Last updated 09/09/2026
If a child or young person is in immediate danger, call 999. Nothing in this policy replaces emergency help.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Dr Akash Gandhi. Contact: info@theukcatpeople.co.uk or 0203 488 5468.
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead: Dr Rebecca Massie. Contact: info@theukcatpeople.co.uk or 0203 488 5468.
If your concern is about the Designated Safeguarding Lead, do not report it to him. Contact the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 (help@nspcc.org.uk), or the children's services team at the local authority for the area where the child lives.
Urgent support for a young person who is struggling: 999 in an emergency; NHS 111, option 2, for an urgent mental health response; their own GP for a same-day appointment; Samaritans on 116 123, free, day or night; Shout by texting SHOUT to 85258; Childline on 0800 1111. Parents and carers can also call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.
We are an education and admissions tutoring provider. We are not a mental health, counselling or medical service. Section 23 sets out what we do, and what we do not do, when a student tells us they are struggling.
1.1 Policy Overview
TheUKCATPeople's Safeguarding Policy is meticulously crafted to safeguard the safety, well-being, and rights of all children and young people engaging with our services. This policy is integral to creating a nurturing environment where students are empowered to thrive academically and personally. It is enforceable upon all individuals associated with TheUKCATPeople, including but not limited to staff, tutors, volunteers, and students.
1.2 Policy Scope
This policy comprehensively governs all dimensions of safeguarding within TheUKCATPeople, ranging from the recruitment of tutors to the proactive management and resolution of any safeguarding concerns. It underscores our unwavering dedication to upholding the highest echelons of care, safety, and welfare for the young individuals under our tutelage.
2.1 Legislative Compliance
This policy is rigorously aligned with a broad spectrum of UK legislation and statutory guidelines, ensuring a comprehensive framework for safeguarding and child protection. These include, but are not limited to:
Children Act 1989 and 2004: Provides a comprehensive framework for the care and protection of children, including provisions for safeguarding, the welfare of children, and Local Authority responsibilities.
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Govern the handling of personal data, ensuring that information about children, parents and staff is used appropriately and securely, and set the conditions under which special category data such as health information may be processed and shared for safeguarding purposes.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006: Establishes the necessity for appropriate checks on individuals who work with children and vulnerable groups.
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE, DfE, September 2025): Offers detailed guidance on safeguarding practices within educational settings. We work to the current edition and review this policy each September when a new edition is published.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989 (ratified by the United Kingdom in 1991): Underpins the rights of children and provides a framework for their protection and well-being.
Equality Act 2010: Ensures protection from discrimination for all individuals, promoting equality of opportunity.
Education Act 2002: Sets out responsibilities for educational settings regarding the welfare and safety of students.
Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015: Includes provisions related to preventing radicalisation and extremism.
Human Rights Act 1998: Protects the human rights of individuals, including children and young people.
Children and Families Act 2014: Addresses the needs of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Prevent Duty Guidance: Provides a framework for preventing extremism and radicalisation in educational settings.
Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023: Sets out how organisations and agencies should work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
Online Safety Act 2023: Places duties on services that children use, and informs our approach to safety in online tutoring.
This policy also respects and integrates guidance from local safeguarding partnerships and child protection agencies, ensuring that our practices are not only legally compliant but also responsive to the specific needs and contexts of the children and young people we work with.
Additionally, TheUKCATPeople commits to regular monitoring of legal updates and sector developments to ensure that our policy remains current and effective in the face of evolving legislative and regulatory landscapes.
2.2 Continuous Review and Adaptation
TheUKCATPeople pledges an unwavering commitment to the dynamic and regular review of this policy. This is to ensure not only its alignment with the evolving legal landscape but also to integrate best practices in child protection and safeguarding. This process will involve periodic consultations with experts in child welfare, legal compliance, and educational ethics to ensure the policy remains at the forefront of safeguarding practices.
3.1 Rigorous Implementation
TheUKCATPeople implements this policy through a defined briefing and induction process, a written Code of Conduct that every tutor and member of staff signs, clear reporting lines to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, and a culture of openness in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. This includes an environment where concerns can be raised without fear of reprisal.
3.2 Enforcement and Accountability
Clear mechanisms for enforcement and accountability will be established. Any deviation from this policy by staff, tutors, or volunteers will be met with appropriate and prompt action, ranging from training and guidance to disciplinary measures, depending on the severity of the infraction.
3.3 Protection of Tutors and Staff
TheUKCATPeople extends its safeguarding measures to protect not only students but also our tutors and staff. This involves ensuring the safety and well-being of tutors and staff in their interactions with clients, students, and among themselves. Measures include providing training on professional communication, offering support channels for reporting concerns, and ensuring that work environments, both physical and virtual, are safe and respectful.
