Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding & Student Safety

Qoach is committed to protecting young people through rigorous vetting, professional supervision and clear safeguarding procedures.

Our Commitment

Our Safeguarding Commitment

Background-checked coaches

Secure online coaching sessions

Clear professional boundaries

Parent visibility and escalation procedures

Designated
safeguarding leadership

Online Safety

Online Coaching Safety

Secure Online Sessions

All Qoach coaching sessions take place online using secure, approved platforms. Sessions may be recorded or transcribed for safeguarding, supervision and quality assurance purposes.

Approved Channels Only

Communication between coaches and students takes place only through approved channels. Coaches do not communicate privately with minors through personal messaging platforms or social media.

Parental Involvement

Parents remain informed and involved where appropriate to ensure a safe and transparent coaching environment.

Policy Statement

Policy Statement & Purpose

Qoach is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adult students who engage with our online coaching services. Safeguarding is central to how we design, deliver and supervise our services worldwide.

This policy applies to all Qoach personnel: employees, contractors, coaches, associates and partners engaged in coaching services globally.

Qoach safeguarding procedures are aligned with international best practices for youth coaching and online learning environments.

Our Framework

Three Pillars of Protection

Vetting & Certification

Every coach is vetted by our Chief Coaching Officer and trained in coaching of young people. Our process is aligned with the ICF Code of Ethics.

Minimum experience by level: Associate (3+ years), Senior (5+ years), Master (10+ years).

Supervision & Quality Oversight

Coaching quality and safeguarding are overseen by our Chief Coaching Officer. Coaches receive ongoing supervision, continuous education in coaching and program reviews to ensure safe and measurable outcomes.

Escalation & Data Protection

We follow a clear escalation pathway and refer to external specialists where necessary. Qoach complies with all applicable laws and regulations for handling personal data and reporting obligations.

Guiding Principles

Our Safeguarding Foundation

01

Student Welfare is Paramount

The wellbeing and safety of every student comes first in all decisions and actions we take.

02

Shared Responsibility

Safeguarding is a collaborative effort between Qoach, parents/guardians and coaches working together.

03

Clear Boundaries

Coaching is neither therapy nor tutoring and does not replace parental responsibility or clinical support when needed.

04

Prompt Action

All safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and acted upon immediately with appropriate escalation to parents, school or relevant authorities.

Professional Standards

Professional Standards & Conduct

Coach Vetting and Training

All Qoach coaches undergo rigorous vetting prior to engagement, including delivery of background or police clearance proof where legally required.

Coaches complete mandatory safeguarding training and regular refreshers, operating under ongoing supervision of our Chief Coaching Officer.

Boundaries of Conduct

Coaches must maintain professional boundaries at all times:

  • No private one-to-one communication with minors outside approved platforms
  • No social media connections with students
  • No inappropriate language, behavior, gifts or personal requests
  • All messaging outside sessions occurs in parent-visible channels
  • Coaches do not provide clinical advice, diagnosis or mental health treatment.
Session Management

Delivery, Recording & Supervision

Secure Platforms

Coaching sessions are conducted online via secure, approved platforms only.

Quality Assurance

Sessions are recorded or transcribed for safeguarding, quality assurance and training purposes.

Secure Storage

Recordings are securely stored and accessed only by authorized personnel when necessary.

Reporting & Escalation

Reporting & Escalation Policy

1

Immediate Reporting

Safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) by all coaches and personnel.

2

Assessment & Documentation

The DSL will assess the concern, document all relevant information, and determine appropriate next steps.

3

Escalation as Needed

Where a student is at risk of harm, Qoach may contact parents, school, emergency services, or appropriate authorities without delay.

Parental Role and Responsibilities

Parents/guardians are responsible for providing a safe and appropriate environment for online sessions, ensuring availability during sessions if required and disclosing relevant information about the student's health or wellbeing that may affect coaching.

Compliance

Legal & Regulatory Standards

Global Compliance

Qoach complies with applicable safeguarding and child protection laws worldwide, including UAE child protection laws, UK and EU safeguarding standards as well as applicable US mandated reporting obligations.

Data Protection

Full compliance with applicable data protection laws and global privacy standards for handling personal information securely.

Over-18 Students

Where a student is aged 18 or over, they are treated as the joint contracting and data subject party. Parental access to information ceases unless expressly authorized by the student.

This Safeguarding Policy is governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be referred to arbitration under the Rules of the London Court of International Arbitration, with the seat of arbitration in London, England.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "safeguarding-first" mean?

We design every interaction to prioritize a young person's safety and wellbeing above all else.

Are coaches background-checked?

Yes. All youth-facing coaches provide a clear good conduct certificate and undergo rigorous vetting.

How is confidentiality handled?

Conversations are confidential to create a safe space. Confidentiality is only broken where the student is at risk of harm, there's a legal obligation to report or disclosure is necessary to protect wellbeing.

What if my child needs specialist support?

Coaching is not therapy or tutoring. If we spot warning signs, we involve parents and refer to licensed specialists or relevant authorities.

Leadership & Accountability

Leadership, Accountability and Contact

Chief Coaching Officer

Bradley James Davies who is responsible for coaching supervision and quality assurance across all programs.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Bradley James Davies, Chief Coaching Officer who oversees all safeguarding matters, escalation and record-keeping.

Data Protection Lead

Director of Qoach who oversees personal data handling and compliance with global privacy standards.


Contact & Review

Designated Safeguarding Lead: bradley@qoach.net

This policy is reviewed at least semi-annually or sooner if regulations, industry standards or operations change.
Last reviewed and updated: January 2026.

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Disclaimer: Qoach provides professional coaching services intended for personal development and does not provide licensed mental health therapy, medical treatment or tutoring. All services are subject to our Terms & Conditions.

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