here."

Abuse is a form of maltreatment of a child and may involve harm through actions or through failure to act. Harm may be physical, emotional, sexual or involve neglect, including exposure to harmful behaviour online.

Further definitions can be found in Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023).

2. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by and complies with relevant UK legislation and statutory guidance, including:

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024
• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
• Government Guidance on Remote Education
• Information Sharing Guidance 2024
• The Children Act 1989 & 2004
• UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

3. Britskill Academy Safeguarding Commitments

Britskill Academy is committed to:

• Appointing a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) with appropriate training and authority
• Ensuring the DSL receives formal safeguarding training at least every two years, with regular updates
• Providing a secure and confidential safeguarding reporting system
• Ensuring children and parents are aware of external support such as NSPCC Childline
• Listening to children and taking their concerns seriously
• Maintaining robust safeguarding policies, procedures and staff codes of conduct
• Providing effective supervision, support, and safeguarding training for all staff and tutors
• Ensuring safer recruitment practices, including background checks
• Securely recording and storing safeguarding concerns in line with data protection law
• Involving parents and carers where appropriate
• Handling allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately
• Maintaining zero tolerance for bullying, harassment or discrimination
• Providing effective complaints and whistleblowing procedures
• Promoting a culture of respect, openness and safeguarding awareness

4. Online Safety

Britskill Academy recognises that:

• abuse may take place online
• technology may be used to facilitate harm

Measures include:

• Lessons delivered via secure platforms such as Teachworks, Zoom, Google Meet, or other education portals
• Clear behavioural expectations for students and tutors
• Monitoring and moderation of sessions where appropriate
• Encouraging students to report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable

Any disclosure of online abuse or inappropriate behaviour will be referred immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, who will take appropriate action, including referral to external agencies if required.

Child-on-child abuse is taken seriously and addressed in line with this policy and the Student Code of Conduct.

5. Student Code of Conduct

All students must follow Britskill Academy's Student Code of Conduct, which prohibits:

• bullying, harassment or discrimination
• inappropriate language or behaviour
• sharing personal contact details
• misuse of chat or communication tools

Breaches may result in:

• warnings
• suspension from sessions
• permanent removal from the service
• safeguarding referrals where appropriate

6. Communication Guidelines

To protect children and staff:

• All communication between tutors and students must take place only via official Britskill Academy platforms
• Private messaging, personal social media contact, or exchange of personal contact details is strictly prohibited
• Tutors must not engage in personal or non-educational discussions with students
• Any breach of communication rules is treated as a disciplinary matter and may be referred to safeguarding authorities

7. Reporting Procedure (Staff, Tutors & Volunteers)

All safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately.

Reports should be sent to:

Email: safeguarding@britskill.co.uk

The report should include:

• names of all individuals involved
• the platform used (Teachworks, Zoom, Google Meet, etc.)
• date and time of the incident
• a factual summary (not opinions)
• any action already taken
• your contact details

When receiving a disclosure:

• listen calmly
• reassure the child
• do not promise confidentiality
• signpost to appropriate support

8. Safer Recruitment

Britskill Academy is committed to safer recruitment and ensures that:

• identity is verified (photo ID / official documents)
• enhanced DBS checks are carried out where required
• references are obtained and verified
• academic and professional qualifications are checked
• safeguarding expectations are made clear before engagement

No tutor or staff member works with children without appropriate checks and safeguarding awareness.

9. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

All allegations are taken seriously.

• All allegations are referred immediately to the DSL
• The DSL determines whether the concern is low-level or meets the threshold for harm
• Where appropriate, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) will be contacted
• Staff are encouraged to self-report any behaviour that could be misinterpreted
• All allegations are handled confidentially and fairly

10. Parental Consent

For users under 18:

• parental or legal guardian consent is required
• parents and students confirm awareness of:

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policies
• Student Code of Conduct
• Safeguarding Policy

11. Data Protection

Britskill Academy is committed to protecting children's personal data.

• We comply with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018
• Safeguarding records are stored securely and accessed only by authorised personnel
• Personal data is shared only where necessary for safeguarding or legal reasons

12. Review and Updates

This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed at least annually and updated as required to reflect:

• changes in law or guidance
• best practice developments
• changes to our services or platforms

The most recent version will always be available on www.britskill.co.uk.