Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy
Policy Statement
UKMC English Academy welcomes students from all around the world. Face-to-face classes take place on our premises at Universal Square Manchester, as well as online, using Zoom. For that reason, we have a responsibility to promote our students and staff’s welfare whilst studying or working with us.
Bullying causes real distress. It can affect a person’s health and development and, at the extreme, can cause significant harm. Everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse, and everyone has a role to play in preventing all forms of bullying (including online) and putting a stop to bullying.
Policy Aim
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that:
• UKMC complies with the Equality Act 2010
• All staff, students and parents have an understanding of what bullying and harassment are
• All staff, students and parents are protected against bullying and harassment and protected against the messages of all fundamentalist, extremist, and violent ideologies
• All staff know the UKMC policy on bullying and harassment, and follow it when it is reported
• All students and parents know the UKMC policy on bullying and harassment, and what to do if it arises
• Those involved are supported if an incident is reported, especially hate incidents and crimes.
This policy applies to:
• Students – i.e. anyone on a course with UKMC, whether they are on UKMC premises or studying online, enrolled or trial, fee-paying or free.
• Staff – i.e. anyone working with or on behalf of UKMC. This includes directors, paid
staff, volunteers, homestay hosts, contractors and agents.
Key Contacts
| Name | Job title | Role | Contact |
| Student Officer, EO&D Officer | Managing the prevention bullying and harassment issues | ||
| Kirsty Reilly | Student Recruitment and Marketing Manager, Safeguarding Officer | Dealing with bullying and harassment issues related to the English Academ, CP and vulnerable adult concerns | kirsty@ukmcglobal.com
|
| Lucas Bak | Head of English | Dealing with bullying and harassment issues related to the English Academy | lucas@ukmcglobal.com
|
What is Bullying?
Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim.
Bullying can be:
• Emotional: isolating and excluding someone. For example: being unfriendly, tormenting (e.g. hiding books,threatening), excluding someone from social groups or an activity, or spreading malicious rumours.
• Physical: physical harm or threat of it and abuse of personal property –fighting, pushing, hitting, taking or hiding belongings, or any use of violence; use or threat of use of weapons, physical intimidation.
• Racist: bullying directed at individuals of a certain race, culture, ethnicity, language, or faith.
• Sexual: harassing someone with comments and actions that are sexual in nature, negative stereotyping, spreading rumours, unwanted or inappropriate physical contact or sexual references.
• Homophobic: attacking someone because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation.
• Transphobic: making someone feel unwelcome because of their perceived or actual gender identity.
• Religious: attacking faith, belief, religious practice or custom.
• Special Needs and Disability: commenting on, mocking or discriminating against people with physical disabilities or learning difficulties or other special educational needs.
Bullying can happen:
• Online: on social networking sites, email, instant messaging, text messages and video/phone calls.
• In person: verbal or written comments happening face to face, on our outside UKMC premises.
What is harassment?
Harassment, as defined in the Equality Act 2010, is: “engaging in unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, and the conduct has the purpose or effect of:
• violating an individual’s dignity, or
• creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for an individual.”
The nine protected characteristics it is illegal for anyone to discriminate against are:
• Age
• Gender
• Gender identity or reassignment
• Marriage of Civil Partnership
• Pregnancy or Maternity
• Disability
• Race
• Religion, belief or lack of religion/belief
• Sexual orientation
Preventive measures
- Encouraging a positive environment
The best way to make sure that bullying and harassment don’t take place is to create and encourage a positive environment. That way, they are less likely to develop and are more easily detected. We aim to create an environment that encourages positive and respectful behaviour in and outside the classroom.
- Diversity
Bullying and harassment are closely related to how we respect and recognise the value of diversity. UKMC is proactive about seeking opportunities to learn about and celebrate difference and welcoming new people to the organization / academy.
- Equality
We abide by the provisions of the Equality Act 2010, as well as the laws of the United Kingdom regarding equality of opportunity and opposition to discrimination, inside and outside the classroom. Please see our Equality Policy for more information.
- Prevent Duty
Prevent is the government’s strategy to prevent and fight extremism. People are considered extremists when they propose using violence to achieve what they believe in. At UKMC, we have a duty to try and reduce the likelihood of anyone, students, staff or homestays getting drawn into any form of extremism, e.g. religious extremism, homophobia, right-wing ideology. As part of the Prevent Duty, the school actively promotes core British values and all members of staff must exemplify them.
These values are:
• Democracy
• Rule of Law
• Freedom of the Individual
• Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
- School policies as a deterrent
We have robust policies and procedures to deter any form of bullying or harassment. These are classed as misconduct in our student Code of Conduct and our staff Disciplinary and Grievance Policy which means that bullying and harassment will trigger the disciplinary procedure. This acts as a strong deterrent as it means that students might be expelled and staff might be dismissed if they are guilty of bullying or harassment. Students are informed of this before their course start and at induction. Staff are informed of this before their employment starts and during their induction.
- Staff training
In order to make sure that staff are able to identify students at risk of being abused or drawn into terrorism, challenge extremist ideas and know how to refer students for further help, each member of staff in school and homestay hosting children must undertake basic safeguarding awareness training, as well as online Prevent training.
Reporting concerns
If a student is feeling that they are being bullied, or if anyone suspects that bullying is taking place, they are encouraged to discuss this with one of the people listed in the Key People section above.
Responding and dealing with bullying and harassment concerns
Bullying and harassment will be treated as abuse and any reports or suspicions of such behaviour will be responded and dealt with following the procedures described in the Child Protection and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policies, as well as the Code of Conduct and Exclusion Policy and the Staff Disciplinary Policy.
It is important to note that UKMC supports and engages both the victim and alleged perpetrator throughout any investigation into allegations of bullying or harassment.
Fire Marshals’ Policy
UKMC FIRE MARSHALS’ POLICY/PROCEADURE
UKMC is situated on the ground floor of City View House. City View House is a services and managed business centre, who have overall responsibility for fire related duties, including, but not limited to; risk assessments, maintenance, equipment, alarms, bell testing and fire drills. UKMC’s responsibility lie within our own office area to which we have a lease agreement.
City View House implement fire related policies and procedures, the reception staff are the nominated fire marshals for the building.
UKMC has two nominated fire marshals, one main fire marshal and one deputy in her absence. UKMC has at least one fire marshal on premises at all times. Additionally, fire marshals are appropriately trained.
Scope
Fire marshals play an important role in reporting any changes to ignitions sources and combustibles. This fire prevention role supports the fire risk assessment process. The fire safety manager should liaise with fire marshals and any changes to policy or procedure must be shared quickly.
The main duties of the fire marshal are:
- identify fire hazards at their workplace
- note and report hazards to the appropriate person (facilities management if the hazard is building related)
- take the correct action in the event of a fire
- ensure that escape routes are kept clear and can be used effectively at all times.
If a fire is discovered, the fire marshal is expected to:
- check that the alarm has been raised by somebody
- check that machinery has been made safe
- evacuate people from the area involved or designated zone
- ensure that anyone with disabilities are assisted in line with their PEEP
- call the reporting company and give details of the location of the alarm and the cause of the fire, if possible. In usual cases, this would be the responsibility of the building management team, unless the fire was located in UKMC
- staff or students are not permitted to tackle any fires. They should wait for the fire brigade.
When the alarm is heard, the fire marshal/s should ensure that everyone leaves the building as quickly and as orderly as feasible, ensuring that security measures, such as closing fire-resistant safes, are carried out, if they have not already closed automatically (but not to delay the evacuation procedure). Electrical equipment should be closed down and windows closed if possible.
The fire marshal should search toilets and storerooms in their zone/s in a methodical way to ensure no one remains.
The fire marshal should then go to the relevant assembly point and become involved in the roll call procedure. Furthermore, the fire marshal may be appointed to ensure no one re-enters the building until the fire brigade says it is safe.
FIRE MARSHALS LIST
1st Fire Marshal
Mobina Majeed
Head of Administration and Student Support officer
2nd Fire Marshal (In the absence of the first fire marshal)
Zahid Iqbal
Director
Equal Opportunities Policy
Overall Aim
UKMC is committed to being an equal opportunities organisation and to influence learners, sub-contractors and employers to act similarly so that equality of opportunity and diversity is available to all.
WHAT IS EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY?
Equality is not about treating everyone the same. It is about treating people equally and fairly. It is not acceptable to discriminate against anyone, or treat them less favourably, for reasons that cannot be justified. There exists a range of legislation which imposes a minimum standard of behaviour on employers and individuals. These Acts of Parliament bind everyone in England, Wales and Scotland.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Diversity means recognising that individual and professional differences are a natural part of society and can often create an opportunity for those who recognise them. Organisations that embrace variety, value difference, reject prejudice and understand and accommodate changing work patterns will be those organisations which will reap the rewards of a happy, fulfilled and motivated workforce with diverse skills. Diversity in this context means recognising that individual and group differences present opportunities to harness creativity and build continuous improvement. Diversity occurs naturally. Everyone differs as individuals and on the basis of the social, professional and organisational groups they belong to. Managing diversity effectively means dealing with the spectrum and spread of human culture within the work environment. In essence, it focuses on how to use the differences between people to drive excellence and creativity in performance
General Statement
UKMC is committed to Equality and Diversity in employment and in the provision of its training and assessment services.
The aim of the UKMC policy is to ensure that:
No employee, learner or applicant is treated less favourably on the grounds of disability, race, colour, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation (including transgender status), gender, marital status, pregnancy and maternity status or age (except where age restrictions exist for certain programmes).
No person is disadvantaged by any conditions or requirements, which cannot be shown to be justified.
UKMC will make reasonable adjustments which help to make assessments fair for all.
