Safeguarding Policy

1. Commitment

IFECASA is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all learners, tutors, assessors, and staff who use our platform and participate in our programmes. This policy applies to all interactions conducted through or in connection with the IFECASA STEAM platform.

2. Scope

This policy covers:

• All online learning interactions including virtual sessions, assessments, and communications
• In-person training sessions conducted at Accredited Training Centres
• Site visits and audits conducted as part of the Employer Partnership programme
• Any interaction between platform users in their capacity as learners, tutors, assessors, or administrators

3. Responsibilities

All Users

• Treat all platform users with dignity and respect
• Report any concerns about safety, welfare, or inappropriate behaviour
• Do not share personal contact details outside official platform channels
• Follow the platform's acceptable use policy

Tutors and Assessors

• Maintain professional boundaries with learners at all times
• Report any safeguarding concerns to your organisation's safeguarding lead and to IFECASA
• Ensure assessment environments are safe and appropriate
• Be aware of signs of distress or vulnerability in learners

Accredited Training Centres

• Designate a named safeguarding lead
• Ensure all staff undergo appropriate background checks
• Maintain records of safeguarding training
• Report incidents to IFECASA within 24 hours

IFECASA Administrators

• Review and act on all safeguarding reports within 48 hours
• Maintain confidential records of all safeguarding concerns
• Provide guidance and support to ATCs on safeguarding matters
• Review this policy annually

4. Reporting Concerns

If you have a safeguarding concern:

1. If there is an immediate risk of harm, contact local emergency services
2. Report to your organisation's safeguarding lead (if applicable)
3. Report to IFECASA at community@IFECASA.org with the subject "Safeguarding Concern"
4. All reports are treated confidentially and investigated promptly

5. Online Safety

• Virtual sessions must be conducted through approved platforms
• Recording of sessions requires consent from all participants
• Screen sharing must not expose personal or sensitive information
• Chat and messaging features must be used professionally

6. Data Protection

Safeguarding records are processed under the legal basis of "vital interests" and "legal obligation" and are retained securely for 7 years. Access to safeguarding records is restricted to authorised personnel only.

7. Review

This policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary. All users will be notified of material changes.