Safeguarding Policy
TutorChase believes it is both right and essential to create and maintain a safe environment for young people to develop and thrive. We take our legal and educational responsibilities seriously and are committed to promoting children's welfare by following best practice guidance on safeguarding.
1. Scope and Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure:
1.1 Compliance with Legislation and Guidance
Including but not limited to:
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
- The Children Act 1989
- The Children Act 2004
- The Children and Young Persons Act 2008
1.2 Awareness and Procedures
To raise awareness of child protection and safeguarding issues and ensure procedures are in place for identifying and reporting suspected abuse. These procedures apply to all tutors, clients, TutorChase staff and representatives.
2. Tutor Responsibilities
All tutors must adhere to this Safeguarding Policy. Breaches may result in disciplinary action or legal consequences.
2.1 General Duties
Tutors must:
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of all students.
- Conduct all sessions online via TutorChase platforms (e.g., www.tutorchase.com) or face-to-face only if explicitly agreed upon in writing.
- Maintain professional relationships and uphold student/client anonymity and privacy.
- Avoid any conduct inappropriate to their role as a tutor.
2.2 Scope of Teaching
Tutors may only provide guidance in the following areas:
- Academic improvement and attainment
- University or job applications
- University life and interview preparation
They must not request student contact details or any information that may compromise anonymity or the professional relationship.
2.3 Conduct Before, During and After Sessions
Tutors must:
- Disclose any criminal convictions before the first session (see Section 2.4).
- Avoid all professional or personal meetings with clients/students unless formally agreed.
- Ensure all teaching environments are appropriate and professional.
- Refrain from and discourage inappropriate or illegal activity.
- Avoid offensive, discriminatory or defamatory communication.
2.4 Vetting Mechanisms
- TutorChase conducts a thorough vetting process for every tutor, including interviews, qualification checks, and self-disclosure of any criminal convictions.
- All UK-based tutors are required to hold a DBS check (Basic or Enhanced), and clients may request to view a tutor’s DBS certificate before starting a project. An Enhanced DBS check with the Children’s Barred List is recommended for tutors working regularly with students under 18.
- For tutors based outside the UK, we may request an equivalent police or criminal record check from their country of residence.
- Tutors are required to self-disclose any criminal convictions, ongoing criminal investigations or disciplinary actions against them, particularly those that may reflect on their suitability to work with and safeguard children.
- Tutors must make this self-declaration truthfully, honestly and in full. This includes disclosing any offences or actions that raise concerns about their ability to ensure the safety and well-being of minors.
- TutorChase offers clients the option to be matched with a tutor who has had a DBS check. It is therefore not required but in the tutor’s interest to obtain a DBS check (in the case of UK tutors) or similar criminal record check to maximise the chance of matching with a student.
- TutorChase is committed to an overall holistic assessment of each tutor’s suitability to work with and safeguard children and young people through individualised interviews as part of the tutor selection process.
2.5 Fair Treatment and Anti-Discrimination
Tutors must:
- Treat all students fairly and without prejudice.
- Pay particular attention to the needs of students with disabilities or from minority backgrounds.
2.6 Reporting Obligations
Tutors must report:
- Any disputes with clients, students, or other tutors.
- Any inappropriate behaviour, illegal activity or safeguarding concern.
These must be reported in accordance with the procedures in Section 3.
2.7 Handling Safeguarding Concerns
Tutors must:
- Stay alert to signs of abuse, neglect or criminal activity.
- Notify TutorChase in writing of any concerns—even those that don’t indicate abuse but still raise safeguarding issues.
- End any session where a student appears distressed or uncomfortable, especially if no adult is present.
2.8 Session Recording and Monitoring
- All sessions are recorded and may be reviewed by students, clients, or guardians.
- Tutors should ensure students are aware of and comfortable with this practice.
3. Reporting Mechanism for Safeguarding Concerns
3.1 Duty to Report
All tutors, staff, and clients must report any safeguarding concerns—such as suspected abuse, neglect, or illegal activity—immediately.
3.2 How to Report a Concern
Immediate Danger
Contact local emergency services if a young person is at risk.
Notify TutorChase
Email the Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO) at info@tutorchase.com within 24 hours.
Include Details
- Your name and role
- Student’s name
- Full description of concern (including date/time)
- Actions taken
- Any supporting evidence (e.g., screenshots, messages)
3.3 Follow-Up and Confidentiality
- TutorChase will acknowledge the report within 24 hours.
- Reports will be treated confidentially and only shared on a need-to-know basis.
- Additional details may be requested for the investigation.
3.4 External Reporting
For criminal or serious safeguarding concerns, TutorChase will report to relevant authorities. You may also report directly to:
- NSPCC Helpline (UK): 0808 800 5000
- Local Safeguarding Children Partnerships (UK): www.londonscb.gov.uk/london-scb-contacts
3.5 Record-Keeping
- All reports are securely documented and retained for at least five years, in compliance with GDPR.
3.6 Non-Retaliation Policy
- No person making a good-faith report will face retaliation.
- Any retaliatory acts may result in disciplinary or legal action.
4. Compliance
- All parties (tutors, staff, clients) are expected to familiarise themselves with this policy.
- Tutors reported for breach will be suspended pending investigation.
- TutorChase will decide on sanctions for non-criminal or minor breaches.
- Illegal activity will be reported to the police and may result in banning.
- Any client, tutor, or user involved in bullying, harassment, or abuse will be reported and permanently barred.
5. Review
This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with national safeguarding standards.
Amendments will be communicated via email or by updating this policy document.
6. Miscellaneous
- Clients may request to see a tutor’s DBS certificate before a project begins, and TutorChase will arrange this where available. For UK-based tutors, a current DBS check is required. For international tutors, an equivalent background check may be provided. In addition to these checks, TutorChase’s vetting process ensures that all tutors meet our high professional standards before being matched with students.
- Clients may ask tutors to complete the HSQE CPD-accredited Safeguarding Children Level 1 course (Learn more).
- Abuse by clients toward tutors is not tolerated. Offenders will be reported and have their projects terminated.
7. Contact Information
Postal Address
TutorChase
71-75 Shelton Street
London, WC2H 9JQ
United Kingdom