GenNext Academy
Version 1.0 | June 2025 | Review date: June 2026
1. Our Commitment
GenNext Academy is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every young person we work with. We believe that all children and young people have the right to be protected from harm, and we take that responsibility seriously in everything we do.
This policy sets out how we fulfil that commitment in practice.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All GenNext Academy employees
- All coaches and facilitators delivering programmes on our behalf
- Any contractors or representatives working with young people in a GenNext Academy context
3. Data We Hold
GenNext Academy does not collect or store personal data about the young people we work with. The only data we hold in relation to a school or college engagement is:
- The name of the school or college
- The name of the staff member who booked the programme
All data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection legislation.
4. DBS Checks
All GenNext Academy staff and coaches who work face-to-face with young people hold a valid Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. We maintain records of DBS certification for all such personnel and ensure these are renewed in line with our internal HR procedures.
5. Following the Host Institution’s Safeguarding Policy
When delivering programmes in a school or college, GenNext Academy operates within and defers to that institution’s own safeguarding policy and procedures. Before any engagement begins, our team familiarises itself with any relevant safeguarding instructions provided by the host.
We expect all host institutions to have a named Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and to make this information available to us prior to or on arrival at the site.
6. Reporting Concerns
Concerns observed or reported during a session
If any GenNext Academy staff member or coach:
- observes behaviour or circumstances that give rise to a safeguarding concern, or
- is approached by a young person who discloses information that raises a concern
they will take the following steps immediately:
- Remain calm and listen without pressuring the young person
- Not promise confidentiality
- Report the concern without delay to the school or college’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
- Not investigate the matter themselves or discuss it with anyone other than the DSL
Escalation
If a GenNext Academy team member is unable to reach the DSL, or believes that immediate action is required to protect a young person, they will contact emergency services (999) or the local authority children’s services without delay.
7. Internal Recording
GenNext Academy maintains its own internal record of any safeguarding concern that is raised or reported during a programme. This record includes:
- The date and location of the concern
- A factual description of what was observed or reported
- The action taken (including who was notified and when)
- The name of the GenNext Academy staff member or coach involved
These records are stored securely and are accessible only to authorised GenNext Academy personnel. They are retained in line with statutory guidance and our data retention policy.
8. Safe Conduct During Sessions
All GenNext Academy coaches and staff are expected to:
- Conduct themselves professionally at all times when working with young people
- Avoid being alone with an individual young person without another adult present
- Not exchange personal contact details with young people
- Not engage with young people on personal social media accounts
- Immediately report any behaviour by a colleague that causes concern
9. Training and Awareness
GenNext Academy ensures that all staff and coaches who work with young people receive appropriate safeguarding awareness training. This is reviewed regularly and updated in line with changes to legislation or statutory guidance.
10. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if there is a change in legislation, guidance, or GenNext Academy’s operational model. The policy owner is the Founder and Director of GenNext Academy.
11. Contact
If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us at:
info@gennextacademy.co.uk