Specific Aims
UKMC will pursue the five aims below to ensure:
- Equality of opportunity and prevent any discrimination, either direct or indirect, in all aspects of the organisation’s activity.
- Equality in all aspects of service delivery and to ensure the organisations services are accessible to all who require them and are entitled to receive them.
- Compliance with existing and any future equality and diversity legislation, and to actively promote training and assessment services to under- represented groups or disaffected individuals.
- The organisation acts as a model for effective equality and diversity practices for clients, customers and sub-contractors including employers and work placement providers.
- UKMC is responsive to the needs of all members of our client groups irrespective of gender, disability, race, religion, ethnic origin, creed, sexual orientation, age (within limits of schemes) or any other factor on which discrimination maybe based.
Responsibility for EqualITY AND DIVERSITY
Adele Higgins is our nominated Equality and Diversity Champion.
Each member of staff and associate of the organisation will be required to read and adhere to this policy.
The EDC will be responsible for identifying the need for staff training and updating in respect of equality and diversity.
UKMC as an Employer
The organisation will comply with current legislation which forbids discrimination against employees on the grounds of gender, disability, age, race, religion, ethnic origin, creed, sexual orientation or any other factor on which discrimination may be based, in the areas of staff recruitment, career development and promotion.
The organisation will take steps to ensure that people from groups currently under-represented in its workforce are encouraged to apply for posts.
Family friendly practices will be considered and actively promoted during recruitment and personnel development.
The EDC will monitor and audit compliance with this equality and diversity policy on an annual basis and produce a brief report on effectiveness of the policy.
UKMC as a Training Provider
All clients will be made aware of the existence of this Equality and Diversity Policy and every effort will be made during recruitment to stress that programmes embrace equality and diversity opportunities and applications are welcome from all.
Copies of this Equality and Diversity policy will be made freely available to clients upon request.
Work placement providers, employers and sub-contractors will be required to conduct their undertakings within the guidelines of this policy.
Work placement providers, employers and sub-contractors must agree to this Equality and Diversity policy unless they already hold a similar written policy which is acceptable to UKMC and meets the requirement of current legislation.
GENERAL STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR
The company expects staff and students to conduct themselves in a professional and considerate manner at all times. The company will not tolerate behaviour such as:
- Physical violence
- Shouting or swearing
- Rudeness
- Isolating, ignoring or refusing to work with certain people
- Telling offensive jokes or name calling
- The display of offensive material such as pornography or sexist/racist cartoons
- Lewd gestures or remarks
RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION
Individuals involved in the recruitment and selection of staff and students will ensure the company recruitment and selection policy is adhered to and that:
- A carefully worded and objective job description/person specification is produced for all vacancies, outlining the essential skills, knowledge and experience required
- Advertisements are agreed by the director and EDC and circulated to encourage applications from all sections of the community. Advertisements will not contain any age limits
- Application forms will reflect our commitment to the ‘Confident about Disability’ standard for applicants with a disability. They will also explain our aims to be an equal opportunities employer, to recruit a diverse workforce which reflects the makeup of the local community and to generally promote diversity principles
- Short-listing and selection will be based on objective criteria relevant to the job and decisions made by suitably trained staff, purely on the basis of merit. The reason for all decisions will be recorded
TRAINING, DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION
The company will ensure that irrespective of any personal characteristics:
- The training necessary to implement this equality policy is provided
- All employees and students are encouraged to achieve their full potential
- Selection for all training, career development opportunities and job moves will be purely on the basis of merit
- All staff will undergo mandatory equality and diversity training.
- Appraisals of performance will be conducted objectively and timely
- Selection for promotion will be purely on the basis of merit and where underrepresentation is identified we will take positive action to address this.
MEETING INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
As far as possible the company will try to meet the needs of individuals at work. For example:
- Caring and domestic responsibilities – time off may be appropriate to allow staff to care for children or sick relatives to help them balance their work and home responsibilities
- Working patterns – wherever possible training courses and meetings should be planned to allow attendance by staff working non-standard hours
- Disability – disabled staff, students and customers should be consulted about any reasonable adjustments which could be made to allow them to better perform their function
- Religious practices – it may be necessary to provide time off for prayer or religious festivals or relax dress standards to meet religious needs.
PROTECTIVE CHARACTERISTICS
Age – Where this is referred to, it refers to a person belonging to a particular age (e.g. 32 year olds) or range of ages (e.g. 18 – 30 year olds).
Disability – A person has a disability if s/he has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Gender – A man or a woman.
Gender Reassignment – The process of transitioning from one gender to another. The definition has changed so that people no longer have to be under medical supervision to be protected by the law.
Marriage and Civil Partnership – Marriage is defined as a ‘union between a man and a woman’. Same-sex couples can have their relationships legally recognised as ‘civil partnerships’. Civil partners must be treated the same as married couples on a wide range of legal matters.
Pregnancy and Maternity – Pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant or expecting a baby. Maternity refers to the period after the birth, and is linked to maternity leave in the employment context. In the non-work context, protection against maternity discrimination is for 26 weeks after giving birth, and this includes treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding.
Race – Refers to the protected characteristic of Race. It refers to a group of people defined by their race, colour, and nationality (including citizenship) ethnic or national origins.
Religion and Belief – Religion has the meaning usually given to it but belief includes religious and philosophical beliefs including lack of belief (e.g. Atheism). Generally, a belief should affect your life choices or the way you live for it to be included in the definition.
Sexual Orientation – Whether a person’s sexual attraction is towards their own sex, the opposite sex or to both sexes
TYPES OF DISCRIMINATION
The different types of discrimination recognised by law are:
Associative Discrimination
This occurs when a person is treated less favourably because they are linked or associated with a protected characteristic. This brings the law into line with Coleman v Attridge Law.
Disability Discrimination
EA10 makes it easier for a person to establish disability discrimination by changing the definitions of disability discrimination and replacing the concept of ‘disability-related discrimination’ with the concepts of indirect discrimination and ‘discrimination arising from disability’. This is intended to resolve the problems caused by the London Borough of Lewisham v Malcolm case.
Discrimination Arising from a Disability
Occurs when a disabled person is treated unfavourably because of something connected with their disability and this unfavourable treatment cannot be justified. However, treatment can be justified if it can be shown that it is intended to meet a legitimate objective in a fair, balanced and reasonable way. If this can be shown then the treatment will be lawful.
Direct Discrimination
When somebody is treated less favourably on unlawful grounds because of one or more of their protected characteristics as compared to someone else.
Harassment
This is behaviour directly relating to or due to a personal characteristic or perception of it. This behaviour might violate the person’s dignity or create an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that person.
Indirect Discrimination
This considers rules or conditions that apply to everyone but affect one group of people more than others without good reason: for example, a company rule that says employees must do night shifts could exclude women who have children to care for.
Institutional Discrimination
Describes an attitude or culture in an organisation that supports or fails to challenge discriminatory views.
Perceptive Discrimination
This is direct discrimination against a person because others think they possess a particular protected characteristic. It applies to age, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation, disability, gender reassignment and sex.
Victimisation
When a person is treated less favourably than others because they have made, or intend to make a complaint of discrimination.
Complaints and Investigations
All complaints made to UKMC regards unfair treatment or discrimination will be taken seriously and investigated within ten working days by a senior manager.
A report of such complaints and investigations together with action taken will be held on file by the organisation for three years.
Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed whenever there is a significant relevant change required and in any case at least every year.
First Aid Policy
Policy Statement
It is UKMC’s responsibility to provide adequate and appropriate first aid support to someone if they are injured or become unwell on or off premises, and to ensure that UKMC English Academy complies with the Health and Safety Regulations.
Our First Aid Policy supports and is referenced by our Health and Safety Policy.
Policy Aim
This policy applies to:
- Students – i.e. anyone on a course with UKMC, whether they are on UKMC premises or studying online, enrolled or trial, fee-paying or free.
- Staff – i.e. anyone working with or on behalf of UKMC. This includes directors, paid staff, volunteers, homestay hosts, contractors and agents.
It aims to:
- Identify the first aid needs of UKMC and ensure provision in line with legislation
- Ensure that the provision is available at all times to people engaged in UKMC activities on or off UKMC premises
For those reasons, UKMC commits to:
- Appoint the appropriate number of suitably trained people as First Aiders to meet the needs of UKMC and its activities
- Provide relevant training and ensure continuous assessment of training needs
- Provide sufficient and appropriate resources and facilities
- Inform staff, students, parents and agents of UKMC’s first aid arrangements
- Keep accident records and to report to the HSE as required by law under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995
Key contacts
| Name | Job title | First Aid role | Contact details |
| Mobina Majeed | Head of Amin | FA officer | mobina@ukmcglobal.com |
| Adele Higgins | Principal | FA train the trainer | adele@ukmcglobal.com |
| Zahid Iqbal | Co-director | FA officer | zahid@ukmcglobal.com
|
Duties and Responsibilities
UKMC is responsible for the health and safety of their staff and anyone else on the premises. This includes the Principal and teachers, non-teaching staff, student and visitors (including contractors).
The Directors must ensure that a risk assessment of UKMC English Academy is undertaken and that the appointments, training and resources for first aid arrangements are appropriate and in place. The Directors should ensure that the insurance arrangements provide full cover for claims arising from actions of staff acting within the scope of their employment.
The Principal is responsible for putting the policy into practice and for developing detailed procedures. She should ensure that the policy and information on the school’s arrangements for first aid are communicated to all staff and students. New staff are to be informed of procedures as part of their induction programme.
All staff are expected to do all they can to secure the welfare of the students.
First Aiders must have completed a training course approved by the HSE and will be updated every three years.