4.1 Potential Collaboration with External Agencies
While TheUKCATPeople primarily manages safeguarding internally, we acknowledge the potential benefits of collaborating with external safeguarding agencies, local authorities, and law enforcement, particularly in situations that warrant a more coordinated approach to child protection.
We maintain a readiness to engage with external bodies as and when required. This may include situations where external expertise or intervention is necessary for the child's welfare or in cases of legal obligations.
In the event of collaborating with external agencies, we will adhere to strict protocols for information sharing that respect confidentiality and legal requirements, ensuring that any data shared is pertinent, necessary, and in the best interests of the child's safety and well-being.
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead maintains formal safeguarding training and takes external advice where a concern falls outside our routine experience. Where joint or external training opportunities arise that would strengthen our practice, we take them.
If required, we are prepared to engage with local safeguarding networks to stay informed about regional child protection trends and strategies. This participation would be as needed, based on specific circumstances and requirements.
4.2 Internal Responsibility and External Resources
Our approach prioritises robust internal safeguarding procedures while recognising the value of external resources and assistance in complex or specialised scenarios.
Safeguarding is managed by our Designated Safeguarding Lead and, in his absence or where a concern involves him, our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. They are the first point of contact for any concern. They hold formal safeguarding training for the role and take external advice, from the Local Authority Designated Officer, children's services or the NSPCC, where a concern goes beyond what we should handle alone.
In complex cases or when facing unfamiliar safeguarding challenges, we may seek advice or consultation from external safeguarding experts or legal advisors to ensure our response is appropriate and effective.
4.3 Parental and Guardian Involvement
Parents and guardians are essential partners in safeguarding. TheUKCATPeople will engage them actively in understanding our safeguarding policies, procedures, and their crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of their wards.
5.1 Abuse: A Multifaceted Violation
Abuse constitutes a profound violation of an individual's fundamental human and civil rights. It manifests when an individual's actions or inactions jeopardise another's safety, health, or well-being. This can affect both adults and children, and the detrimental impacts of abuse can range from short-term to long-lasting consequences. Recognising abuse is critical, yet challenging, as its signs are not always apparent and victims might not disclose their experiences, sometimes due to a lack of awareness that what they are enduring is, in fact, abuse.
5.2 Types of Abuse
Abuse manifests in various forms, each with its unique characteristics and potential harms. These include but are not limited to:
Emotional Abuse: Inflicting psychological distress through actions or language.
Psychological Abuse: Manipulation or mental coercion that can lead to psychological trauma.
Physical Abuse: Inflicting physical harm or discomfort.
Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual actions or interactions.
Financial Abuse: Exploiting or controlling an individual's financial resources.
Domestic Abuse: Abuse occurring within a domestic setting.
Organisational Abuse: Abuse that occurs within an institution or service setting.
Self-Harm: Individuals causing harm to themselves as a form of coping or expression.
Neglect: Failure to meet basic needs, whether through lack of action or inattention.
5.3 Child-Specific Considerations
A child, defined as anyone under the age of 18 as per Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE, 2025), is considered abused or at risk when their basic needs are not met due to acts of commission (active abuse) or omission (neglect). The ability of staff to identify signs of abuse and neglect is paramount in early intervention. This includes being vigilant about behaviours indicative of underlying issues such as substance abuse, truancy, or involvement in risky activities like the sharing of explicit images.
5.4 Role of TheUKCATPeople Staff
Tutors and staff of TheUKCATPeople are briefed on, and expected to be alert to, potential signs of abuse or neglect. They are not expected to investigate or to reach a conclusion. Where there is any uncertainty or concern, however small, the matter must be brought to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or the Deputy without delay. Understanding that children might not be ready or able to articulate their experiences of abuse, exploitation or neglect, tutors are asked to approach such situations with sensitivity and discretion, and to pass the concern on rather than hold it.
5.5 The Objective of Safeguarding
The fundamental goal of safeguarding within TheUKCATPeople is to:
Protect children from any form of maltreatment.
Prevent impairment of children's mental and physical health and development.
Ensure that children's upbringing is consistent with safe and effective care.
Actively engage in measures that facilitate the best outcomes for all children.
In alignment with "Keeping Children Safe in Education" (KCSIE, DfE, September 2025), this policy encompasses a broad spectrum of protective and proactive measures to safeguard the welfare of children and young people entrusted to our care.
6.1 Immediate Action
Upon any suspicion or disclosure of abuse, TheUKCATPeople mandates the immediate implementation of protective measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the child or young person involved. Such measures include but are not limited to, contacting emergency services for urgent situations and promptly informing the child's parents or guardians, except in cases where this might exacerbate the risk to the child. In every instance, the paramount consideration is the immediate safety and emotional well-being of the child or young person.
6.2 Recording and Reporting
Consistent with best practice guidance and legal requirements, all concerns, disclosures and allegations of abuse are documented securely and confidentially, and reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Records are made the same day, in factual terms, recording what was said or seen, who was told, what was decided and why. Where the concern involves the Designated Safeguarding Lead himself, it is reported instead to the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, and where appropriate directly to the Local Authority Designated Officer, the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000, or the police. This ensures impartiality and integrity in handling such sensitive issues.
6.3 Investigation and Follow-up
TheUKCATPeople is committed to an ethos where every allegation of abuse is treated with the utmost seriousness and rigour. Investigations are conducted in strict adherence to our established procedures and are in full compliance with legal obligations. Throughout the investigative process, the confidentiality and welfare of all parties involved, particularly the child or young person, are maintained with the highest regard. The process includes not only the thorough investigation of the allegation but also appropriate follow-up actions to ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of the child or young person. Furthermore, we are committed to providing support and resources to all individuals affected during and following the conclusion of the investigation.
6.4 Monitoring Communications for Safety
Bookings, lesson delivery and messaging take place through channels we control, and tutors must not move contact with a student to personal accounts or private numbers. Where a safeguarding concern arises, the Designated Safeguarding Lead may review records held on our own systems. Any such review is carried out in line with data protection law and only to the extent necessary for the concern in hand.
7.1 Ensuring a Safe Learning Environment
TheUKCATPeople is dedicated to creating and maintaining a learning environment that is not only conducive to education but also prioritises the safety and well-being of every participant. Most of our teaching is delivered online. Where a session or course is delivered in person, we carry out a risk assessment of the venue before it is used, and sessions are held in open, observable spaces.
7.2 Vigilance in Online Safety
In our digital interactions, TheUKCATPeople requires the use of approved platforms, so that online sessions are conducted in a secure and controlled digital environment. Tutors are required to adhere to professional standards in these sessions. Where a session is recorded, the student and their parent or carer are told in advance, the recording is stored securely, and it is accessed only for a quality or safeguarding reason.
7.3 Systematic Allegations Monitoring
TheUKCATPeople keeps records of all safeguarding allegations. The Designated Safeguarding Lead reviews them when this policy is reviewed, and uses them to update the guidance issued to tutors. This ensures that we learn from each incident and strengthen our practice.
8.1 Proactive Identification of Risks
Our tutors and staff are briefed at induction on how to identify possible signs of abuse or neglect, and are reminded whenever this policy is reissued. The briefing covers changes in behaviour, physical indications such as unexplained injuries, and the significance of anything a student says that may indicate harm. Our role is to notice and to report, not to investigate. We aim to be an environment in which a student feels able to raise a concern.
8.2 Immediate Action and Referral Protocol
At TheUKCATPeople, any concern related to a child’s welfare is treated with immediacy and seriousness. Concerns are promptly escalated to our designated safeguarding lead, who is trained in evaluating and responding to such situations. In scenarios where a child is perceived to be in immediate danger, our policy mandates an urgent response, including contacting emergency services. This approach ensures that no concern is overlooked and that every child’s safety is paramount.
Where a child may be at risk of significant harm, the Designated Safeguarding Lead will make a referral to children's services at the local authority for the area where the child lives, and to the police where a crime may have been committed. Parental consent is not required for such a referral, and it will not be delayed while consent is sought, although we will normally tell parents or carers that a referral is being made unless doing so would place the child at greater risk.
8.3 Comprehensive Support and Follow-Up
Following any incident or identification of risk, we are committed to providing holistic support to the affected child or young person. This support includes but is not limited to, referrals to specialised child protection services and collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure a coordinated care approach. We also focus on the long-term well-being of the child, offering ongoing support and monitoring to ensure their continued safety and recovery. This comprehensive support mechanism is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the welfare of every child under our care.
9.1 Comprehensive and Continuous Training
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead hold formal safeguarding training appropriate to the role, refreshed at least every two years, covering current legal standards and best practice. They are responsible for keeping up to date with changes in legislation and guidance, including each new edition of Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Tutors, staff and volunteers are not required to complete an external safeguarding qualification. Instead, before they work with any student they must read this policy in full, read and sign our Code of Conduct, and complete a safeguarding induction briefing with the Designated Safeguarding Lead covering how to recognise a concern, how to respond to a disclosure, what not to promise, and how and when to report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. They confirm in writing that they have done so, and we keep that confirmation on file.
