Real Support Academy (RS-Academy) Safeguarding Policy

 At Real Support Academy (RS-Academy), we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners, particularly adults from marginalised communities who may be vulnerable. Our safeguarding policy ensures that everyone accessing our services is protected from harm, abuse, and discrimination.

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, learners, and external partners and aligns with key legislation, including:

  • The Children Act 1989 & 2004
  • The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
  • The Equality Act 2010
  • The Prevent Duty 2015
  • The Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSE) 2024

Safeguarding Principles

RS-Academy follows these core principles:
✅ Zero tolerance for abuse – Any form of abuse or neglect is unacceptable.
✅ Prevention-first approach – Identifying and addressing risks before harm occurs.
✅ Safe environment – Ensuring a secure learning space where concerns can be raised without fear.
✅ AI and Digital Inclusion – Addressing the emerging digital divide to protect individuals from AI-driven inequalities.

The New Digital Divide & AI Equality

The increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and employment creates new challenges, widening the digital divide. Those without AI literacy face reduced job opportunities, financial exclusion, and technological marginalisation.

RS-Academy recognises this risk and takes proactive steps to bridge the gap:

  • Equipping learners with AI literacy to ensure equal access to digital opportunities.
  • Developing training programs that make AI and technology accessible to all.
  • Fostering ethical and inclusive AI practices that empower learners rather than exclude them.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

  • Learners: Adults, including those with disabilities, mental health challenges, or refugee status.
  • Staff and Volunteers: Those working in any capacity with RS-Academy.
  • Partners & Visitors: External individuals engaged in RS-Academy activities.

Types of Abuse & Safeguarding Risks

We recognise that learners may face risks, including:
🔹 Physical abuse – Harm or mistreatment, including restraint.
🔹 Emotional abuse – Bullying, intimidation, or psychological harm.
🔹 Sexual abuse – Unwanted contact, harassment, or exploitation.
🔹 Financial abuse – Fraud, theft, or economic exploitation.
🔹 Radicalization and Extremism – Risk of being drawn into extremist ideologies (Prevent Duty).
🔹 Online Abuse & AI Exploitation – Exclusion from digital tools, online harassment, and misinformation risks.

Safeguarding Lead & Reporting Procedures

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Real Support Academy is:

📌 Israel P. Esenowo
📧 Email: israel@rs-academy.co.uk
📞 Mobile: 07305 958 554