Duties include:
- Responding promptly to an incident / accident when requested, on the school premises
- Providing first aid assistance within the limits of their approved training and know when and how to secure additional assistance, including professional medical assistance if the nature and degree of injury is out with the limits of their training
- Acting in such a manner to respect the dignity of all patients and to protect their confidential information.
- Being aware of the location of the nearest first aid box and its contents and ensuring that the contents are replenished when necessary
- Reporting accidents / incidents promptly using the incident log, ensuring that all sections are filled in appropriately
- Keeping up to date with training and current knowledge, including any refresher training deemed required by UKMC
In the event that the company provides an offering where regulations don’t require a trained first aider to be in post at all times, the company will appoint someone to take charge of first aid equipment, procedures, and signage and or the reporting of illnesses and injuries. This Appointed Person need not be a First Aider but should have undertaken emergency first aid training. They will:
• Take charge when someone is injured or becomes ill
• Look after the first aid equipment e.g. restocking the first aid bags in the allocated places
- Ensure that an ambulance or other professional medical help is summoned when appropriate
Treatment of injuries
First Aid boxes
First Aid boxes, identified by a white cross on a green background, are available on UKMC premises and contain adequate supplies for treating injuries that may occur based the nature of the potential hazards identified by a risk assessment. First Aid boxes should not contain creams, lotions or medicines – including painkillers, such as ibuprofen, paracetamol or aspirin. The location of First Aid boxes and the name of the person responsible for their upkeep should be clearly indicated on notice boards throughout the premises.
First Aid Boxes are located in:
- The reception
- Classroom
Place of treatment
Where treatment is required the first aider should use an empty classroom close to r a quiet space. When treating a student aged U18, for the safety of both the member of staff and student they should always ensure they are accompanied by a second member of staff.
Administration of drugs and medicines
The school will not store, provide or administer medications to students under any circumstances. Staff at UKMC are not trained in the administration of medicine. Unless the school is informed otherwise, it will be assumed that the student is aware of how and when to administer the medicine themselves.
Medicines should not normally be brought into school. Where a student needs regular medication, they must state this prior to registering and with U18’s parents must make appropriate arrangements with the Student Welfare Officer to manage this. In the case of a medical emergency, the emergency services may administer medicines to the student – parental consent is requested for underage students and must be given prior to the course starting. UKMC cannot take responsibility for giving medicines which are dangerous and where timing is of vital importance. If a student has a serious condition requiring regular medication, they will need a medical support plan which clearly details medication required, dosage and storage.
Reporting
- The Principal or most senior member of staff on site will be informed of any serious injury occurring in a day
- All incidents, injuries, head injuries and treatments are to be reported in the incident log
- Parents/Homestay hosts are to be informed of a head injury
- Staff should complete the accident reporting form for employees if they sustain an injury at work
- Injuries requiring more than first aid, e.g. hospital/professional treatment, must be reported to the Principal to allow communication with agents and parents
Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, 1995 (RIDDOR), some accidents must be reported to the HSE.
- Involving employees or self-employed people working on the premises
- Involving students and visitors
The Principal is responsible for ensuring this happens.
Record Keeping
The appointed person must ensure that a record is kept of any first aid treatment given. In their absence this responsibility will be designated by the principal.
This should include:
- the date, time and place of incident
- the name of the injured or ill person
- details of their injury/illness and what first aid was given
- what happened to the person immediately afterwards
- name and signature of the first aider or person dealing with the incident
Accident and first aid treatment records can be used to help UKMC identify trends and areas for improvement. They also could help to identify training or other needs and may be useful for insurance or investigative purposes.
Health and Safety Policy
Policy Name: Health & Safety Policy
Policy Version: V1
Effective Date: 02/03/2021
Review Date: 01/03/2021
Contents
1. General Statement
2. Fire
3. Specific Hazards
4. Equipment
5. First Aid
6. Accident or Injury
7. RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995)
8. National health alerts
9. Insurance
10. Review
1.General Statement
Policy Statement
We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our staff and students and to providing a safe environment for all those attending our premises through regular assessments of risks in the work and study place.
In particular we are committed to maintaining safe and healthy working and studying conditions through the control of the health and safety risks arising from our activities, and equipment; ensuring the safe handling and use of substances; consulting with our staff and providing appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision; and taking steps to prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health.
What is covered by this policy?
In accordance with our health and safety duties, we are responsible for:
- Assessing risks to health and safety and identifying ways to overcome them.
- Providing and maintaining a healthy and safe place to work and study and a safe means of entering and leaving our premises, including emergency procedures for use when needed.
- Providing information, instruction, training and supervision in safe working methods and procedures as well as working areas and equipment that are safe and without risks to health.
- Ensuring that equipment has all necessary safety devices installed, that equipment is properly maintained and that appropriate protective clothing is provided.
- Promoting co-operation between members of staff to ensure safe and healthy conditions and systems of work by discussion and effective joint consultation.
- Regularly monitoring and reviewing the management of health and safety, and thereafter making any necessary changes and bringing those to the attention of all staff and students, as appropriate.
Personnel responsible for implementation of this policy
The Director has overall responsibility for health and safety and the operation of this policy and has day-to-day responsibility for health and safety matters.
The Director is responsible for:
- the implementation of this policy statement and keeping it under review;
- safety inspections;
- ensuring that legal requirements are met, for example notifying any accidents reportable under RIDDOR; and
- ensuring that any necessary health and safety risk assessments are undertaken regularly and any recommendations are recorded and implemented.
All members of staff have a duty to look after their own and others’ health and safety. In addition, all UKMC staff has a duty under common law to take care of students in the same way that a prudent parent would.
As such it is the responsibility of members of staff (teaching and non-teaching), to ensure that the Director or Principal is informed of any hazards present in the premises. In practice, this means ‘if you see something which you consider to be a hazard’ report it. Do NOT assume that someone else will. These reports should be confirmed in writing.
There are several Acts of Parliament covering safety in premises including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HAS), and the regulations under that Act, in particular the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999; the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Act 2002 (COSHH); and the Children’s Act 2004; and all amendments to these Acts; as well as various Department for Education and Skills (DfES) regulations and Home Office regulations.
Health and Safety law requires the employer to assess the risks to health and safety. This does not mean that a separate written risk assessment is required for every activity as long the Centre has undertaken a common sense and proportionate approach. Where a risk assessment is carried out however, a written record must be kept of the significant findings of the assessment.
Code of Practice
A clean and orderly environment is essential for students and staff of the English Academy.
Periodic checks of the contents and layout of rooms should be made by assessors/tutors and other staff. Defective equipment, fittings and furniture should be reported immediately to the Director.
Key guidelines:
- make sure that fire doors are easy to open and free from obstruction.
- ensure that free-standing furniture is not placed in such a position that it can be pushed over
- avoid storing heavy equipment, materials etc on top of tall cupboards and high shelves.
- ensure that all floor areas are kept clear of obstructions other than furniture so that cleaning staff are able to work safely and efficiently.
- make sure that all furniture is in a good state of repair. Take out of use, and report as necessary, any defective item of furniture or equipment.
- keep all sinks and wash basins free from obstruction so that they can be kept clean and hygienic.
- as far as practicable, keep working surfaces clear so that cleaners can wipe down as necessary
- report any insecure wall-mounted units.
- make sure that light sockets are not left without a bulb, to avoid the possibility of electric shock
- do not leave electric power cables, leads etc trailing across the floor.
- switch off and un-plug electrical equipment after use.
- edged or pointed tools (such as scissors, knives, compasses) should be regularly checked for damage and stored safely.
- aerosol containers should be kept in a safe, cool place to which they should be returned after use. They should never be left in direct sunlight.
- hazardous, toxic or flammable materials (bleaches, polishes, paint etc) should also be stored securely.
Training
All staff (whether temporary or permanent) will receive adequate training in health and safety to ensure that all staff are competent to undertake their work safely and efficiently. UKMC will ensure that all new staff are up to date with this training or will receive training.
2. Emergency Evacuation and Fire Precautions
UKMC is located within a managed building, therefore we adopt Universal Square’s fire and evacuation procedure. A copy of this is available via the admin team and is displayed within the English Academy.
If the fire alarm sounds the following guidelines will apply:
- all students and all staff will proceed at once to the assembly area in the car park at the back of the building, remaining calm and walking quickly. The lifts MUST NOT be used, evacuation must be via the stairs.
- close windows and doors as you go, but do not waste time doing so – getting out is more important.
- evacuate the building as quickly as possible at the nearest possible exit, including Fire Exits.
- do not stop to collect personal possessions.
- do not go back into the building until you are told it is safe to do so.
Roll Call
If the fire alarm sounds during the hours of 9.00am-5.00pm, students should assemble according to their class groups where the tutor will call out the names of those students to ensure that everyone is present. The admin team with take out the visitors’ book to check names of other visitors present.
In the event of a real fire, the persons calling the roll should then go through the lists again and satisfy themselves that every student is indeed present. The student list should be checked with the signing-out book.
Staff should also be checked. To aid this process, checklists are kept in the admin office.
The fire brigade will be called by the building manager.
Afterwards
No-one may re-enter the building until given permission by the Building Manager, or the Director in the event of a fire practice, or by the Senior Brigade Officer (in the event of a fire).
Other Notes
You should not be left on your own in a building.
There will be at least one fire drill per year and the results of all fire drills will be recorded. These fire drills are important and must be taken seriously.
A Fire Risk Assessment is kept under regular review. Where any significant changes in risk are identified these will be communicated with all staff and students to ensure that everyone knows what to do in case of a fire.
In accordance with the training statement above, all staff (and students) will be trained to ensure they know what to do when they hear the fire alarm. If necessary, additional and repetitive training will be available.