This policy is reissued to every tutor and member of staff whenever it materially changes, and in any event at least once a year, and they confirm they have read it again. Where an incident or a change in guidance shows that something needs to be understood better, the Designated Safeguarding Lead issues written guidance to the whole team.
9.2 Enhancing Awareness
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is available to every tutor and member of staff for advice on a safeguarding question at any time, and tutors are encouraged to ask early rather than wait until they are certain. Reminders and updates are issued in writing when guidance changes or an incident shows a point needs reinforcing.
9.3 Safeguarding Governance and Accountability
We define specific roles and responsibilities for safeguarding governance, including appointing a designated safeguarding lead. This role is responsible for overseeing all safeguarding issues and ensuring compliance with our policy, adding clarity and accountability to our safeguarding efforts.
10.1 Rigorous Data Protection
In line with the Data Protection Act 2018, TheUKCATPeople adheres to stringent protocols for managing the personal information of students and staff. Our approach to data handling is governed by principles of confidentiality and necessity, ensuring that information is shared solely on a need-to-know basis and always in alignment with safeguarding procedures.
10.2 Strategic Information Sharing
We have established clear and strategic protocols for sharing information with external agencies. This framework ensures that our actions in response to safeguarding concerns are not only coordinated but also comply with legal and ethical standards, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of our safeguarding efforts.
11.1 Diligent Policy Review
Our safeguarding policy undergoes a thorough review annually or in the wake of significant incidents. This process ensures that the policy remains effective and fully aligned with evolving safeguarding legislation and best practices.
11.2 Embracing Feedback for Improvement
TheUKCATPeople actively seeks and values feedback from students, parents, staff, and tutors. This feedback is integral to our process of continual improvement, ensuring that our safeguarding practices are responsive to the needs of our community.
11.3 Ongoing Policy Review and Updating
We commit to a full annual review of our safeguarding policy and ongoing smaller updates as needed. This ensures that our policy remains effective, relevant, and aligned with the latest safeguarding legislation, best practices, and societal changes.
12.1 Promoting a Culture of Transparency
We encourage and support all staff and tutors to report any concerns regarding unsafe practices or potential breaches of our safeguarding policy. This emphasis on transparency is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of our safeguarding efforts.
12.2 Robust Protection for Whistleblowers
TheUKCATPeople has instituted robust procedures to protect whistleblowers, ensuring their concerns are addressed seriously and their identity and welfare are safeguarded. This policy is critical in fostering an environment where staff can report concerns without fear of reprisal or detriment.
12.3 Compliance and Disciplinary Actions
The policy clearly states the requirements for compliance with our safeguarding measures and outlines potential disciplinary actions for breaches. This ensures that all staff and tutors understand the consequences of non-compliance, reinforcing the seriousness with which we treat safeguarding.
13.1 Prompt and Equitable Response to Allegations
At TheUKCATPeople, we maintain an unwavering commitment to addressing all allegations against staff or tutors with immediate and unbiased attention. Upon receiving an allegation, our response is swift, ensuring no delay in addressing potential risks.
Our process is structured to uphold fairness and integrity and follows our established protocols, so that an investigation is thorough and respects the rights of everyone involved. Serious allegations are not handled by us alone. They are referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer, and where appropriate the police, and we follow their direction on what we should and should not do ourselves.
13.2 Policy on Neutral Suspension
In situations where the nature of the allegation necessitates, TheUKCATPeople may implement a suspension of the individual involved. This suspension is a precautionary measure, employed solely to safeguard the welfare of children and other parties during the investigative process.
It is imperative to note that such a suspension is not an indication of the individual’s guilt or a prejudgment of the case's outcome. Rather, it is a neutral act, undertaken in the interests of safety and to maintain the integrity of the investigation. During this period, the suspended individual will be supported appropriately, and their rights and dignity will be respected. The decision to suspend is made judiciously, considering the specific circumstances of each case, and is not a default response to an allegation.
13.3 Referral to the Local Authority Designated Officer and the Disclosure and Barring Service
Where an allegation is made that a member of staff, a tutor or a volunteer has behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child, we will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for our local authority within one working day and follow their advice on next steps. We will not carry out our own investigation in a way that cuts across a LADO or police enquiry.
Where a person is dismissed, or removed from work with children, because they harmed a child or posed a risk of harm, TheUKCATPeople will make a referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service. This is a legal duty under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, and it applies even where the person resigns before a process is concluded.
14.1 Enhanced Collaborative Involvement
At TheUKCATPeople, we recognise parents and carers as pivotal allies in our safeguarding endeavours. Our approach is grounded in fostering a transparent and proactive partnership with them. We actively engage in open, continuous communication to ensure that they are not just informed but are also active participants in matters related to their child’s safety and well-being.
