Safeguarding policy

Purpose

Academic UK is committed to protecting children and adults at risk from harm. A child is anyone under 18. The welfare of the student comes before commercial or reputational interests.

Our approach

• Maintain clear professional boundaries and use appropriate communication channels.
• Involve a parent or legal guardian where appropriate and respect the student’s voice, privacy and best interests.
• Collect and share safeguarding information only where necessary, lawfully and securely.
• Record and escalate concerns promptly without attempting to investigate matters beyond our role.
• Train relevant personnel and maintain a clear route to the designated safeguarding lead.

Guardian services

Academic UK does not directly provide guardians. Where guardianship is needed, we may introduce or coordinate with an independent specialist guardian service.

Before making such a provider available through our service, we will carry out proportionate due diligence covering safeguarding arrangements, appropriate DBS and barred-list checking processes, insurance, complaints, incident reporting, data protection and contractual responsibilities. The guardian provider remains responsible for delivering its service under its own terms.

Raising a concern

Send safeguarding concerns to info@academic-uk.com with the subject “Safeguarding”, or call +44 7811 332249. Information will be shared only with those who need it to protect the person concerned or meet a legal obligation.

If someone is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services. Concerns may also need to be referred to the relevant local authority safeguarding team, police, DBS or another competent body.

Safer working and review

Role eligibility and the appropriate level of safeguarding checks depend on the activities performed, frequency and supervision. Academic UK will review this policy, its referral contacts and provider due diligence at least annually and after any significant incident or service change.