If you discover a fire, you should not attempt to tackle it unless you have been trained or feel competent to do so. Never put yourself or anyone else in danger. You should operate the nearest fire alarm and, if you have sufficient time, call the Director.
All staff should familiarise themselves with the instructions about what to do in the event of fire which are displayed on notice boards or available from the building’s facilities manager, or our admin team.
You should also know where the fire extinguishers are and ensure that you are aware of your nearest fire exit and alternative ways of leaving the building in an emergency.
3. Specific Hazards
In the list below, contact names are given beside some of the areas of hazards identified. These names should not be regarded as implying any legal responsibility.
a. Boiler Rooms
Students or staff must not enter the boiler rooms. Contact: Facilities Manager.
b. Litter
Litter must not be allowed to accumulate in such a way as could lead to a fire hazard. Empty tins should not be discarded thoughtlessly.
c. Broken Glass
Broken windows should be reported immediately. Students should NOT be asked to pick up broken glass. If necessary, a temporary barrier could be erected using chairs etc.
Contact: Facilities Manager / UKMC Director.
d. Electrical Work
Electrical work should be undertaken by persons who are employed to do it. This is normally by the building facilities management team or external electrical contractors. Faulty equipment, loose, worn or frayed wiring, damaged plugs etc should be reported immediately. Do not attempt to fix it yourself.
Contact: Facilities manager/ UKMC Director.
e. Traffic
Students must be made aware, and reminded periodically by staff, of the dangers of traffic on the main road outside the building.
f. Ladders, Building Work etc
When overhead work is being carried out, an area should be roped off to prevent danger to passers-by. Students must not climb ladders, scaffolding towers etc.
4. Equipment
All staff and students must use equipment in accordance with operating instructions, any instructions given by relevant teaching staff and any relevant training. Any fault with, damage to, or concern about any equipment or its use must immediately be report to the Director.
No person should attempt to repair equipment unless trained and designated to do so.
5. First Aid
There are first-aid boxes held by the admin team. If you use items from these boxes, please inform the Director so that they can be re-stocked immediately.
Contact: Director
6. Accident or Injury
In the event of an accident or medical emergency contact a member of staff and/or Emergency services.
Seek medical advice directly by:
- contacting the available first aider
- in extreme cases, by dialling 999 to call an ambulance
In serious cases inform the Director if a student is taken to hospital by ambulance, including a full description of the event, any known personal details and details of any first aid given should be given directly to the paramedic.
Write a full account of the incident and all subsequent treatment and leave it on the director’s desk.
If any member of staff sustaining injury or is involved in an accident at work, they MUST enter the details in the Accident Book kept in the centre.
7. RIDDOR
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) apply to schools. Most incidents that happen within the centre will not need to be reported. The Director will be responsible for reporting any incident under RIDDOR.
What needs to be reported?
Accidents resulting in injury to employees
- Accidents which result in death or major injury must be reported immediately. Major injury includes: –
i) a fracture other than to fingers, thumbs and toes;
ii) amputation;
iii) dislocation of shoulder, hip, knee or spine;
iv) loss of sight (temporary or permanent);
v) chemical or hot metal burn to the eye or any penetrating injury to the eye;
vi) injury resulting from an electric shock or electrical burn leading to unconsciousness;
vii) loss of consciousness caused by asphyxia or exposure to a harmful substance or biological agent;
viii) either of the following conditions which result from the absorption of any substance by inhalation, indigestion, or through the skin:
– an acute illness requiring medical treatment; or
-loss of consciousness; and
ix) acute illness requiring medical treatment where there is reason to believe that this resulted from exposure to a biological agents, its toxins or infected material.
Any injuries that lead to a worker or a student being incapacitated for over 7 consecutive days (including weekends) needs to be reported. The report must be made within 15 days of the accident.
Any reported cases of a work-related disease, specified under RIDDOR, that affects an employee or a student and that a doctor confirms in writing.
Accidents resulting in injury to students
Injuries to students and visitors who are involved in an accident at the centre are only reportable under RIDDOR if:
- The accident results in the death of the person and arose out of or in connection with a work activity; or
- The accident results in an injury that arose out of or in connection with a work activity and the person is taken from the scene of the accident to hospital.
Any injury to a student whereby the student is taken from the scene of the accident to hospital will need to be considered by the director and reported if necessary, under RIDDOR.
8. National health alerts
In the event of an epidemic or pandemic alert we will organise our operations and provide advice on steps to be taken by staff, students and parents/guardians in accordance with official guidance, to reduce the risk of infection at the centre as far as possible. Any questions should be referred to the director.
9. Insurance
The centre has a wide and comprehensive range of insurance. Employees wishing to know any particular details should contact the director.
10. Review of policy
Safety is an on-going concern. Additions to this policy can be made at any time in the future, for example if new equipment is acquired.
Recommendations for any amendment to this policy should be reported to the director.
This policy will be continually reviewed to ensure that it is achieving its stated objectives.
Online Safety Policy
Policy statement
UKMC English Academy welcomes students from all around the world. Face-to-face classes take place on our premises at Universal Square Manchester, as well as online, using Zoom. UKMC English Academy also uses Google services, such as Gmail and Classroom for homework and communications between teachers and students. For that reason, we have a duty to ensure that our students and staff are protected from potential harm online. UKMC recognises that:
• the online world provides many opportunities but can also present risks and challenges
• we have a responsibility to help keep children and young people safe online
• all students, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
Policy aim
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that:
• the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff is paramount when using the internet, social media or mobile devices in the context of their course
• provide staff with the main principles that guide UKMC English Academy’s approach to online safety
• as an organisation, we operate in line with our values and within the law in terms of how we use online devices.
This policy applies to:
• Students – i.e. anyone on a course with UKMC English Academy, whether they are studying face-to-face or online, enrolled or trial, fee-paying or free.
• Staff – i.e. anyone working with or on behalf UKMC English Academy. This includes directors, paidstaff, volunteers, homestay hosts, contractors and agents.
Key contacts
| Name | Title | Role | Contact |
| Adele Higgins | Principal | Overseeing CP and Safeguarding, Code of Conduct | adele@ukmcglobal.com |
| Kirsty Reilly | Student Recruitment and Marketing Manager, Safeguarding Officer | Managing CP and Safeguarding | kirsty@ukmcglobal.com
|
| Lucas Bak | Head of English | Managing CP and Safeguarding, student behavioral issues | lucas@ukmcglobal.com
|
What are the risks associated with online tuition?
Technology can be a powerful, positive tool, in all areas of life, including education and learning and enables people to do many things that would not otherwise be possible. Technology does not cause people to behave badly, however, some people use technology to cause harm for example:
• bullying/cyberbullying
• emotional abuse
• sharing of inappropriate images
• sexual abuse e.g. children and young people in particular can also be groomed online: criminals may use online platforms to build a trusting relationship with the victim to abuse them.
It can happen anywhere online that allows digital communication, such as:
• social networking sites and platforms
• email, text messages and messaging apps
• comments on blogs, videos, online chats
• gaming platforms
Preventative measures
UKMC English Academy has a responsibility to effectively prevent and address harmful behaviour, promote positive and constructive uses of technology.
Ensuring safe communications online
- Classes, social activities and meetings
Classes, social activities and meetings take place via UKMC’s English Academy Zoom and Gmail / Google accounts and at the times scheduled by UKMC English Academy. Students, staff and teachers must not schedule classes, meetings or other activities outside those timetabled by the school.
- UKMC e-mail accounts
When enrolling, students are given an official UKMC e-mail address and temporary password. This email can be used to access class materials on Google Classrooms and communicate with their teachers by e-mail.
New staff are also given an official UKMC e-mail address and temporary password. This email can be used to share class materials on Google Classroom and communicate with students and staff by e-mail.
Communication with students takes place via phone, WhatsApp on school phones only and via Gmail using UKMC accounts only. Whatsapp is only used for communications with students aged 18 and over. For students under the age of 18, communications will take place via e-mail, phone or via the parents or agent on Whatsapp.
- Communications by phone
Phone communications between students and staff can only be done via school-owned devices and numbers. This includes text messages, calls and Whatsapp.
- Use of personal devices
Staff are permitted to access UKMC platforms via their own personal laptops, tablets and computers.
- Promoting and maintaining positive behaviour online
UKMC has a solid set of rules and guidelines to promote and maintain a positive environment online. For more details, please see the Code of Conduct and Exclusion Policy.
- On premises
All computer equipment and internet access within UKMC premises is subject to internet safety rules. A web content filter is in place to prevent students from accessing inappropriate content.
- Welfare and safeguarding concerns
Welfare meetings are available for all students and parents with the Safeguarding Officer or the Head of English in her absence (contact details above). She sends out an induction message including important information in order to ensure their safety and wellbeing throughout their course.
- Content monitoring and class observations
All class content is overseen and managed by the Head of English and is carefully checked for appropriacy in terms of students’ age and background.
UKMC English Academy has a class observation policy whereby the Head of English carries out formal observations as well as informal checks.
Safer Recruitment
We follow the same recruitment procedures for UKMC staff who work on our online courses as for our regular face-to face ones. UKMC takes all reasonable measures
to ensure unsuitable people are prevented from working with our children. Every member of staff (academic or non-academic) who is involved in online tuition has been thoroughly vetted through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). All UKMC staff receive safeguarding training. For more information, please refer to our Safeguarding Policy.
Responding to issues and allegations of online child abuse
If there are allegations of online child abuse, UKMC will follow the procedures described in the Code of Conduct and our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.
This policy is supported by others such as:
• Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
• Anti-Bullying Policy
• Attendance Policy
• Equality policy
- UKMC English Academy Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy
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Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy
Policy Statement
UKMC English Academy welcomes students from all around the world. Face-to-face classes take place on our premises at Universal Square Manchester, as well as online, using Zoom. For that reason, we have a responsibility to promote our students and staff’s welfare whilst studying or working with us.
