Safeguarding policy.

Our commitment

Many of our delegates are under 18, and several of our programs involve travel. Every adult who works with them has a duty to keep them safe. This policy sets out how we meet it.

Who it covers

Everyone who works with delegates on behalf of The Council: faculty, staff, chaperones and volunteers, in Lebanon and abroad, in person and online.

Our safeguarding lead

Contact info@thecouncil.academy and write “Safeguarding” in the subject line.

Safer recruitment

Every adult who works with delegates under 18 is interviewed and has their references checked before they start. Where the law allows, they also have a criminal record check.

Supervision on travel programs

• Delegates travel as a group with Council faculty.
• Before departure, families receive the itinerary, the accommodation details and the staff-to-delegate ratio for that trip.
• A parent or guardian’s written consent and emergency contact details are on file for every delegate under 18.
• A named adult is responsible for every delegate at all times.

Health and wellbeing

Families tell us about medical needs, allergies and medication before the program begins. This information is shared only with the faculty responsible for the delegate.

Communication and online safety

Staff contact delegates through official academy channels, and families are included in group messages about travel. Staff do not hold private one-to-one online conversations with delegates under 18.

Photographs

We do not publish a delegate’s name, photograph or destination without written permission from them, and from a parent or guardian if they are under 18.

Raising a concern

Anyone can raise a concern: a delegate, a parent, a member of staff or a member of the public. Contact our safeguarding lead directly. Every concern is recorded and acted on. Where a child may be at risk, we contact the relevant authorities.

Review

We review this policy every year, and after any serious incident.