This collaborative involvement is facilitated through regular updates, dedicated communication channels, and opportunities for parents and carers to voice their concerns and insights, which are integral to our safeguarding processes.
14.2 Empowering Parents and Carers with Resources and Support
Understanding the crucial role of parents and carers in safeguarding, TheUKCATPeople is committed to empowering them with a wealth of resources and comprehensive information about our safeguarding policies and procedures.
This commitment includes providing accessible, clear and relevant materials that help parents and carers understand our safeguarding approach, recognise potential risks, and know the appropriate steps to take. Our safeguarding policy is published on our website and the Designated Safeguarding Lead's contact route is given at the top of it.
15.1 Commitment to Inclusive Practices
TheUKCATPeople is dedicated to ensuring that our safeguarding practices are inclusive and respectful of the diversity of the children, families and staff we work with. This includes recognising and accommodating the varied cultural, linguistic and religious backgrounds of our community, and being sensitive to the needs of students with disabilities or special educational needs. Our safeguarding briefing covers the additional vulnerabilities that can arise, and the fact that a concern may present differently from student to student.
15.2 Anti-Discrimination Policy
Our safeguarding approach is firmly rooted in the principles of equality and non-discrimination. We ensure that all children, regardless of their background, have equal access to protection and support. We are committed to identifying and removing any barriers that could prevent children from receiving the full benefits of our safeguarding measures.
16.1 Comprehensive Strategy Against Peer-on-Peer Abuse
TheUKCATPeople recognises the need to address peer-on-peer abuse, which includes bullying, harassment and other forms of interpersonal harm among young people. Our safeguarding briefing covers how to recognise it and how to respond. In group settings such as courses and mock interviews, expectations of respectful conduct are set out at the start, and students are told how to raise a concern with us.
16.2 Holistic Support Framework
Our approach to peer-on-peer abuse focuses on the safety of the student who has been harmed. We will listen, record, involve parents or carers, and signpost to appropriate support, including the student's school, which holds the statutory safeguarding role. We do not provide counselling ourselves. Where a student of ours has caused the harm, we will address their conduct, involve their parents or carers, and may withdraw them from group settings or from our services where that is necessary to keep others safe.
17.1 Meticulous and Proactive Recruitment Measures
TheUKCATPeople prioritises the highest standards of safeguarding right from the start of our staff and tutor recruitment process. Our approach is both meticulous and proactive, designed to serve as a robust first line of defence in safeguarding. We conduct a comprehensive screening process for all potential staff and tutors, which includes a mandatory enhanced criminal record check at the highest level available for work with children in the part of the United Kingdom where the person lives, as set out at 17.2. This is to ensure that no individual with a known history of harmful behaviour or offences is employed in any capacity.
Every prospective tutor undergoes a rigorous video interview, allowing us to assess not only their skills and qualifications but also their attitudes and motivations towards child safety. During these interviews, we pay close attention to how candidates interact and communicate, looking for traits that align with our safeguarding ethos. We also require candidates to provide tangible evidence of their experience working with children. This could be in the form of professional references, testimonials, or records of previous employment in educational or childcare settings.
Furthermore, candidates are asked to provide professional references which are checked to confirm their suitability and integrity in working with children. These references are a critical part of our vetting process, ensuring that we gain a comprehensive understanding of the candidate's past conduct and performance in roles involving children. For tutors, who sometimes do not have explicit working experience, a history of working with young people in a supervised setting is required.
Additionally, all prospective tutors and staff are required to sign and adhere to TheUKCATPeople's Code of Conduct. This code clearly outlines our expectations regarding behaviour, interaction with students, and overall conduct within our educational environment. By signing this, they commit to upholding the principles and standards we set for ensuring the safety and well-being of all students.
17.2 Criminal Record Checks Across the United Kingdom and Overseas
The level of check we require is the highest one available for work with children in the part of the United Kingdom where the person lives. This is a single United Kingdom wide standard: nobody works with our students on a lesser check because of where they happen to be based.
England and Wales: an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check including a check of the children's barred list.
Scotland: membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme for regulated work with children, issued by Disclosure Scotland.
Northern Ireland: an enhanced AccessNI check including a check of the children's barred list.
Tutors and staff based outside the United Kingdom: a criminal record certificate, police clearance or certificate of good conduct from the national police authority of every country they have lived in for six months or more in the last five years, dated within twelve months of joining us and supplied in English or with a certified translation. Where they have previously lived or worked in the United Kingdom, or hold a current DBS, PVG or AccessNI check, we require that as well. Where a country does not issue such a certificate to individuals, we say so on the person's file, take a written self declaration of any criminal record and any bar from working with children, and require two references from people who have supervised their work with young people. Tutors based overseas work with our students online only and are never used for in person or unsupervised work.
