1. Policy Statement

Sentinel Academy is committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive online learning environment for all learners, employees, tutors, contractors and partners.

We recognise our responsibility to safeguard the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk who engage with our eLearning platform or training services. We are committed to preventing abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm by promoting a culture of safety, respect and accountability.

All staff associated with Sentinel Academy are expected to uphold this policy and act promptly where safeguarding concerns arise.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Protect learners from abuse, neglect, bullying and exploitation.
• Promote a safe and inclusive online learning environment.
• Provide guidance for reporting safeguarding concerns.
• Ensure compliance with relevant UK legislation and safeguarding best practice.
• Clarify the responsibilities of Sentinel Academy and its learners.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All Sentinel Academy employees.
• Tutors and trainers.
• Contractors and consultants.
• Business partners delivering training on behalf of Sentinel Academy.
• Learners accessing our online courses.
• Visitors using our learning platform.

4. Our Commitment

Sentinel Academy is committed to:

• Promoting learner wellbeing.
• Treating everyone fairly and with dignity.
• Maintaining a safe digital learning environment.
• Responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
• Supporting learners who may be vulnerable.
• Protecting personal information in accordance with UK GDPR.
• Reviewing safeguarding arrangements regularly.

5. Safeguarding Principles

Sentinel Academy follows the principles of:

• Prevention
• Protection
• Partnership
• Accountability
• Early intervention
• Confidentiality, where appropriate

We believe safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

6. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Financial abuse
• Domestic abuse
• Neglect
• Modern slavery
• Human trafficking
• Radicalisation or extremism
• Online exploitation or cyberbullying
• Harassment or discrimination

7. Online Learning Safety

As an online learning provider, Sentinel Academy is committed to maintaining a secure digital environment.

We aim to:

• Protect learner accounts and personal information.
• Use secure systems for course delivery.
• Monitor platform security.
• Prevent unauthorised access.
• Promote respectful online behaviour.
• Investigate reports of inappropriate conduct.

Learners must not use the platform to:

• Attempt to access another user’s account.
• Misuse discussion forums or communication tools.

Any misuse may result in suspension or permanent removal from the platform.

8. Adults at Risk

Sentinel Academy recognises that some adult learners may be vulnerable due to age, disability, illness or personal circumstances.

Where concerns arise, we will take appropriate action, which may include referring concerns to the relevant authorities where legally required.

9. Reporting a Safeguarding Concern

Anyone who has a safeguarding concern should report it as soon as possible.

Concerns may include:

• Disclosure of abuse.
• Suspicious behaviour.
• Online harassment.
• Threats of violence.
• Self-harm concerns.
• Any situation where a learner appears to be at risk.

Reports should be made to Sentinel Academy using the contact details below.

Where there is an immediate risk to life or serious harm, emergency services should be contacted immediately by calling 999.

10. Confidentiality

Safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and confidentially.

Information will only be shared where necessary:

• To protect an individual from harm.
• To comply with legal obligations.
• To cooperate with statutory authorities.

Absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where someone’s safety is at risk.

11. Staff Responsibilities

All Sentinel Academy personnel are expected to:

• Read and understand this policy.
• Maintain professional boundaries.
• Treat learners with dignity and respect.
• Report safeguarding concerns immediately.
• Cooperate with safeguarding investigations.
• Complete safeguarding awareness training where required.

12. Learner Responsibilities

Learners are expected to:

• Use the learning platform responsibly.
• Protect their login credentials.
• Report inappropriate behaviour.
• Follow Sentinel Academy’s Terms and Conditions and Code of Conduct.

13. Data Protection

Personal information obtained through safeguarding concerns will be processed in accordance with:

• UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
• Data Protection Act 2018

Information will only be retained for as long as necessary and in accordance with legal obligations.