Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
Policy Statement
Kontactus LTD is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. As a specialist education recruitment agency, we recognise our responsibility to ensure that all candidates placed within schools, colleges, nurseries, and educational settings are suitable to work with children and vulnerable individuals.
Safeguarding is at the heart of our recruitment and placement processes. We are dedicated to maintaining safer recruitment practices and supporting our clients in creating safe learning environments where children can thrive.
This policy applies to all employees, recruitment consultants, candidates, contractors, and any individuals acting on behalf of Kontactus LTD.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
Kontactus LTD is committed to:
- Placing the welfare and safety of children and vulnerable adults above all other considerations.
- Maintaining robust safeguarding and safer recruitment procedures.
- Ensuring all candidates undergo the appropriate vetting and compliance checks before placement.
- Promoting a culture of vigilance and accountability among all staff.
- Working in partnership with schools, educational institutions, local authorities, and safeguarding agencies where necessary.
- Responding promptly and appropriately to safeguarding concerns or allegations.
Safer Recruitment Practices
To ensure the suitability of all candidates, Kontactus LTD follows a rigorous recruitment and vetting process that includes:
Identity Verification
All candidates must provide valid proof of identity and address documentation.
Right to Work Checks
Candidates must demonstrate their legal right to work in the United Kingdom before placement.
Qualifications Verification
Relevant teaching qualifications, certifications, and professional registrations are verified before assignment.
Employment History Checks
Employment histories are reviewed and any gaps in employment are explored and clarified.
Professional References
A minimum of two professional references are obtained and verified prior to placement.
DBS Checks
Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are obtained where required and reviewed in accordance with safeguarding regulations.
Prohibition and Regulatory Checks
Where applicable, checks are conducted against relevant teaching prohibition lists and regulatory bodies.
Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
All employees and recruitment consultants have a duty to report safeguarding concerns immediately.
Examples of concerns may include:
- Suspected abuse or neglect.
- Inappropriate conduct towards children or vulnerable adults.
- Allegations against education professionals.
- Concerns regarding a candidate’s suitability to work in education settings.
- Any disclosure made by a child or vulnerable adult.
Any safeguarding concern received by Kontactus LTD will be treated seriously and escalated without delay.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Kontactus LTD will appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for:
- Receiving safeguarding concerns and referrals.
- Providing safeguarding guidance to staff.
- Liaising with schools, colleges, local authorities, and external safeguarding agencies where appropriate.
- Maintaining safeguarding records.
- Ensuring safeguarding procedures are reviewed and updated regularly.
All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the DSL as soon as reasonably possible.
Staff Training
Kontactus LTD recognises that safeguarding is an ongoing responsibility.
To ensure compliance and best practice:
- Recruitment consultants receive regular safeguarding and child protection training.
- Staff are provided with updates on safeguarding legislation and guidance.
- Safeguarding awareness forms part of employee induction.
- Refresher training is undertaken periodically to maintain knowledge and compliance.
Allegations Against Candidates
Where allegations or safeguarding concerns arise regarding a candidate:
- The matter will be investigated promptly.
- Relevant client schools or educational institutions will be informed where appropriate.
- Placements may be suspended pending investigation.
- Relevant authorities may be contacted where required by law or safeguarding guidance.
- Records of concerns and outcomes will be maintained securely.
Confidentiality and Information Sharing
Kontactus LTD understands the importance of confidentiality while recognising that safeguarding concerns must be shared appropriately.
Information will only be shared with relevant parties where:
- There is a safeguarding concern.
- Disclosure is required by law.
- Sharing information is necessary to protect a child or vulnerable adult from harm.
All personal information will be processed in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are significant changes to legislation, statutory guidance, or safeguarding best practices.
Kontactus LTD is committed to continuous improvement in safeguarding standards and ensuring compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
This policy is informed by and complies with:
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
- Children Act 1989
- Children Act 2004
- Working Together to Safeguard Children
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
- Education Act 2002
- UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
- Data Protection Act 2018
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Requirements
Kontactus LTD is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection in all aspects of its recruitment and placement services.