In every case we see the certificate itself, not a summary of it, before the person is allowed to work with a student. We record the certificate or membership number and the issue date, and we check that record on a set schedule. We ask tutors in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to join the DBS Update Service or the AccessNI equivalent where one is available, and PVG members in Scotland to keep their scheme record current, so that a check can be reconfirmed rather than left to age. Everyone confirms in writing, at least once a year, that nothing has changed in their criminal record or their eligibility to work with children, and they must tell the Designated Safeguarding Lead straight away if it does.
A tutor who is waiting for a check to come back is not activated and is not given students. Where an exception is ever made while a check is outstanding, it is agreed by the Designated Safeguarding Lead, recorded with the reason, and covers supervised online work only.
17.3 Dynamic Staff Suitability Reviews
Recognising that safeguarding is an ongoing responsibility, we conduct suitability reviews of our staff and tutors. These reviews extend beyond routine checks. They include evaluating how staff interact with students, feedback from students and parents, and attention to any change in personal circumstances that might affect a person's ability to work safely with children.
Every tutor and member of staff reconfirms in writing that they have read this policy and the Code of Conduct whenever the policy is reissued, and at least once a year. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead maintains formal safeguarding training on behalf of the organisation and is the source of advice for the team.
In summary, TheUKCATPeople's approach to recruitment and ongoing staff assessment is designed to create a safe and supportive learning environment. Through these rigorous and proactive measures, we affirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding every student under our care.
18.1 Safeguarding in Online Tutoring Contexts
TheUKCATPeople recognises the unique challenges of online tutoring and has established specific guidelines to ensure robust safeguarding in this setting. Our policy mandates clear protocols for communication between tutors and students, emphasising respectful and professional interactions. We have zero tolerance for cyberbullying, inappropriate conversations, and any form of digital misconduct. Tutors are trained to foster a safe online environment, and students are educated about responsible digital behaviour and how to report any concerns.
18.2 Use of Technology for Safeguarding
To support safeguarding in online tutoring, TheUKCATPeople uses approved communication and video platforms that keep contact inside systems we control. Tutors must not move contact with a student onto personal accounts, personal phone numbers or private messaging. Where a session is recorded, it is stored securely and accessed only if a quality or safeguarding reason arises, so that safety and privacy are balanced.
18.3 Tutor Requirements
All TheUKCATPeople Tutors are required to:
Observe and comply with TheUKCATPeople's Code of Conduct.
Follow our guidance on online safety and digital communication, including the requirement that all contact with a student stays on approved platforms and never moves to personal accounts, personal numbers or private messaging.
Read this policy and the Code of Conduct at induction, reconfirm having read them whenever the policy is reissued, and read any written safeguarding guidance the Designated Safeguarding Lead sends out.
Report any disclosures of abuse or concerns directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) as soon as possible. The DSL is responsible for ensuring that appropriate actions are taken to protect the child.
Respond to disclosures of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, overdosing or eating disorders by listening, not promising confidentiality, and reporting to the Designated Safeguarding Lead the same day. Tutors are not expected to assess risk or to counsel a student. Section 23 sets out what happens next.
Report any concerns about the conduct of other staff members towards children, ensuring a clear understanding of the reporting procedures and channels for such incidents.
Remain vigilant for signs of harm and abuse, including issues of peer-on-peer abuse, and follow the Child Protection Procedures outlined in this policy.
Know the Designated Safeguarding Lead’s name and contact details for effective communication in case of safeguarding concerns.
Be aware of and engage in the early help process, which includes identifying emerging problems, liaising with the DSL, and sharing information with other professionals for early identification and assessment.
19.1 Safety in One-to-One Sessions
In one-to-one tutoring scenarios, TheUKCATPeople implements stringent safety guidelines. Sessions, whether online or in-person, are conducted in transparent settings. For in-person sessions, they are held in open and observable locations. Online sessions are conducted on secure platforms, and parents/carers are encouraged to be aware of the tutoring schedule. In both cases, the emphasis is on creating an environment where the student feels safe and comfortable.
19.2 Boundaries and Conduct
Clear boundaries are set for behaviour and interactions during one-to-one sessions. Our Code of Conduct sets out professional conduct, including appropriate conversation topics and, in in-person settings, physical boundaries. Tutors confirm they have read it before working with any student, and reconfirm when it is reissued.
20.1 Introduction to Prevent and Anti-Radicalisation
At TheUKCATPeople, we recognise the importance of safeguarding young people from extremist ideologies and the risks of radicalisation. Our policy is developed to provide a safe learning environment, free from the influences of extremism and terrorism.
