Safeguarding Policy

Our commitment

ScholarBridge works with students aged 14-18. We take our responsibility to their safety seriously. This policy explains how sessions are conducted, how families are kept informed, what standards mentors are held to, and how to raise a concern.

If you have an urgent safeguarding concern, contact us immediately at [email protected] with the subject line "Safeguarding concern."

Session format

All ScholarBridge sessions are conducted via video call (Google Meet, Zoom, or a mutually agreed platform). No in-person sessions take place. Sessions are not recorded without the explicit prior agreement of both the student and family.

Session times and platforms are agreed with families before the programme begins. Families may request to observe any session by notifying ScholarBridge in advance.

Parental involvement and communication

ScholarBridge requires a parent or legal guardian to be named on the application for every student under 18. The named parent or guardian:

• Receives the written programme plan and schedule before the programme begins.
• Is copied on all non-session communications between ScholarBridge and the student.
• Is notified of any session cancellations, rescheduling, or changes to the programme.
• May request a progress update at any point during the programme.
• Is informed in writing if any concern arises during the programme.

For students under 16, ScholarBridge may request that a parent or guardian is present or nearby during the first session. Families should contact us if they have a preference for parental presence at any session.

Mentor communication standards

All communication between mentors and students must go through ScholarBridge's designated channels (email to ScholarBridge, or within the agreed session platform). Mentors are not permitted to:

• Contact students directly on personal phones, messaging apps, or social media.
• Share their personal contact details with students.
• Meet with students in person or in any setting outside of the agreed session format.
• Request information from students that is not relevant to the academic programme.

Any breach of these standards is grounds for immediate removal from the ScholarBridge mentor network.

Mentor vetting

Every ScholarBridge mentor is reviewed before joining the network for academic background, communication ability, and suitability for working with younger students. Mentors are briefed on this safeguarding policy and are required to confirm they have read and understood it before beginning any programme.

ScholarBridge does not currently operate in jurisdictions that require formal disclosure and barring checks (DBS, CRB, or equivalent). Families who require disclosure checks should notify us before the consultation so we can discuss what is possible.

Student data and privacy

ScholarBridge collects only the information necessary to administer the programme: name, age, curriculum, academic interests, contact details, and programme correspondence. Student data is not shared with third parties except where required to deliver the programme (for example, with the assigned mentor). All data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Students under 16: any data collection requires parental consent, which is obtained during the application process.

Raising a concern

If a student, parent, or mentor has a concern about conduct, safety, or any aspect of the programme:

• Contact ScholarBridge at [email protected] with the subject line "Safeguarding concern."
• All concerns are treated seriously and responded to within 2 business days.
• The student and family will be kept informed of how the concern is being handled.
• Where a concern suggests risk of harm to a student, ScholarBridge will take appropriate steps, which may include contacting relevant authorities.

No student or family will face any negative consequence for raising a genuine safeguarding concern.

Scope

This policy applies to all ScholarBridge programmes, all mentors, and all students enrolled in or enquiring about ScholarBridge programmes. It is reviewed at least annually and updated as needed.

Contact

For questions about this policy or to raise a concern, contact us at [email protected].

ScholarBridge LLC · Registered in Wyoming, USA