1. Policy Statement

NextStep Consults Limited is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people with whom we engage directly or indirectly. We affirm our obligation to protect children from all forms of abuse, exploitation, neglect, and violence, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the British Council’s Child Protection Standards.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:
- All staff members (permanent, temporary, contractual)
- Volunteers, agents, representatives, and affiliates
- Partner institutions and service providers
- Any person acting on behalf of or representing NextStep Consults Ltd

This policy covers all activities that involve contact with children (under 18 years), including:
- Study abroad consultations
- Admissions processing for minors
- Visa or relocation guidance for families with children
- Online or in-person interactions.

3. Legal and Policy Framework

This policy is grounded in:
- UNCRC (1989) – Article 3, 19, 34, and others
- Children Act 1989 and 2004 (UK)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE, 2023)
- British Council Child Protection Policy
- Relevant safeguarding laws in countries of operation

4. Definitions

- Child/Children: A person under the age of 18 (UNCRC)
- Abuse: A violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons (including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect)
- Safeguarding: The proactive approach to ensure children’s safety, wellbeing, and development

5. Policy Objectives

- To ensure all children interacting with NextStep Consults Ltd are treated with respect and dignity
- To protect children from all forms of harm
- To establish clear roles and responsibilities for safeguarding
- To provide staff training on child protection
- To establish reporting and response mechanisms for incidents or concerns

6. Roles and Responsibilities

a. Management
- Ensures full implementation of this policy
- Appoints a Child Protection Officer (CPO)
- Ensures all staff and agents are vetted and trained

b. Child Protection Officer (CPO)
- Acts as the lead for safeguarding concerns
- Provides advice and training
- Liaises with authorities if needed

c. Staff, Agents, and Partners
- Must complete safeguarding induction
- Must follow the code of conduct
- Must report any concerns or breaches

7. Code of Conduct (Staff and Partners)

All staff, agents, and representatives must:
- Treat children with dignity and respect at all times
- Avoid being alone with a child (unless part of a formal, documented consultation)
- Use appropriate language and behaviour
- Obtain consent before using any image or data of a minor
- Not engage in physical contact, personal messaging, or gift-giving without oversight

8. Safer Recruitment

- All staff/agents working with minors must undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) or equivalent background check
- References and employment history must be thoroughly checked
- Training on safeguarding must be provided upon induction

9. Online Safety

- Virtual consultations must follow safeguarding protocols
- Online platforms must have secure access
- Parental or guardian consent must be obtained for under-18s
- Consultations with minors must be supervised or recorded (with consent)

10. Confidentiality and Data Protection

- All data on children is stored securely in compliance with UK GDPR
- Information is shared only on a need-to-know basis
- Consent must be obtained for storing and using children’s data

11. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

If a child is at risk or discloses abuse:
- Listen calmly, do not investigate
- Record facts accurately using the Safeguarding Concern Form
- Report immediately to the CPO
- The CPO will assess and escalate to authorities as needed

Emergency Contacts:
- UK: NSPCC Helpline – 0808 800 5000
- Police/Local Safeguarding Authorities

12. Review and Monitoring

- This policy is reviewed annually or when legal requirements change
- Feedback is obtained from stakeholders to improve effectiveness
- Audits are conducted for compliance across the firm and affiliates

13. Sign-Off and Endorsement

This policy is endorsed by the Board of Directors of NextStep Consults Limited and is binding on all associated personnel and representatives.

Signed:
Daniel Eimunjeze
Managing Director, NextStep Consults Ltd
Date: 06/05/2025