20.2 Understanding Radicalisation
Radicalisation refers to the process by which individuals come to support terrorism and extremist ideologies. We understand that this can happen to anyone and can be influenced by a range of factors including peer pressure, social media, and family members. Recognising these signs early is key to prevention.
20.3 Identifying Vulnerabilities
We are committed to identifying students who may be vulnerable to radicalisation. Indicators may include noticeable changes in behaviour, advocacy of extremist views, or expressions of sympathy for extremist causes. While these signs do not necessarily mean a student is being radicalised, they will prompt a thoughtful and measured response.
20.4 Response to Identified Concerns
In cases where there is a concern about a student’s potential involvement in radicalisation:
The concern should be immediately reported to the designated safeguarding lead.
The safeguarding lead will assess the situation and, if necessary, seek further advice from local authority safeguarding partners or the Prevent lead in the area.
If there is an imminent risk of harm to the student or others, the situation will be reported to law enforcement as part of our duty of care.
20.5 Promoting a Positive Learning Environment
Our educational approach and curriculum are designed to promote respect, tolerance, and understanding. We encourage critical thinking and open discussion about a range of topics, including the dangers of extremism.
20.6 Working with External Partners
Where necessary, we will engage with external agencies, such as local community support groups or law enforcement, to seek advice or to refer cases. This engagement is always conducted in a manner that respects the confidentiality and welfare of the student.
20.7 Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to specific incidents or new threats. This ensures that our approach remains effective and relevant to the ever-changing nature of radicalisation and extremism.
21.1 Procedure for Reporting Concerns
TheUKCATPeople has established detailed procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns within the tutoring context. This includes designated personnel to whom concerns should be reported, clear channels for reporting (including anonymous options), and a step-by-step guide on the subsequent actions. These procedures are communicated to all staff, tutors, and students, ensuring everyone knows how to raise concerns.
21.2 Responding to Disclosures
Our safeguarding induction briefing covers how to respond if a student discloses abuse or a safeguarding concern. It covers listening without leading, reassuring the student without promising a confidentiality that cannot be kept, immediate steps to keep the student safe, and reporting to the Designated Safeguarding Lead the same day. All disclosures are taken seriously, and the response is coordinated by the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
22.1 - Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
TheUKCATPeople's safeguarding framework is supported by a clear structure of roles and responsibilities. Central to it is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), currently Dr Akash Gandhi, who can be reached at info@theukcatpeople.co.uk or on 0203 488 5468. He is the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns. He oversees the implementation of this policy, coordinates training, supports staff handling concerns, liaises with external agencies including children's services and the Local Authority Designated Officer, maintains confidential records, and reviews this policy.
22.1a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead is Dr Rebecca Massie, who can be reached at info@theukcatpeople.co.uk or on 0203 488 5468. The Deputy acts in place of the Designated Safeguarding Lead whenever he is unavailable, and takes the lead on any concern that involves him, so that no concern is ever reported only to the person it is about. Both the Lead and the Deputy hold current safeguarding training appropriate to the role, refreshed at least every two years.
22.2 - Tutors & Staff
Our tutors and staff play a vital role in safeguarding at TheUKCATPeople. They are required to read, understand and adhere to this policy and the Code of Conduct, to complete the safeguarding induction briefing with the Designated Safeguarding Lead before working with any student, and to reconfirm having read the policy whenever it is reissued. It is their responsibility to report any concern about a student's welfare directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. They are expected to maintain a safe and supportive environment and to be alert to signs of abuse or neglect, acting always in the best interest of the student's safety and well-being.
22.3 Students & Parents
We also engage students and parents in our safeguarding efforts. They are encouraged to be aware of our safeguarding policy and are invited to report any concerns to the DSL or any trusted member of staff. We value feedback from students and parents regarding safeguarding, which is considered in our policy reviews.
The safeguarding policy is subject to an annual review or following significant incidents or changes in legislation.
We regularly evaluate the effectiveness of this policy, seeking input from staff, tutors, students, and parents. TheUKCATPeople is committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in all matters related to safeguarding, ensuring the highest standards are upheld in the protection and welfare of the children and young people under our care.
23.1 Our role, and the limits of it
TheUKCATPeople is an education and admissions tutoring provider. We are not a mental health service, a counselling service or a medical service. We do not assess, diagnose or treat, we do not provide therapy, and we do not provide crisis care. Saying so plainly is part of keeping students safe, because it makes clear where real help comes from.
Applying to medicine and dentistry is demanding, and students sometimes tell us they are struggling. Where a student discloses low mood, hopelessness, loss of appetite or sleep, self-harm, disordered eating, suicidal thoughts, or any other concern about their mental health, our role is to listen without judgement, take it seriously, keep them safe in the moment, record what was said, and connect them and their parents or carers with people who can help.
