Earniversity Policies

Index:

• Code of Behaviour

• Reporting and Escalation Procedure

• Online Safeguarding Policy Statement

• Parent and Carer Support Guide

• Privacy Policy
  

Earniversity Code of Behaviour

The Earniversity Code of Behaviour outlines the expectations for staff, volunteers, mentors, and students when engaging in activities on the platform. It serves to ensure a respectful, safe, and professional environment that supports the personal and entrepreneurial growth of young people.

General Conduct

All individuals involved in Earniversity must:

• Act with integrity, honesty, and professionalism in all interactions, whether online or in-person.
• Treat every individual with respect, without regard to age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.
• Maintain a positive and supportive attitude towards the development of young entrepreneurs, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Comply with all Earniversity policies and applicable laws, especially those concerning safeguarding and child protection.

Online Conduct

To ensure a safe and respectful digital environment, all users must:

• Use respectful and appropriate language in all communications, including emails, chats, forums, and social media.
• Never engage in or condone any form of harassment, bullying, or abusive behaviour (including cyberbullying).
• Avoid sharing inappropriate, offensive, or harmful content, including any images, videos, or messages.
• Respect others’ privacy by not disclosing personal or sensitive information without consent.
• Always report any concerns about inappropriate online behaviour or safety risks to the designated safeguarding team.

Respect for Privacy and Data

• Never share personal or confidential information of students, staff, or other users without proper consent.
• Follow Earniversity’s policies on data protection, ensuring that information is handled securely and only used for legitimate purposes.
• Maintain secure access to Earniversity platforms by protecting login credentials and using secure passwords.
  
  

Safeguarding and Mentoring

• Staff, mentors, and volunteers are expected to prioritize the safety and welfare of students at all times.
• Physical or emotional abuse, exploitation, or manipulation of any young person is strictly prohibited.
• Maintain professional boundaries when mentoring or interacting with young people, avoiding any inappropriate personal relationships or discussions.
• Be vigilant for signs of distress or harm in young people and report any safeguarding concerns immediately.
  
  

Marketplace Conduct

For young entrepreneurs using a marketplace:

• Abide by fair trade practices and ethical business standards, ensuring that all products and services sold are legal, safe, and accurately represented.
• Respect all terms of service for the marketplace, including rules on intellectual property, copyright, and the appropriate use.
• Do not engage in fraudulent activity or make false claims about products and services.
  
  

Last modified: 27.11.2024

Reporting and Escalation Procedure

This Reporting and Escalation Procedure outlines the process for reporting and addressing safeguarding concerns, violations of the Code of Behaviour, inappropriate online behaviour, or any other incidents that may affect the safety and wellbeing of young people, staff, or volunteers within Earniversity.

1. Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this procedure is to:

• Ensure that all safeguarding concerns, breaches of conduct, or any inappropriate behaviours are reported promptly.
• Provide clear guidance on how concerns will be escalated and addressed.
• Ensure a swift and appropriate response to any incidents, protecting those involved and ensuring that Earniversity remains a safe environment.

This procedure applies to all users of the platform, including:

• Students
• Mentors
• Staff and Volunteers
• Parents/Guardians of students under 18
• External partners and service providers
  
  

2. Key Contacts

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Responsible for overall safeguarding within Earniversity.
• Online Safety Coordinator (OSC): Oversees digital safety and online incidents.
• Mentor Support Team: Available for reporting concerns related to mentors or mentorship relationships.
• Technical Support Team: Handles issues related to the security of online systems, breaches of data, or misuse of the platform.
  
  

3. Reporting Procedure

All concerns, whether relating to safeguarding, inappropriate online behaviour, bullying, abuse, or misconduct, should follow this step-by-step reporting process:

Step 1: Immediate Reporting

• Who can report: Anyone (staff, students, parents, volunteers, mentors) who identifies a concern should report it as soon as possible.
• How to report:
  • Via Earniversity’s online reporting form, available on the platform's dashboard.
  • Email the concern directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at info@earniversity.io.
  • In urgent cases, report via the dedicated helpline.
    
