This Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is issued by the Mentorly Ltd, trading as Global Founder Lab (referred to as 'the Company', 'we', 'us', or 'our' in this document). 

Registered Office: 82a James Carter Road, Mildenhall, United Kingdom, IP28 7DE

• Company Registration Number: 15668177
• Contact Email: academic@globalfounderlab.com
• Web: https://www.globalfounderlab.com

1. Our commitment

The Company believes that the welfare of all students under the age of 18 is paramount. We are committed to providing a safe, professional online learning environment and protecting our students from maltreatment, whether occurring online or offline. We train our staff to recognize and respond to the four main categories of abuse: Physical, Emotional, Sexual, and Neglect, with a specific focus on Online Grooming and Peer-on-Peer Abuse.
 

2.The designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

2.1. The Company maintains a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsible for the oversight of all child protection matters.

• Current DSL: Ani Haykuni
• Contact: academic@globalfounderlab.com 
• Training: The DSL undergoes specialized lead-level training every two years and maintains up-to-date knowledge of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) standards.

3. Safer recruitment & Training

All staff and instructors working with participants aged 16-17 must successfully complete an Enhanced DBS check (including a check of the Children’s Barred List). Additionally, all instructors must provide proof of relevant professional qualifications and complete mandatory Safeguarding Training before leading or attending any live sessions. We ensure all staff maintain up-to-date knowledge of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) standards.

4. Professional boundaries (Zero-Contact Rule)  

To protect students and staff, we enforce a strict Zero-Contact Rule for participants under 18:

4.1 Official Channels Only: All communication must occur through official platforms (e.g., Zoom/Teams or Company email).

4.2 No Private Messaging: Staff and instructors are strictly prohibited from contacting students under 18 via personal social media, WhatsApp, or private messaging.

4.3 Reporting: Students must report any attempt by an adult to establish private contact to the DSL immediately.

4.4 Physical Environment Standards: To maintain appropriate boundaries between staff and students, the Company enforces a "Neutral Background" rule. Staff and students are prohibited from conducting or attending sessions where a bed is visible. All users are encouraged to use blurred or neutral virtual background to protect the privacy of their domestic setting.

4.5 Cameras must remain on to ensure the identity and safety of the minor.

5. Reporting a Concern

If you have a concern about your safety, or the behaviour of another participant or instructor, please follow these steps:

5.1 Immediate In-Session Support: During a live session, students should use the in-platform private chat to discreetly alert the Moderator/Host. The Moderator has the authority to take immediate action, such as muting, pausing the session, or removing any individual causing distress.

5.2 Formal Report to the DSL: Email the Designated Safeguarding Lead (details in Section 2) with the subject "URGENT SAFEGUARDING." We aim to acknowledge all reports within 24 hours.

5.3 Statutory Referrals: Where there is a risk of significant harm, we will refer concerns to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) as required by law.

5.4 Confidentiality: All reports are handled with the utmost discretion. However, our primary duty is to the safety of the student; therefore, information may be shared with parents or authorities if a minor is at risk.

6. Concerns about the DSL (Whistleblowing)

To ensure impartial oversight, if your concern relates to the behavior or conduct of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), or if you feel a report has not been handled correctly, you should contact the following independent authorities directly: 

6.1 The LADO: Suffolk Local Authority Designated Officer at 0300 123 2044/LADO@suffolk.gov.uk.

6.2 NSPCC Whistleblowing Advice Line: Call 0800 028 0285 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

7. International Safeguarding  

For students residing outside the UK, we maintain our UK "Duty of Care" standards. We require a valid parent/guardian emergency contact for all 16-17 year olds and will coordinate with local statutory authorities in the student's country of residence if significant harm is suspected.