23.2 What we do when a student tells us they are struggling
We listen, and we do not promise a confidentiality we cannot keep. We tell the student that we may need to share what they have told us in order to keep them safe, and we explain who with.
The concern is reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead the same day, and recorded contemporaneously and factually.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead considers the level of risk. Where there is an immediate risk to life, we call 999 or direct the family to accident and emergency. Where the concern is urgent but not immediate, we direct the family to NHS 111, option 2, or to a same-day appointment with the student's own GP.
We inform parents or carers, unless doing so would place the student at greater risk. A young person aged 16 or over can be seen by a GP alone, and a younger student may also consent to treatment where they have sufficient understanding to do so.
We encourage the family to tell the student's school or college, because the school holds the statutory safeguarding role, has a Designated Safeguarding Lead of its own, and can usually access pastoral and counselling support that we cannot.
Where a family does not act and we believe a student may be at risk of significant harm, we will refer to children's services at the local authority for the area where the student lives, without consent if necessary.
We offer to pause, defer or reschedule tuition without penalty, so that no student feels under financial pressure to keep going while they are unwell. We will say this without being asked.
We follow up. The Designated Safeguarding Lead agrees a date to check back with the family, and records the outcome.
23.3 Clinical boundaries and dual roles
Some people connected with TheUKCATPeople hold clinical registration. Dr Akash Gandhi is a practising GP. When acting for TheUKCATPeople, he and any other clinically qualified member of the team act in an educational and safeguarding capacity only, and never as the student's clinician. They will not assess, diagnose, advise on treatment or medication, or take clinical responsibility for a student or their family.
This boundary is stated openly at the start of any conversation that touches on a student's health, and the fact that it was stated is recorded. Students and families are always directed to their own GP and to NHS services for clinical care.
23.4 Sources of urgent help
Emergency, where there is an immediate risk to life: 999. Urgent mental health support at any hour: NHS 111, option 2. Same-day GP appointment: the student's own practice. Samaritans: 116 123, free, day or night. Shout: text SHOUT to 85258. Childline: 0800 1111. Papyrus HOPELINE247, for under 35s and those worried about them: 0800 068 4141. NSPCC Helpline, for adults with a concern about a child: 0808 800 5000.
24.1 How safeguarding records are held
Information recorded under this policy is often special category data under Article 9 of the UK GDPR, because it concerns a person's health. We process it for the purposes of safeguarding children and individuals at risk, relying on the substantial public interest condition in Schedule 1 of the Data Protection Act 2018, and, where there is a risk to life, on vital interests.
Safeguarding records are held separately from commercial records. They are not stored in our customer relationship or marketing systems, they never inform marketing or segmentation, and access is restricted to the Designated Safeguarding Lead and the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
24.2 Sharing and retention
Information is shared on a need-to-know basis and only to the extent necessary. Where a child may be at risk of significant harm, we may share information with children's services, the police or health services without consent, and data protection law does not prevent us from doing so.
Safeguarding records are retained until the student's twenty-fifth birthday, or for seven years from the date the concern was recorded, whichever is later, and are then securely destroyed. Records relating to an allegation against a member of staff are retained in line with the advice of the Local Authority Designated Officer.
This policy is owned by the Designated Safeguarding Lead and approved by the board of Ashmore Corporation Limited, trading as TheUKCATPeople.
Version 2.0. Last updated 7 September 2026. Next scheduled review 7 September 2027, or sooner following a significant incident, a change in legislation, or the publication of a new edition of Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Questions about this policy, and any safeguarding concern, should go to the Designated Safeguarding Lead at info@theukcatpeople.co.uk or 0203 488 5468.
Ultimate Package students from our 2025/26 cycle, with their UCAT scores and offers, who trained with us for the UCAT, personal statements and interviews.
“Harry got my UCAT up to 2,590, working through the sections I kept dropping marks on week by week. Gemma then ran my interview practice so the MMI stations didn't catch me out, and Dr Akash mentored me the whole way through. I'm off to King's for Medicine.”
“The interview prep was the part that actually moved the needle. Proper mock MMIs, not just lists of questions, and feedback that was honest about what I was getting wrong. I ended up with four offers and firmed UCL.”
“The Ultimate Package kept me organised from UCAT through to interviews. They knew what dental schools actually ask and tightened up my personal statement. Four offers in the end, and I'm going to Birmingham.”
“Vet applications come down to the written SAQs as much as the interview. Dr Rebecca went through my SAQs line by line, sharpened my answers and prepped me for the panels. I came away with four offers and chose the RVC.”
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