• What to include in the report:
  • Name of the person reporting the concern.
  • Name(s) of individuals involved (if known).
  • Description of the concern or incident.
  • Date, time, and location of the incident (if applicable).
  • Any supporting evidence (screenshots, emails, etc.).
    
    

Step 2: Initial Review

• The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Online Safety Coordinator (OSC) will acknowledge receipt of the report within 24 hours.
• A preliminary assessment will be conducted to determine the nature and severity of the concern.
  • If it is a low-level concern (e.g., a minor breach of behaviour), it may be resolved at this stage through advice or informal mediation.
  • If it is a serious concern (e.g., potential abuse, significant misconduct, or safeguarding risk), it will proceed to the next step.
    
    

Step 3: Escalation Pathway

Based on the initial assessment, the concern will be escalated as follows:

• Low-level concerns (e.g., minor breaches of conduct):
  • Referred to the Mentor Support Team or relevant department for resolution.
  • Action: Issue guidance, provide informal warnings, or mediate as necessary.
• Moderate concerns (e.g., online bullying, repeated breaches of behaviour):
  • Escalated to the Online Safety Coordinator (OSC) for further investigation.
  • Action: Conduct a formal investigation and take appropriate disciplinary actions (e.g., issuing warnings, restricting access to platform features).
• Serious concerns (e.g., safeguarding risk, abuse, exploitation):
  • Immediately referred to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for investigation.
  • Action: Engage external agencies (e.g., local authorities, child protection services, law enforcement) if required. Suspend accounts of individuals involved pending investigation.
    
    

Step 4: Investigation

• Investigators: The DSL or OSC will oversee the investigation, in collaboration with external safeguarding professionals if necessary.
• Procedure:
  • Interviews with the individuals involved and any witnesses.
  • Evidence gathering, including reviewing platform activity, communication records, and any other supporting documentation.
  • Assess risk to the individual(s) and implement interim safeguarding measures (e.g., temporarily suspending platform access for the alleged perpetrator).
• Timeline: Investigations will be completed within 7-14 days, depending on the complexity of the case.
  
  

Step 5: Resolution and Follow-Up

Once the investigation is complete, the following steps will occur:

• Outcome report: The findings and recommended actions will be documented in an outcome report.
• Action plan: Appropriate actions will be taken, including but not limited to:
  • Restorative actions (e.g., mediation, additional training, formal warnings).
  • Disciplinary measures (e.g., suspension, permanent removal from the platform).
  • Referral to external agencies (if criminal or safeguarding issues are confirmed).
• Communication: Both the person who raised the concern and those involved in the incident will be informed of the outcome, with details of any actions taken (while maintaining confidentiality).
• Support: Where applicable, the person reporting or affected by the incident will be offered counselling or additional support.
  
  

Step 6: Documentation and Record Keeping

• All incidents and investigations will be fully documented and securely stored.
• Reports will be anonymized where possible and kept in compliance with data protection laws (e.g., GDPR).
• Regular reviews of incidents will be conducted to identify patterns and improve safeguarding procedures.
  
  

4. Escalation Flow Chart

Here’s a simplified flow of how concerns will be handled:

1. Incident reported → 2. DSL or OSC reviews → 3. Assesses concern:
   • Low-level → Resolved informally.
   • Moderate → Investigate, take actions.
   • Serious → External agency referral, formal investigation.
2. Resolution → 5. Outcome and communication → 6. Follow-up and support.

5. Timelines for Reporting and Resolution

6. Appeals Process

• Right to appeal: If any individual involved in the case is dissatisfied with the outcome of an investigation or decision, they may file an appeal.
• How to appeal: Submit a written appeal to info@earniversity.org within 7 days of the outcome being communicated.
• Appeal review: An independent panel (not involved in the original investigation) will review the appeal and make a final decision within 14 days.