Bullying causes real distress. It can affect a person’s health and development and, at the extreme, can cause significant harm. Everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse, and everyone has a role to play in preventing all forms of bullying (including online) and putting a stop to bullying.
Policy Aim
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that:
• UKMC complies with the Equality Act 2010
• All staff, students and parents have an understanding of what bullying and harassment are
• All staff, students and parents are protected against bullying and harassment and protected against the messages of all fundamentalist, extremist, and violent ideologies
• All staff know the UKMC policy on bullying and harassment, and follow it when it is reported
• All students and parents know the UKMC policy on bullying and harassment, and what to do if it arises
• Those involved are supported if an incident is reported, especially hate incidents and crimes.
This policy applies to:
• Students – i.e. anyone on a course with UKMC, whether they are on UKMC premises or studying online, enrolled or trial, fee-paying or free.
• Staff – i.e. anyone working with or on behalf of UKMC. This includes directors, paid
staff, volunteers, homestay hosts, contractors and agents.
Key Contacts
Name Job title Role Contact Student Officer, EO&D Officer Managing the prevention bullying and harassment issues Kirsty Reilly Student Recruitment and Marketing Manager, Safeguarding Officer Dealing with bullying and harassment issues related to the English Academ, CP and vulnerable adult concerns kirsty@ukmcglobal.com Lucas Bak Head of English Dealing with bullying and harassment issues related to the English Academy lucas@ukmcglobal.com What is Bullying?
Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim.
Bullying can be:
• Emotional: isolating and excluding someone. For example: being unfriendly, tormenting (e.g. hiding books,threatening), excluding someone from social groups or an activity, or spreading malicious rumours.
• Physical: physical harm or threat of it and abuse of personal property –fighting, pushing, hitting, taking or hiding belongings, or any use of violence; use or threat of use of weapons, physical intimidation.
• Racist: bullying directed at individuals of a certain race, culture, ethnicity, language, or faith.
• Sexual: harassing someone with comments and actions that are sexual in nature, negative stereotyping, spreading rumours, unwanted or inappropriate physical contact or sexual references.
• Homophobic: attacking someone because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation.
• Transphobic: making someone feel unwelcome because of their perceived or actual gender identity.
• Religious: attacking faith, belief, religious practice or custom.
• Special Needs and Disability: commenting on, mocking or discriminating against people with physical disabilities or learning difficulties or other special educational needs.
Bullying can happen:
• Online: on social networking sites, email, instant messaging, text messages and video/phone calls.
• In person: verbal or written comments happening face to face, on our outside UKMC premises.
What is harassment?
Harassment, as defined in the Equality Act 2010, is: “engaging in unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, and the conduct has the purpose or effect of:
• violating an individual’s dignity, or
• creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for an individual.”
The nine protected characteristics it is illegal for anyone to discriminate against are:
• Age
• Gender
• Gender identity or reassignment
• Marriage of Civil Partnership
• Pregnancy or Maternity
• Disability
• Race
• Religion, belief or lack of religion/belief
• Sexual orientation
Preventive measures
- Encouraging a positive environment
The best way to make sure that bullying and harassment don’t take place is to create and encourage a positive environment. That way, they are less likely to develop and are more easily detected. We aim to create an environment that encourages positive and respectful behaviour in and outside the classroom.
- Diversity
Bullying and harassment are closely related to how we respect and recognise the value of diversity. UKMC is proactive about seeking opportunities to learn about and celebrate difference and welcoming new people to the organization / academy.
- Equality
We abide by the provisions of the Equality Act 2010, as well as the laws of the United Kingdom regarding equality of opportunity and opposition to discrimination, inside and outside the classroom. Please see our Equality Policy for more information.
- Prevent Duty
Prevent is the government’s strategy to prevent and fight extremism. People are considered extremists when they propose using violence to achieve what they believe in. At UKMC, we have a duty to try and reduce the likelihood of anyone, students, staff or homestays getting drawn into any form of extremism, e.g. religious extremism, homophobia, right-wing ideology. As part of the Prevent Duty, the school actively promotes core British values and all members of staff must exemplify them.
These values are:
• Democracy
• Rule of Law
• Freedom of the Individual
• Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs
- School policies as a deterrent
We have robust policies and procedures to deter any form of bullying or harassment. These are classed as misconduct in our student Code of Conduct and our staff Disciplinary and Grievance Policy which means that bullying and harassment will trigger the disciplinary procedure. This acts as a strong deterrent as it means that students might be expelled and staff might be dismissed if they are guilty of bullying or harassment. Students are informed of this before their course start and at induction. Staff are informed of this before their employment starts and during their induction.
- Staff training
In order to make sure that staff are able to identify students at risk of being abused or drawn into terrorism, challenge extremist ideas and know how to refer students for further help, each member of staff in school and homestay hosting children must undertake basic safeguarding awareness training, as well as online Prevent training.
Reporting concerns
If a student is feeling that they are being bullied, or if anyone suspects that bullying is taking place, they are encouraged to discuss this with one of the people listed in the Key People section above.
Responding and dealing with bullying and harassment concerns
Bullying and harassment will be treated as abuse and any reports or suspicions of such behaviour will be responded and dealt with following the procedures described in the Child Protection and Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policies, as well as the Code of Conduct and Exclusion Policy and the Staff Disciplinary Policy.
It is important to note that UKMC supports and engages both the victim and alleged perpetrator throughout any investigation into allegations of bullying or harassment.
- UKMC English Academy Fire Marshals' Policy
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Fire Marshals’ Policy
UKMC FIRE MARSHALS’ POLICY/PROCEADURE
UKMC is situated on the ground floor of City View House. City View House is a services and managed business centre, who have overall responsibility for fire related duties, including, but not limited to; risk assessments, maintenance, equipment, alarms, bell testing and fire drills. UKMC’s responsibility lie within our own office area to which we have a lease agreement.
City View House implement fire related policies and procedures, the reception staff are the nominated fire marshals for the building.
UKMC has two nominated fire marshals, one main fire marshal and one deputy in her absence. UKMC has at least one fire marshal on premises at all times. Additionally, fire marshals are appropriately trained.
Scope
Fire marshals play an important role in reporting any changes to ignitions sources and combustibles. This fire prevention role supports the fire risk assessment process. The fire safety manager should liaise with fire marshals and any changes to policy or procedure must be shared quickly.
The main duties of the fire marshal are:
- identify fire hazards at their workplace
- note and report hazards to the appropriate person (facilities management if the hazard is building related)
- take the correct action in the event of a fire
- ensure that escape routes are kept clear and can be used effectively at all times.
If a fire is discovered, the fire marshal is expected to:
- check that the alarm has been raised by somebody
- check that machinery has been made safe
- evacuate people from the area involved or designated zone
- ensure that anyone with disabilities are assisted in line with their PEEP
- call the reporting company and give details of the location of the alarm and the cause of the fire, if possible. In usual cases, this would be the responsibility of the building management team, unless the fire was located in UKMC
- staff or students are not permitted to tackle any fires. They should wait for the fire brigade.
When the alarm is heard, the fire marshal/s should ensure that everyone leaves the building as quickly and as orderly as feasible, ensuring that security measures, such as closing fire-resistant safes, are carried out, if they have not already closed automatically (but not to delay the evacuation procedure). Electrical equipment should be closed down and windows closed if possible.
The fire marshal should search toilets and storerooms in their zone/s in a methodical way to ensure no one remains.
The fire marshal should then go to the relevant assembly point and become involved in the roll call procedure. Furthermore, the fire marshal may be appointed to ensure no one re-enters the building until the fire brigade says it is safe.
FIRE MARSHALS LIST
1st Fire Marshal
Mobina Majeed
Head of Administration and Student Support officer
2nd Fire Marshal (In the absence of the first fire marshal)
Zahid Iqbal
Director
- UKMC English Academy Equal Opportunities Policy
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Equal Opportunities Policy
Overall Aim
UKMC is committed to being an equal opportunities organisation and to influence learners, sub-contractors and employers to act similarly so that equality of opportunity and diversity is available to all.
WHAT IS EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY?
Equality is not about treating everyone the same. It is about treating people equally and fairly. It is not acceptable to discriminate against anyone, or treat them less favourably, for reasons that cannot be justified. There exists a range of legislation which imposes a minimum standard of behaviour on employers and individuals. These Acts of Parliament bind everyone in England, Wales and Scotland.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Diversity means recognising that individual and professional differences are a natural part of society and can often create an opportunity for those who recognise them. Organisations that embrace variety, value difference, reject prejudice and understand and accommodate changing work patterns will be those organisations which will reap the rewards of a happy, fulfilled and motivated workforce with diverse skills. Diversity in this context means recognising that individual and group differences present opportunities to harness creativity and build continuous improvement. Diversity occurs naturally. Everyone differs as individuals and on the basis of the social, professional and organisational groups they belong to. Managing diversity effectively means dealing with the spectrum and spread of human culture within the work environment. In essence, it focuses on how to use the differences between people to drive excellence and creativity in performance
General Statement
UKMC is committed to Equality and Diversity in employment and in the provision of its training and assessment services.
The aim of the UKMC policy is to ensure that:
No employee, learner or applicant is treated less favourably on the grounds of disability, race, colour, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation (including transgender status), gender, marital status, pregnancy and maternity status or age (except where age restrictions exist for certain programmes).
No person is disadvantaged by any conditions or requirements, which cannot be shown to be justified.
UKMC will make reasonable adjustments which help to make assessments fair for all.
Specific Aims
UKMC will pursue the five aims below to ensure:
- Equality of opportunity and prevent any discrimination, either direct or indirect, in all aspects of the organisation’s activity.
- Equality in all aspects of service delivery and to ensure the organisations services are accessible to all who require them and are entitled to receive them.
- Compliance with existing and any future equality and diversity legislation, and to actively promote training and assessment services to under- represented groups or disaffected individuals.
- The organisation acts as a model for effective equality and diversity practices for clients, customers and sub-contractors including employers and work placement providers.
- UKMC is responsive to the needs of all members of our client groups irrespective of gender, disability, race, religion, ethnic origin, creed, sexual orientation, age (within limits of schemes) or any other factor on which discrimination maybe based.
Responsibility for EqualITY AND DIVERSITY
Adele Higgins is our nominated Equality and Diversity Champion.
Each member of staff and associate of the organisation will be required to read and adhere to this policy.
The EDC will be responsible for identifying the need for staff training and updating in respect of equality and diversity.
UKMC as an Employer
The organisation will comply with current legislation which forbids discrimination against employees on the grounds of gender, disability, age, race, religion, ethnic origin, creed, sexual orientation or any other factor on which discrimination may be based, in the areas of staff recruitment, career development and promotion.
The organisation will take steps to ensure that people from groups currently under-represented in its workforce are encouraged to apply for posts.
Family friendly practices will be considered and actively promoted during recruitment and personnel development.
The EDC will monitor and audit compliance with this equality and diversity policy on an annual basis and produce a brief report on effectiveness of the policy.
UKMC as a Training Provider
All clients will be made aware of the existence of this Equality and Diversity Policy and every effort will be made during recruitment to stress that programmes embrace equality and diversity opportunities and applications are welcome from all.
Copies of this Equality and Diversity policy will be made freely available to clients upon request.
Work placement providers, employers and sub-contractors will be required to conduct their undertakings within the guidelines of this policy.
Work placement providers, employers and sub-contractors must agree to this Equality and Diversity policy unless they already hold a similar written policy which is acceptable to UKMC and meets the requirement of current legislation.
GENERAL STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR
The company expects staff and students to conduct themselves in a professional and considerate manner at all times. The company will not tolerate behaviour such as:
- Physical violence
- Shouting or swearing
- Rudeness
- Isolating, ignoring or refusing to work with certain people
- Telling offensive jokes or name calling
- The display of offensive material such as pornography or sexist/racist cartoons
- Lewd gestures or remarks
RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION
Individuals involved in the recruitment and selection of staff and students will ensure the company recruitment and selection policy is adhered to and that:
- A carefully worded and objective job description/person specification is produced for all vacancies, outlining the essential skills, knowledge and experience required
- Advertisements are agreed by the director and EDC and circulated to encourage applications from all sections of the community. Advertisements will not contain any age limits
- Application forms will reflect our commitment to the ‘Confident about Disability’ standard for applicants with a disability. They will also explain our aims to be an equal opportunities employer, to recruit a diverse workforce which reflects the makeup of the local community and to generally promote diversity principles
- Short-listing and selection will be based on objective criteria relevant to the job and decisions made by suitably trained staff, purely on the basis of merit. The reason for all decisions will be recorded
TRAINING, DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION
The company will ensure that irrespective of any personal characteristics:
- The training necessary to implement this equality policy is provided
- All employees and students are encouraged to achieve their full potential
- Selection for all training, career development opportunities and job moves will be purely on the basis of merit
- All staff will undergo mandatory equality and diversity training.
- Appraisals of performance will be conducted objectively and timely
- Selection for promotion will be purely on the basis of merit and where underrepresentation is identified we will take positive action to address this.
MEETING INDIVIDUAL NEEDS
As far as possible the company will try to meet the needs of individuals at work. For example:
- Caring and domestic responsibilities – time off may be appropriate to allow staff to care for children or sick relatives to help them balance their work and home responsibilities
- Working patterns – wherever possible training courses and meetings should be planned to allow attendance by staff working non-standard hours
- Disability – disabled staff, students and customers should be consulted about any reasonable adjustments which could be made to allow them to better perform their function
- Religious practices – it may be necessary to provide time off for prayer or religious festivals or relax dress standards to meet religious needs.
PROTECTIVE CHARACTERISTICS
Age – Where this is referred to, it refers to a person belonging to a particular age (e.g. 32 year olds) or range of ages (e.g. 18 – 30 year olds).
Disability – A person has a disability if s/he has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on that person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
Gender – A man or a woman.
Gender Reassignment – The process of transitioning from one gender to another. The definition has changed so that people no longer have to be under medical supervision to be protected by the law.
Marriage and Civil Partnership – Marriage is defined as a ‘union between a man and a woman’. Same-sex couples can have their relationships legally recognised as ‘civil partnerships’. Civil partners must be treated the same as married couples on a wide range of legal matters.
Pregnancy and Maternity – Pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant or expecting a baby. Maternity refers to the period after the birth, and is linked to maternity leave in the employment context. In the non-work context, protection against maternity discrimination is for 26 weeks after giving birth, and this includes treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding.
Race – Refers to the protected characteristic of Race. It refers to a group of people defined by their race, colour, and nationality (including citizenship) ethnic or national origins.
Religion and Belief – Religion has the meaning usually given to it but belief includes religious and philosophical beliefs including lack of belief (e.g. Atheism). Generally, a belief should affect your life choices or the way you live for it to be included in the definition.
Sexual Orientation – Whether a person’s sexual attraction is towards their own sex, the opposite sex or to both sexes
TYPES OF DISCRIMINATION
The different types of discrimination recognised by law are:
Associative Discrimination
This occurs when a person is treated less favourably because they are linked or associated with a protected characteristic. This brings the law into line with Coleman v Attridge Law.
Disability Discrimination
EA10 makes it easier for a person to establish disability discrimination by changing the definitions of disability discrimination and replacing the concept of ‘disability-related discrimination’ with the concepts of indirect discrimination and ‘discrimination arising from disability’. This is intended to resolve the problems caused by the London Borough of Lewisham v Malcolm case.
Discrimination Arising from a Disability
Occurs when a disabled person is treated unfavourably because of something connected with their disability and this unfavourable treatment cannot be justified. However, treatment can be justified if it can be shown that it is intended to meet a legitimate objective in a fair, balanced and reasonable way. If this can be shown then the treatment will be lawful.
Direct Discrimination
When somebody is treated less favourably on unlawful grounds because of one or more of their protected characteristics as compared to someone else.
Harassment
This is behaviour directly relating to or due to a personal characteristic or perception of it. This behaviour might violate the person’s dignity or create an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that person.
Indirect Discrimination
This considers rules or conditions that apply to everyone but affect one group of people more than others without good reason: for example, a company rule that says employees must do night shifts could exclude women who have children to care for.
Institutional Discrimination
Describes an attitude or culture in an organisation that supports or fails to challenge discriminatory views.
Perceptive Discrimination
This is direct discrimination against a person because others think they possess a particular protected characteristic. It applies to age, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation, disability, gender reassignment and sex.
Victimisation
When a person is treated less favourably than others because they have made, or intend to make a complaint of discrimination.
Complaints and Investigations
All complaints made to UKMC regards unfair treatment or discrimination will be taken seriously and investigated within ten working days by a senior manager.
A report of such complaints and investigations together with action taken will be held on file by the organisation for three years.
Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed whenever there is a significant relevant change required and in any case at least every year.
- UKMC English Academy First Aid Policy
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First Aid Policy
Policy Statement
It is UKMC’s responsibility to provide adequate and appropriate first aid support to someone if they are injured or become unwell on or off premises, and to ensure that UKMC English Academy complies with the Health and Safety Regulations.
Our First Aid Policy supports and is referenced by our Health and Safety Policy.
Policy Aim
This policy applies to:
- Students – i.e. anyone on a course with UKMC, whether they are on UKMC premises or studying online, enrolled or trial, fee-paying or free.
- Staff – i.e. anyone working with or on behalf of UKMC. This includes directors, paid staff, volunteers, homestay hosts, contractors and agents.
It aims to:
- Identify the first aid needs of UKMC and ensure provision in line with legislation
- Ensure that the provision is available at all times to people engaged in UKMC activities on or off UKMC premises
For those reasons, UKMC commits to:
- Appoint the appropriate number of suitably trained people as First Aiders to meet the needs of UKMC and its activities
- Provide relevant training and ensure continuous assessment of training needs
- Provide sufficient and appropriate resources and facilities
- Inform staff, students, parents and agents of UKMC’s first aid arrangements
- Keep accident records and to report to the HSE as required by law under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995
Key contacts
Name Job title First Aid role Contact details Mobina Majeed Head of Amin FA officer mobina@ukmcglobal.com Adele Higgins Principal FA train the trainer adele@ukmcglobal.com Zahid Iqbal Co-director FA officer zahid@ukmcglobal.com Duties and Responsibilities
UKMC is responsible for the health and safety of their staff and anyone else on the premises. This includes the Principal and teachers, non-teaching staff, student and visitors (including contractors).
The Directors must ensure that a risk assessment of UKMC English Academy is undertaken and that the appointments, training and resources for first aid arrangements are appropriate and in place. The Directors should ensure that the insurance arrangements provide full cover for claims arising from actions of staff acting within the scope of their employment.
The Principal is responsible for putting the policy into practice and for developing detailed procedures. She should ensure that the policy and information on the school’s arrangements for first aid are communicated to all staff and students. New staff are to be informed of procedures as part of their induction programme.
All staff are expected to do all they can to secure the welfare of the students.
First Aiders must have completed a training course approved by the HSE and will be updated every three years.
