Safeguarding Policy
At TutorsPlus, we are unwavering in our commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students and tutors. This Child Safeguarding Policy outlines our dedication to protecting children from harm, ensuring their well-being, and promoting a culture of safety within our organization.
1. Purpose and Scope
This policy aims to:
- Protect children and young people who receive our services.
- Provide staff, tutors, and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child safeguarding.
2. Legal Framework
In alignment with our commitment to child safeguarding, TutorsPlus adheres to both the Geneva cantonal guidelines and Swiss federal child protection laws. In the Canton of Geneva, the child protection law focuses on preserving the best interests of the child and promoting the active participation of both parents in their care. When a child’s well-being is at risk and cannot be ensured by their immediate environment or available services, the court intervenes to implement protective measures or provide parental support.
At the federal level, Switzerland has ratified the Convention of 19 October 1996 on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Recognition, Enforcement, and Co-operation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children. This convention, effective in Switzerland since 1 July 2009, ensures the protection of children requiring assistance in cross-border situations.
Federal Department of Justice and Police
Additionally, as of 1 January 2019, all professionals who have regular contact with children are legally obligated to report any suspicions of child abuse to the authorities, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to proactive child protection.
By integrating these cantonal and federal regulations into our safeguarding policy, TutorsPlus ensures comprehensive protection for all children under our care.
3. Our Commitments
TutorsPlus commits to:
- Safe Recruitment: Implementing rigorous recruitment processes, including background checks and personal interviews, to ensure the suitability of all staff and tutors.
- Training and Education: Providing comprehensive safeguarding training to all tutors, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and can recognize and respond to concerns.
- Code of Conduct: Establishing clear guidelines for appropriate behavior to maintain professional boundaries and protect both students and tutors.
- Reporting Procedures: Ensuring all concerns are reported promptly and handled with sensitivity, in line with our established procedures.
4. Roles and Responsibilities
- Designated Liaison Person (DLP): A senior staff member appointed to oversee safeguarding practices, provide advice, and handle any concerns or allegations.
- Staff and Tutors: All personnel are required to adhere to this policy, participate in training, and report any concerns regarding a child’s welfare.
5. Safe Recruitment Practices
To ensure the safety of our students, TutorsPlus will:
- Conduct thorough background checks, including criminal record checks where applicable.
- Verify professional references and qualifications.
- Clearly communicate our commitment to child safeguarding in all job advertisements and role descriptions.
6. Code of Conduct
All TutorsPlus representatives are expected to:
- Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
- Avoid situations where they are alone with a student without parental or organizational consent.
- Refrain from any form of inappropriate communication with students.
- Report any breaches of this code immediately.
7. Reporting and Responding to Concerns
We have established clear procedures for reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns:
- Reporting: All concerns should be reported to the Designated Liaison Person promptly.
- Response: The DLP will assess the concern, take appropriate action, and, if necessary, report to external authorities.
- Confidentiality: All reports will be handled with the utmost confidentiality, sharing information only with those who need to know.
8. Online Safety Measures
Recognizing the unique challenges of online tutoring, TutorsPlus will:
- Use secure, vetted platforms for all online sessions.
- Ensure that online interactions are transparent and, where possible, supervised.
9. Review and Monitoring
To maintain the effectiveness of this policy, we will:
- Conduct annual reviews, incorporating feedback from staff, tutors, students, and parents.
- Stay informed of updates in legislation and best practices, adjusting our policy accordingly.
- Monitor the implementation of safeguarding measures and address any areas for improvement promptly.
By adhering to this Child Safeguarding Policy, TutorsPlus demonstrates its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all children and young people we serve.