RSWC Academy Safeguarding Notice

Effective date: August 2026
Version: 1.0

1. Introduction

Olutunu Safe Haven Empowerment Foundation ("Olutunu") is committed to creating safe, respectful, and supportive learning environments for everyone who participates in RSWC Academy.

We recognise our responsibility to protect children, young people, vulnerable persons, and all members of our learning community from harm, abuse, exploitation, harassment, and unsafe practices.

This Safeguarding Notice explains our commitment to safeguarding and outlines the responsibilities expected of all users of RSWC Academy.

2. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Safeguarding means taking proactive steps to protect people from harm and responding appropriately when concerns arise.

Olutunu is committed to:

• promoting safe learning environments
• treating every person with dignity and respect
• protecting children and young people who participate in our programmes
• supporting vulnerable individuals
• responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns
• ensuring that staff, volunteers, facilitators, and partners understand their safeguarding responsibilities

3. Who This Applies To

This Safeguarding Notice applies to all RSWC Academy users, including:

• learners
• facilitators
• trainers
• volunteers
• staff members
• authorised partners and contributors

Different roles may have additional safeguarding responsibilities based on their level of access and involvement.

4. Safe Learning Environment Expectations

All users must contribute to a safe and respectful learning environment.

Users must:

• communicate respectfully with others
• respect personal boundaries
• avoid behaviour that may cause harm or distress
• protect the privacy and dignity of others
• report concerns where they believe someone may be at risk

5. Protecting Children and Young People

Olutunu recognises that children and young people may require additional protection and support.

When participating in youth-focused programmes, Olutunu is committed to:

• providing age-appropriate learning experiences
• maintaining appropriate adult-child boundaries
• promoting safe communication practices
• ensuring concerns involving children or young people are taken seriously

Adults interacting with children and young people through Olutunu programmes must act responsibly and maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.

6. Professional and Personal Boundaries

Healthy boundaries are essential for safe learning environments.

Users must not:

• pressure others to share personal information
• engage in inappropriate personal relationships through learning activities
• misuse their role, authority, or access
• exploit another person's vulnerability
• engage in communication that is harmful, manipulative, or inappropriate

Facilitators, trainers, and staff members have a particular responsibility to maintain professional boundaries with learners.

7. Online Safeguarding

RSWC Academy is an online learning environment. Users should help maintain digital safety by:

• protecting their login information
• communicating respectfully online
• not sharing another person's personal information
• not sharing private discussions or content without permission
• reporting harmful or inappropriate online behaviour

Users should be mindful that online interactions can have real-world impact.

8. Confidentiality and Its Limits

Olutunu respects privacy and confidentiality.

However, confidentiality may have limits where there is a concern about:

• abuse or neglect
• risk of harm to a child or vulnerable person
• serious safety concerns
• legal obligations requiring information sharing

Where appropriate, information may be shared with authorised individuals or relevant authorities to protect someone from harm.

9. Recognising and Reporting Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include:

• suspected abuse or neglect
• exploitation
• inappropriate behaviour towards children or vulnerable persons
• harassment or intimidation
• threats to someone's safety or wellbeing

Users should report concerns through the appropriate Olutunu safeguarding channels.

Reports will be handled sensitively and in accordance with Olutunu's safeguarding procedures.

10. Responding to Disclosures

If someone shares a concern or experience of harm, users should:

• listen calmly and respectfully
• take the concern seriously
• avoid making promises of complete confidentiality
• avoid investigating the situation themselves
• report the concern through the appropriate safeguarding process

The priority is always the safety and wellbeing of the person involved.

11. Safeguarding Responsibilities

All users share responsibility for maintaining a safe learning environment.

Failure to follow safeguarding expectations may result in actions including:

• removal from learning activities
• restriction or suspension of platform access
• referral through appropriate safeguarding procedures
• further action where required

12. Our Commitment

Olutunu believes that everyone deserves to learn in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and valued.

By participating in RSWC Academy, users agree to support a culture of compassion, responsibility, and protection for all members of the community.

13. Contact

For safeguarding concerns or questions, please contact:

Olutunu Safe Haven Empowerment Foundation
Safeguarding contact: safeguarding@olutunusafehaven.com