2. People

2.1 Leadership and Governance of Safeguarding

The Board of Trustees and Head of School are responsible for ensuring that FIS operates under the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany, and remains a safe, secure and nurturing environment for children. 

The Board maintains strategic oversight of safeguarding, which includes appropriate and clear designation of responsibility for safeguarding, fostering of a safe culture, and overseeing the mitigation of safeguarding risks. All Board Members undertake safeguarding training during orientation and annually. The Chair of the Trustees Committee provides a ‘check and challenge’ role to the Safeguarding Lead and Assistant Head of School, by asking for clarification of safeguarding arrangements in a way that is supportive of the role of the Safeguarding Lead, but that also facilitates accountability and ensures the safety of students. Further detail can be found in The Role of the Board in Safeguarding.

The Safeguarding Lead, working under the direction of the Assistant Head of School, has oversight of safeguarding at FIS. This includes training and professional development, implementation of structured procedures for reporting suspected or disclosed child abuse, the delivery of student learning experiences related to child protection, and the annual review of the safeguarding policy, regulations and handbook. The Safeguarding Lead also supervises the integration of community and child safeguarding measures within all relevant school policies, regulations and practices, including strategic planning, recruitment and performance management.

Individual child protection concerns are addressed in the first instance to the Divisional School Counselor. Counselors manage the referral process, provide advice and support to faculty, manage communications with parents, consult on the design of the Personal, Social and Emotional curriculum, and raise awareness of safeguarding matters within the school community. 

The Assistant Head of School, Safeguarding Lead, Principals, Associate Principals and the School Counselors comprise the Safeguarding Team at FIS. The Safeguarding Team meet regularly to review safeguarding procedures. The safeguarding handbook is reviewed annually with the school leadership team.

All faculty, staff and volunteers share responsibility for the protection of children and young adults enrolled or involved in the school. It is required that members of the school community report suspected or disclosed child abuse in line with the regulations outlined in 3.2 Reporting procedures. 

2.2 Recruitment

This section outlines the steps taken by FIS to ensure the appointment of all employees and volunteers complies with guidance on safer recruitment.

Faculty offers of employment are subject to the successful candidate providing proof of identity, proof of professional status and qualifications, and a full and satisfactory criminal record history, as evidenced through an enhanced German police clearance certificate and police clearance certificates from previous work locations.

FIS recognizes that the nature of international teaching means that it is not always possible to provide historical police clearance certificates; in this circumstance, the Head of School or designee will conduct enhanced reference checks , including more specific reference checks from multiple prior employees.

The employment page on the FIS website includes a statement of commitment to child protection and safeguarding. As part of the recruitment process, candidates must provide written answers to screening questions related to child protection. Safeguarding questions are also routinely asked during interview. For viable candidates, at least one referee will be authenticated by telephone, and referees are asked questions specifically related to safeguarding. Where possible, prohibition checks are carried out for teachers.

All companies contracted to the school are made aware of the safeguarding expectations of the school. Individuals contracted to the school (for example coaches, music teachers, REAL instructors and substitute teachers) are required to complete an enhanced German police clearance certificate. The enhanced German police clearance certificate cannot be older than six months upon submission and will have to be renewed every five years. Parent or alumni volunteers working alone with children may be required to complete a police check. 

2.3 Codes of Conduct

The following codes of conduct provide guidance for employees, contractors and volunteers for appropriate and inappropriate behaviors towards children. 

English

• FIS Employees

• Sports Coaches

• Volunteers and Contractors 

German

• Angestellte und Mitarbeiter

Employees and contractors sign the code of conduct with their contract of employment or engagement. Volunteers sign the code of conduct during their induction.  

All visitors to the school receive the following written guidelines for appropriate conduct on the school premises: 

Welcome to our school. At FIS, we take safeguarding seriously. Do not take photographs or videos of children. Use toilets and changing rooms designated for visitors only. Please demonstrate respect, open-mindedness and empathy towards members of our community. If you have concerns about the welfare of any child, report immediately to an FIS employee.

Student codes of conduct are implemented by each division of the school. These state in age-appropriate language that all students have the right to learn in a safe environment free from bullying, abusive behavior or harassment. 

2.4 Professional Development and Training

FIS has implemented an annual program of training for all faculty, staff, regular volunteers and contractors who work directly with children. Both external providers and internal child protection trainers are involved in the planning and delivery of this training.

As part of their induction, all new members of faculty, staff, contractors and volunteers receive training with regard to safeguarding and child protection. This includes child abuse recognition and reporting procedures. Current faculty, staff, contractors and volunteers receive refresher training on an annual basis. 

Enhanced training is undertaken by faculty and staff whose role is directly related to child protection, such as counselors, the school nurse, and those involved in recruitment.

Planning and oversight of professional development training at FIS is maintained by the Safeguarding Lead and Assistant Head of School.