It is our legal and moral duty to ensure the protection of our beneficiaries – both children and adults, and all those who come into contact with us through the course of our work. Our robust safeguarding policies encompass our UK and international work and we are committed to ensuring that all our beneficiaries receive the same level of protection and care by our vigilant and dedicated people. Safeguarding governance Safeguarding is a priority for Education Development Trust, which has a safeguarding committee comprising members of the trustee board and leadership team. The committee oversees all safeguarding activities to ensure compliance with statutory requirements, monitoring standards and progress in safeguarding practice throughout the organisation. Safeguarding policies and procedures We have comprehensive policies and procedures in place to ensure that all Education Development Trust employees know how to take appropriate action when reporting concerns to our designated safeguarding leads, who are trained to make referrals to statutory authorities in the UK and in other countries where we work. Our staff receive the necessary support in pursuing a satisfactory resolution to all concerns and risks wherever they are raised. Safer recruitment Our recruitment procedures are consistent throughout our organisation, and include comprehensive safer recruitment processes to deter, detect and reject unsuitable candidates who do not reflect our values in their behaviour and attitudes. Candidates interviewing for roles in regulated activity or those that come into regular contact with beneficiaries, are interviewed by panels that include individuals who have completed safer recruitment training and who screen for attitudes and behaviours that align with our values and code of conduct. All roles are subject to either corporate or local safeguarding induction, followed by a closely monitored probation period, where competencies, attitudes and behaviours are monitored prior to confirmation into role. Safeguarding training Designated Safeguarding Leads complete safeguarding training and undertake continuous professional development to ensure they are confident and competent in their responsibilities, which include implementing our safeguarding policies and procedures, and continuously improving safeguarding practices at a local level. Staff working directly with beneficiaries complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role to ensure that they recognise the signs and indicators or abuse and know how to raise a concern in line with policy and local referral procedures. Whistleblowing Whistleblowing procedures enable all our people and partners to raise legitimate concerns without fear of reprisal and with the confidence that all concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately.