UKUNI Admission Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all applicants we work with, particularly those under 18 and adults at risk. This policy reflects the principles of the Children Act 1989 & 2004, the Care Act 2014, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) and Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE, current edition), together with the British Council's guidance for education agents.

1. Our commitment

Every child and vulnerable adult has the right to protection from abuse, exploitation and neglect.
The welfare of the applicant is our paramount consideration at every stage of recruitment.
All concerns are taken seriously and acted on without delay.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all UKUNI directors, staff, contractors, sub-agents and volunteers, and to every applicant who engages with us, whether in person, online or by phone.

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL is the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns. Contact: info@ukuniadmission.co.uk (subject line: "Safeguarding — Confidential") or 07741 339 760.

4. Under-18 applicants

A parent or legal guardian must sign our written consent form before we open a file, submit an application or share documents with a university.
Meetings (in person or online) are held with a parent or guardian present, or with prior written parental consent.
Universities are advised in writing that the applicant is a minor so that appropriate under-18 care arrangements are put in place on arrival.
For international minors we insist on a UKVI-compliant guardian in the UK before a CAS is accepted.

5. Adults at risk

We recognise applicants may be vulnerable due to disability, mental health, isolation from family or trafficking risk. Staff are trained to recognise indicators of coercion, forced marriage, modern slavery and radicalisation, and to respond in line with the Prevent Duty (Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015).

6. Staff conduct & recruitment

Safer-recruitment practices, including reference checks and identity verification, for every UKUNI hire.
Enhanced DBS checks for any role involving regulated activity with under-18s.
Mandatory annual safeguarding, Prevent and data-protection training.
A clear code of conduct: no 1-to-1 unsupervised contact with a minor outside professional settings, no personal social-media contact, no gifts.

7. Reporting a concern

If you are worried about a child or vulnerable adult:

In immediate danger — dial 999.
Otherwise contact the UKUNI DSL using the details above within 24 hours.
We record concerns confidentially and escalate to the local authority Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) or the NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000 where appropriate.

8. Confidentiality & data

Safeguarding records are kept securely, separately from general application files, and shared strictly on a need-to-know basis in line with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy.

9. Whistleblowing

Staff, agents and applicants can raise safeguarding or malpractice concerns without fear of reprisal, protected by the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998.

10. Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the UKUNI directors, or sooner if legislation changes.

External help

NSPCC — 0808 800 5000 · nspcc.org.uk
Childline — 0800 1111 · childline.org.uk
Samaritans — 116 123
Modern Slavery Helpline — 08000 121 700

Safeguarding Policy