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All UWC-endorsed Short Courses must comply with the UWC Common Standards for Safeguarding. This includes:
Nominating a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (second in charge) who will oversee safeguarding procedures throughout the course.
Ensuring the DSL has completed mandatory safeguarding training provided by UWC International.
Implementing clear reporting and response protocols for safeguarding concerns.
The full UWC Common Standards for Safeguarding can be found here.
External Version UWC Common Standards For Safeguarding.pdfUWC Common Standards for Safeguarding
UWC Common Standards for Safeguarding
The UWC Common Standards for Safeguarding outline the safeguarding expectations for all UWC entities, including short courses. The document defines key safeguarding principles, establishes minimum safeguarding requirements, and sets clear protocols for identifying, reporting, and responding to safeguarding concerns. It covers areas such as the role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), definitions of abuse, reporting obligations, and compliance with international safeguarding regulations. These standards ensure that all UWC-affiliated programmes create a safe and protective environment for participants and staff.
UWC Definitions
UWC Definitions
To ensure a shared understanding of safeguarding responsibilities, key definitions from the UWC Common Standards for Safeguarding are outlined below:
1. Safeguarding
1. Safeguarding
The proactive measures taken to protect children and young people from harm, ensuring their safety, welfare, and well-being within the UWC movement. This includes policies, procedures, and actions that create a secure environment for all students.
2. Child
2. Child
For safeguarding purposes, a child is anyone under the age of 18, regardless of the legal age of consent in their respective country. Special attention is given to participants over 18 who remain in a vulnerable position within the UWC movement.
3. Abuse
3. Abuse
Abuse occurs when a child experiences harm or is at risk of harm due to physical, emotional, sexual, or neglectful actions. Types of abuse include:
Physical Abuse: Any deliberate act that inflicts injury or harm, including hitting, shaking, or other physical force.
Emotional Abuse: Persistent behaviors that cause emotional distress, including bullying, threats, and manipulation.
Sexual Abuse: Any sexual activity involving an adult and a student or a non-consensual act between students. This includes inappropriate contact, exploitation, and exposure to sexual content.
Neglect: The ongoing failure to meet a child’s basic physical and psychological needs, leading to serious harm.
4. Grooming
4. Grooming
A process in which an individual builds a relationship of trust with a child or young person to manipulate, exploit, and abuse them. Grooming can occur online or in person and often involves secrecy, coercion, and deception.
5. Position of Trust
5. Position of Trust
Any adult within the UWC movement who has a responsibility over participants, including facilitators, staff, and volunteers. Abuse of this position is strictly prohibited, regardless of the participant’s age.
6. Reporting Obligations
6. Reporting Obligations
All safeguarding concerns must be reported in line with UWC’s Reporting Protocols. If in doubt, DSLs and staff should escalate concerns rather than dismiss them.
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Role
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Role
To receive UWC endorsement, each short course must designate a DSL, who will:
Be at least 18 years old (for student-led courses, this may need to be a supervising adult).
Complete mandatory safeguarding training before the course begins.
Act as the primary point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
Ensure all facilitators, guest speakers, and team members receive safeguarding briefings.
Implement incident reporting procedures and escalate concerns appropriately.
If your short course is being organised by a UWC school, college, or national committee, it is advisable to assign an existing DSL from their team to fulfil this role for efficiency.
To nominate your DSL, please complete the nomination form as part of the endorsement process. For existing short courses, please comment with your DSL details on column U of this this sheet to receive training information.
UWC International Protocol for Managing Safeguarding Allegations and Disclosures.pdf
Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
Reporting Safeguarding Concerns
It is essential that all short courses follow UWC’s Reporting Protocols when managing safeguarding concerns. The following steps outline the correct procedure:
Recognise and Record
Any concern, disclosure, or observed incident that raises safeguarding questions must be documented accurately and promptly.
The record should include who, what, where, and when, without interpretation or assumption.
Report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The concern must be reported to the DSL as soon as possible.
The DSL will assess the situation and determine the next steps, ensuring confidentiality.
DSL Escalation & Decision-Making
The DSL must evaluate the severity of the concern and, if necessary, seek guidance from UWC International Safeguarding.
If the case involves immediate harm, emergency services or local safeguarding authorities must be contacted.
Reporting to UWC International (if required)
Serious safeguarding concerns, including incidents that could have legal implications, must be reported to UWC International using the designated reporting channels.
The DSL should document all actions taken and decisions made.
Follow-Up and Support
The DSL ensures that all parties involved receive appropriate support.
The safeguarding team must review the incident and determine any policy or procedural changes needed to prevent future occurrences.
By following these steps, all UWC short courses can ensure that safeguarding concerns are handled in a professional, transparent, and compliant manner.
For any questions or clarifications, please reach out to UWC International Safeguarding. Thank you for your commitment to keeping all participants safe.
Mandatory Safeguarding Training
Mandatory Safeguarding Training
General Training
General Training
UWC International has partnered with TES Develop (formerly EduCare), an online training provider, to deliver safeguarding training for DSLs. All DSLs are required to complete the following courses:
Child Protection Basics for International Schools
Understanding the Role of the Safeguarding Lead for International Schools
A Guide to International Data Protection: Education
First Aid Essentials for International Schools (if no prior certification)
Additional Recommended Modules:
Children’s Mental Wellbeing for International Schools
Concussion Awareness
Health and Safety for International Schools
To access the training, visit TES Develop. To obtain login credentials, contact shortcourses@uwcio.uwc.org, and we will set up an account for the DSL and Deputy DSL. Once logged in, go to 'My Courses' and select the required training from the list.
Once completed, submit your completion certificates to shortcourses@uwcio.uwc.org.
UWC Short Course-Specific Annual Training
UWC Short Course-Specific Annual Training
In addition to the above modules, all UWC short course organisers and coordinators must complete a two-hour online safeguarding training session developed by the UWC Short Course Development Initiative (SCDI). This annual training ensures organisers feel equipped to provide safe environments for their participants.
Training Content:
UWC Common Standards for Safeguarding
UWC Safeguarding Reporting System
How to have safeguarding conversations
Safeguarding online
Taking care of yourselves
This includes learning how to identify psychological and emotional hardship and understanding UWC safeguarding and child protection procedures.
Preparation:
Before attending, complete the TES Develop safeguarding modules listed in the safeguarding resources section of this platform. If your short course is held in-person, research the local and national safeguarding reporting laws and procedures in advance.
Disclaimer:
The health and safety of participants is at the core of UWC safeguarding. Attendance at this annual training is mandatory for all short course organisers and coordinators. Failure to complete this training may affect UWC endorsement.
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