Duties include:
- Responding promptly to an incident / accident when requested, on the school premises
- Providing first aid assistance within the limits of their approved training and know when and how to secure additional assistance, including professional medical assistance if the nature and degree of injury is out with the limits of their training
- Acting in such a manner to respect the dignity of all patients and to protect their confidential information.
- Being aware of the location of the nearest first aid box and its contents and ensuring that the contents are replenished when necessary
- Reporting accidents / incidents promptly using the incident log, ensuring that all sections are filled in appropriately
- Keeping up to date with training and current knowledge, including any refresher training deemed required by UKMC
In the event that the company provides an offering where regulations don’t require a trained first aider to be in post at all times, the company will appoint someone to take charge of first aid equipment, procedures, and signage and or the reporting of illnesses and injuries. This Appointed Person need not be a First Aider but should have undertaken emergency first aid training. They will:
• Take charge when someone is injured or becomes ill
• Look after the first aid equipment e.g. restocking the first aid bags in the allocated places
- Ensure that an ambulance or other professional medical help is summoned when appropriate
Treatment of injuries
First Aid boxes
First Aid boxes, identified by a white cross on a green background, are available on UKMC premises and contain adequate supplies for treating injuries that may occur based the nature of the potential hazards identified by a risk assessment. First Aid boxes should not contain creams, lotions or medicines – including painkillers, such as ibuprofen, paracetamol or aspirin. The location of First Aid boxes and the name of the person responsible for their upkeep should be clearly indicated on notice boards throughout the premises.
First Aid Boxes are located in:
- The reception
- Classroom
Place of treatment
Where treatment is required the first aider should use an empty classroom close to r a quiet space. When treating a student aged U18, for the safety of both the member of staff and student they should always ensure they are accompanied by a second member of staff.
Administration of drugs and medicines
The school will not store, provide or administer medications to students under any circumstances. Staff at UKMC are not trained in the administration of medicine. Unless the school is informed otherwise, it will be assumed that the student is aware of how and when to administer the medicine themselves.
Medicines should not normally be brought into school. Where a student needs regular medication, they must state this prior to registering and with U18’s parents must make appropriate arrangements with the Student Welfare Officer to manage this. In the case of a medical emergency, the emergency services may administer medicines to the student – parental consent is requested for underage students and must be given prior to the course starting. UKMC cannot take responsibility for giving medicines which are dangerous and where timing is of vital importance. If a student has a serious condition requiring regular medication, they will need a medical support plan which clearly details medication required, dosage and storage.
Reporting
- The Principal or most senior member of staff on site will be informed of any serious injury occurring in a day
- All incidents, injuries, head injuries and treatments are to be reported in the incident log
- Parents/Homestay hosts are to be informed of a head injury
- Staff should complete the accident reporting form for employees if they sustain an injury at work
- Injuries requiring more than first aid, e.g. hospital/professional treatment, must be reported to the Principal to allow communication with agents and parents
Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, 1995 (RIDDOR), some accidents must be reported to the HSE.
- Involving employees or self-employed people working on the premises
- Involving students and visitors
The Principal is responsible for ensuring this happens.
Record Keeping
The appointed person must ensure that a record is kept of any first aid treatment given. In their absence this responsibility will be designated by the principal.
This should include:
- the date, time and place of incident
- the name of the injured or ill person
- details of their injury/illness and what first aid was given
- what happened to the person immediately afterwards
- name and signature of the first aider or person dealing with the incident
Accident and first aid treatment records can be used to help UKMC identify trends and areas for improvement. They also could help to identify training or other needs and may be useful for insurance or investigative purposes.
- UKMC English Academy Health and Safety Policy
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Health and Safety Policy
Policy Name: Health & Safety Policy
Policy Version: V1
Effective Date: 02/03/2021
Review Date: 01/03/2021
Contents
1. General Statement
2. Fire
3. Specific Hazards
4. Equipment
5. First Aid
6. Accident or Injury
7. RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995)
8. National health alerts
9. Insurance
10. Review
1.General Statement
Policy Statement
We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our staff and students and to providing a safe environment for all those attending our premises through regular assessments of risks in the work and study place.
In particular we are committed to maintaining safe and healthy working and studying conditions through the control of the health and safety risks arising from our activities, and equipment; ensuring the safe handling and use of substances; consulting with our staff and providing appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision; and taking steps to prevent accidents and cases of work-related ill health.
What is covered by this policy?
In accordance with our health and safety duties, we are responsible for:
- Assessing risks to health and safety and identifying ways to overcome them.
- Providing and maintaining a healthy and safe place to work and study and a safe means of entering and leaving our premises, including emergency procedures for use when needed.
- Providing information, instruction, training and supervision in safe working methods and procedures as well as working areas and equipment that are safe and without risks to health.
- Ensuring that equipment has all necessary safety devices installed, that equipment is properly maintained and that appropriate protective clothing is provided.
- Promoting co-operation between members of staff to ensure safe and healthy conditions and systems of work by discussion and effective joint consultation.
- Regularly monitoring and reviewing the management of health and safety, and thereafter making any necessary changes and bringing those to the attention of all staff and students, as appropriate.
Personnel responsible for implementation of this policy
The Director has overall responsibility for health and safety and the operation of this policy and has day-to-day responsibility for health and safety matters.
The Director is responsible for:
- the implementation of this policy statement and keeping it under review;
- safety inspections;
- ensuring that legal requirements are met, for example notifying any accidents reportable under RIDDOR; and
- ensuring that any necessary health and safety risk assessments are undertaken regularly and any recommendations are recorded and implemented.
All members of staff have a duty to look after their own and others’ health and safety. In addition, all UKMC staff has a duty under common law to take care of students in the same way that a prudent parent would.
As such it is the responsibility of members of staff (teaching and non-teaching), to ensure that the Director or Principal is informed of any hazards present in the premises. In practice, this means ‘if you see something which you consider to be a hazard’ report it. Do NOT assume that someone else will. These reports should be confirmed in writing.
There are several Acts of Parliament covering safety in premises including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HAS), and the regulations under that Act, in particular the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999; the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Act 2002 (COSHH); and the Children’s Act 2004; and all amendments to these Acts; as well as various Department for Education and Skills (DfES) regulations and Home Office regulations.
Health and Safety law requires the employer to assess the risks to health and safety. This does not mean that a separate written risk assessment is required for every activity as long the Centre has undertaken a common sense and proportionate approach. Where a risk assessment is carried out however, a written record must be kept of the significant findings of the assessment.
Code of Practice
A clean and orderly environment is essential for students and staff of the English Academy.
Periodic checks of the contents and layout of rooms should be made by assessors/tutors and other staff. Defective equipment, fittings and furniture should be reported immediately to the Director.
Key guidelines:
- make sure that fire doors are easy to open and free from obstruction.
- ensure that free-standing furniture is not placed in such a position that it can be pushed over
- avoid storing heavy equipment, materials etc on top of tall cupboards and high shelves.
- ensure that all floor areas are kept clear of obstructions other than furniture so that cleaning staff are able to work safely and efficiently.
- make sure that all furniture is in a good state of repair. Take out of use, and report as necessary, any defective item of furniture or equipment.
- keep all sinks and wash basins free from obstruction so that they can be kept clean and hygienic.
- as far as practicable, keep working surfaces clear so that cleaners can wipe down as necessary
- report any insecure wall-mounted units.
- make sure that light sockets are not left without a bulb, to avoid the possibility of electric shock
- do not leave electric power cables, leads etc trailing across the floor.
- switch off and un-plug electrical equipment after use.
- edged or pointed tools (such as scissors, knives, compasses) should be regularly checked for damage and stored safely.
- aerosol containers should be kept in a safe, cool place to which they should be returned after use. They should never be left in direct sunlight.
- hazardous, toxic or flammable materials (bleaches, polishes, paint etc) should also be stored securely.
Training
All staff (whether temporary or permanent) will receive adequate training in health and safety to ensure that all staff are competent to undertake their work safely and efficiently. UKMC will ensure that all new staff are up to date with this training or will receive training.
2. Emergency Evacuation and Fire Precautions
UKMC is located within a managed building, therefore we adopt Universal Square’s fire and evacuation procedure. A copy of this is available via the admin team and is displayed within the English Academy.
If the fire alarm sounds the following guidelines will apply:
- all students and all staff will proceed at once to the assembly area in the car park at the back of the building, remaining calm and walking quickly. The lifts MUST NOT be used, evacuation must be via the stairs.
- close windows and doors as you go, but do not waste time doing so – getting out is more important.
- evacuate the building as quickly as possible at the nearest possible exit, including Fire Exits.
- do not stop to collect personal possessions.
- do not go back into the building until you are told it is safe to do so.
Roll Call
If the fire alarm sounds during the hours of 9.00am-5.00pm, students should assemble according to their class groups where the tutor will call out the names of those students to ensure that everyone is present. The admin team with take out the visitors’ book to check names of other visitors present.
In the event of a real fire, the persons calling the roll should then go through the lists again and satisfy themselves that every student is indeed present. The student list should be checked with the signing-out book.
Staff should also be checked. To aid this process, checklists are kept in the admin office.
The fire brigade will be called by the building manager.
Afterwards
No-one may re-enter the building until given permission by the Building Manager, or the Director in the event of a fire practice, or by the Senior Brigade Officer (in the event of a fire).
Other Notes
You should not be left on your own in a building.
There will be at least one fire drill per year and the results of all fire drills will be recorded. These fire drills are important and must be taken seriously.
A Fire Risk Assessment is kept under regular review. Where any significant changes in risk are identified these will be communicated with all staff and students to ensure that everyone knows what to do in case of a fire.
In accordance with the training statement above, all staff (and students) will be trained to ensure they know what to do when they hear the fire alarm. If necessary, additional and repetitive training will be available.
If you discover a fire, you should not attempt to tackle it unless you have been trained or feel competent to do so. Never put yourself or anyone else in danger. You should operate the nearest fire alarm and, if you have sufficient time, call the Director.
All staff should familiarise themselves with the instructions about what to do in the event of fire which are displayed on notice boards or available from the building’s facilities manager, or our admin team.
You should also know where the fire extinguishers are and ensure that you are aware of your nearest fire exit and alternative ways of leaving the building in an emergency.
3. Specific Hazards
In the list below, contact names are given beside some of the areas of hazards identified. These names should not be regarded as implying any legal responsibility.
a. Boiler Rooms
Students or staff must not enter the boiler rooms. Contact: Facilities Manager.
b. Litter
Litter must not be allowed to accumulate in such a way as could lead to a fire hazard. Empty tins should not be discarded thoughtlessly.
c. Broken Glass
Broken windows should be reported immediately. Students should NOT be asked to pick up broken glass. If necessary, a temporary barrier could be erected using chairs etc.
Contact: Facilities Manager / UKMC Director.
d. Electrical Work
Electrical work should be undertaken by persons who are employed to do it. This is normally by the building facilities management team or external electrical contractors. Faulty equipment, loose, worn or frayed wiring, damaged plugs etc should be reported immediately. Do not attempt to fix it yourself.
Contact: Facilities manager/ UKMC Director.
e. Traffic
Students must be made aware, and reminded periodically by staff, of the dangers of traffic on the main road outside the building.
f. Ladders, Building Work etc
When overhead work is being carried out, an area should be roped off to prevent danger to passers-by. Students must not climb ladders, scaffolding towers etc.
4. Equipment
All staff and students must use equipment in accordance with operating instructions, any instructions given by relevant teaching staff and any relevant training. Any fault with, damage to, or concern about any equipment or its use must immediately be report to the Director.
No person should attempt to repair equipment unless trained and designated to do so.
5. First Aid
There are first-aid boxes held by the admin team. If you use items from these boxes, please inform the Director so that they can be re-stocked immediately.
Contact: Director
6. Accident or Injury
In the event of an accident or medical emergency contact a member of staff and/or Emergency services.
Seek medical advice directly by:
- contacting the available first aider
- in extreme cases, by dialling 999 to call an ambulance
In serious cases inform the Director if a student is taken to hospital by ambulance, including a full description of the event, any known personal details and details of any first aid given should be given directly to the paramedic.
Write a full account of the incident and all subsequent treatment and leave it on the director’s desk.
If any member of staff sustaining injury or is involved in an accident at work, they MUST enter the details in the Accident Book kept in the centre.
7. RIDDOR
The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) apply to schools. Most incidents that happen within the centre will not need to be reported. The Director will be responsible for reporting any incident under RIDDOR.
What needs to be reported?
Accidents resulting in injury to employees
- Accidents which result in death or major injury must be reported immediately. Major injury includes: –
i) a fracture other than to fingers, thumbs and toes;
ii) amputation;
iii) dislocation of shoulder, hip, knee or spine;
iv) loss of sight (temporary or permanent);
v) chemical or hot metal burn to the eye or any penetrating injury to the eye;
vi) injury resulting from an electric shock or electrical burn leading to unconsciousness;
vii) loss of consciousness caused by asphyxia or exposure to a harmful substance or biological agent;
viii) either of the following conditions which result from the absorption of any substance by inhalation, indigestion, or through the skin:
– an acute illness requiring medical treatment; or
-loss of consciousness; and
ix) acute illness requiring medical treatment where there is reason to believe that this resulted from exposure to a biological agents, its toxins or infected material.
Any injuries that lead to a worker or a student being incapacitated for over 7 consecutive days (including weekends) needs to be reported. The report must be made within 15 days of the accident.
Any reported cases of a work-related disease, specified under RIDDOR, that affects an employee or a student and that a doctor confirms in writing.
Accidents resulting in injury to students
Injuries to students and visitors who are involved in an accident at the centre are only reportable under RIDDOR if:
- The accident results in the death of the person and arose out of or in connection with a work activity; or
- The accident results in an injury that arose out of or in connection with a work activity and the person is taken from the scene of the accident to hospital.
Any injury to a student whereby the student is taken from the scene of the accident to hospital will need to be considered by the director and reported if necessary, under RIDDOR.
8. National health alerts
In the event of an epidemic or pandemic alert we will organise our operations and provide advice on steps to be taken by staff, students and parents/guardians in accordance with official guidance, to reduce the risk of infection at the centre as far as possible. Any questions should be referred to the director.
9. Insurance
The centre has a wide and comprehensive range of insurance. Employees wishing to know any particular details should contact the director.
10. Review of policy
Safety is an on-going concern. Additions to this policy can be made at any time in the future, for example if new equipment is acquired.
Recommendations for any amendment to this policy should be reported to the director.
This policy will be continually reviewed to ensure that it is achieving its stated objectives.
- UKMC English Academy Online Safety Policy
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Online Safety Policy
Policy statement
UKMC English Academy welcomes students from all around the world. Face-to-face classes take place on our premises at Universal Square Manchester, as well as online, using Zoom. UKMC English Academy also uses Google services, such as Gmail and Classroom for homework and communications between teachers and students. For that reason, we have a duty to ensure that our students and staff are protected from potential harm online. UKMC recognises that:
• the online world provides many opportunities but can also present risks and challenges
• we have a responsibility to help keep children and young people safe online
• all students, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse
Policy aim
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that:
• the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff is paramount when using the internet, social media or mobile devices in the context of their course
• provide staff with the main principles that guide UKMC English Academy’s approach to online safety
• as an organisation, we operate in line with our values and within the law in terms of how we use online devices.
This policy applies to:
• Students – i.e. anyone on a course with UKMC English Academy, whether they are studying face-to-face or online, enrolled or trial, fee-paying or free.
• Staff – i.e. anyone working with or on behalf UKMC English Academy. This includes directors, paidstaff, volunteers, homestay hosts, contractors and agents.
Key contacts
Name Title Role Contact Adele Higgins Principal Overseeing CP and Safeguarding, Code of Conduct adele@ukmcglobal.com Kirsty Reilly Student Recruitment and Marketing Manager, Safeguarding Officer Managing CP and Safeguarding kirsty@ukmcglobal.com Lucas Bak Head of English Managing CP and Safeguarding, student behavioral issues lucas@ukmcglobal.com What are the risks associated with online tuition?
Technology can be a powerful, positive tool, in all areas of life, including education and learning and enables people to do many things that would not otherwise be possible. Technology does not cause people to behave badly, however, some people use technology to cause harm for example:
• bullying/cyberbullying
• emotional abuse
• sharing of inappropriate images
• sexual abuse e.g. children and young people in particular can also be groomed online: criminals may use online platforms to build a trusting relationship with the victim to abuse them.
It can happen anywhere online that allows digital communication, such as:
• social networking sites and platforms
• email, text messages and messaging apps
• comments on blogs, videos, online chats
• gaming platforms
Preventative measures
UKMC English Academy has a responsibility to effectively prevent and address harmful behaviour, promote positive and constructive uses of technology.
Ensuring safe communications online
- Classes, social activities and meetings
Classes, social activities and meetings take place via UKMC’s English Academy Zoom and Gmail / Google accounts and at the times scheduled by UKMC English Academy. Students, staff and teachers must not schedule classes, meetings or other activities outside those timetabled by the school.
- UKMC e-mail accounts
When enrolling, students are given an official UKMC e-mail address and temporary password. This email can be used to access class materials on Google Classrooms and communicate with their teachers by e-mail.
New staff are also given an official UKMC e-mail address and temporary password. This email can be used to share class materials on Google Classroom and communicate with students and staff by e-mail.
Communication with students takes place via phone, WhatsApp on school phones only and via Gmail using UKMC accounts only. Whatsapp is only used for communications with students aged 18 and over. For students under the age of 18, communications will take place via e-mail, phone or via the parents or agent on Whatsapp.
- Communications by phone
Phone communications between students and staff can only be done via school-owned devices and numbers. This includes text messages, calls and Whatsapp.
- Use of personal devices
Staff are permitted to access UKMC platforms via their own personal laptops, tablets and computers.
- Promoting and maintaining positive behaviour online
UKMC has a solid set of rules and guidelines to promote and maintain a positive environment online. For more details, please see the Code of Conduct and Exclusion Policy.
- On premises
All computer equipment and internet access within UKMC premises is subject to internet safety rules. A web content filter is in place to prevent students from accessing inappropriate content.
- Welfare and safeguarding concerns
Welfare meetings are available for all students and parents with the Safeguarding Officer or the Head of English in her absence (contact details above). She sends out an induction message including important information in order to ensure their safety and wellbeing throughout their course.
- Content monitoring and class observations
All class content is overseen and managed by the Head of English and is carefully checked for appropriacy in terms of students’ age and background.
UKMC English Academy has a class observation policy whereby the Head of English carries out formal observations as well as informal checks.
Safer Recruitment
We follow the same recruitment procedures for UKMC staff who work on our online courses as for our regular face-to face ones. UKMC takes all reasonable measures
to ensure unsuitable people are prevented from working with our children. Every member of staff (academic or non-academic) who is involved in online tuition has been thoroughly vetted through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). All UKMC staff receive safeguarding training. For more information, please refer to our Safeguarding Policy.
Responding to issues and allegations of online child abuse
If there are allegations of online child abuse, UKMC will follow the procedures described in the Code of Conduct and our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.
This policy is supported by others such as:
• Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
• Anti-Bullying Policy
• Attendance Policy
• Equality policy
- UKMC English Academy Safeguarding Policy
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