7. Emergency Response and Immediate Action

In urgent or extreme cases where there is an immediate risk to safety, Earniversity reserves the right to:

• Suspend user accounts without prior notice.
• Block access to certain platform features.
• Notify law enforcement or child protection authorities immediately.

8. Safeguarding Review and Policy Updates

• The safeguarding and reporting procedures will be reviewed annually to ensure effectiveness and compliance with the latest legal and policy updates.
• Feedback from users (students, parents, mentors) will be incorporated to continuously improve the process.

Earniversity Online Safeguarding Policy Statement

Earniversity is committed to safeguarding the safety, well-being, and development of the young people (ages 13-24) who engage with our online academy. As a digital learning platform, Earniversity provides young people with the tools to develop impact skills, grow their entrepreneurial ventures, and engage with others through various online activities. These activities may include:

•     Online learning: Entrepreneurial and impact skills training through virtual courses and mentorship.
•     Community engagement: Facilitating interaction between young people, mentors, and industry professionals through forums, webinars, and social media channels.
  
  

Purpose of this Policy

This safeguarding policy aims to:

•     Ensure the safety and well-being of all children and young people is a priority when using Earniversity's online platforms, including the academy.
•     Guide Earniversity staff, volunteers, and mentors in promoting a safe online environment with explicit online conduct and behaviour principles.
•     Maintain compliance with the law and best practices in safeguarding, particularly in managing online engagement and personal data.
  
  

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, mentors, students, and individuals involved in Earniversity's activities, including our website, online learning platforms and social media.

Legal Framework

This policy is based on safeguarding legislation, policy, and guidance to protect children and young people in the UK. Key areas covered include:

•     Online abuse and exploitation
•     Bullying and cyberbullying
•     Child protection measures
  
  

Our Commitment

At Earniversity, we believe:

•     Young people can pursue education, entrepreneurship, and personal development in a safe online environment, free from harm.
•     The online world offers opportunities for growth and learning but also presents risks we are duty-bound to address.

We recognise that:

•     The internet and digital platforms, while beneficial for education and business, can expose young people to risks, including abuse, exploitation, and cyberbullying.
•     Our responsibility extends to protecting young people when they are on Earniversity's online platforms and using third-party tools for learning or business.
•     Collaboration with young people, parents, carers, and relevant agencies is essential to ensure everyone’s safety and to encourage responsible online behaviour.
  
  

How We Keep Young People Safe

Earniversity is dedicated to safeguarding young people by:

•     Appointing an Online Safety Coordinator who will work closely with the designated safeguarding lead.
•     Establishing clear behaviour codes for all staff, volunteers, mentors, and students, detailing appropriate online conduct. [Doc: Earniversity code of behavior]
•     Encouraging safe and respectful online practices, helping young entrepreneurs and learners understand the importance of responsible internet use, social media interactions, and protecting their online ventures.
•     Engaging with parents and carers to ensure they are aware of and support their children’s online activities and business efforts [Doc: Earniversity parent support]
•     Creating clear policies on appropriate online behaviour and responding effectively to inappropriate actions by adults or young people. [Doc: Earniversity policies]
•     Regularly review online security and update safeguards on our platforms to ensure a safe environment.
•     Implementing secure systems for managing usernames, logins, email accounts, and personal data to protect against breaches.
•     Securing consent for using images of young people, ensuring that consent is obtained in writing and images are only used for approved purposes. [Doc; Earniversity consent form]
•     Providing ongoing training for staff and volunteers about safeguarding, with a specific focus on online safety, child protection, and dealing with issues like cyberbullying, sexting, and online exploitation.
•     Assessing and monitoring new technologies and social media platforms before their use to mitigate potential risks.
  
  

Responding to Online Abuse

In cases where online abuse occurs, Earniversity will:

•     Follow explicit safeguarding procedures to address any reports of abuse, whether physical, emotional, sexual, or online in nature.
•     Provide guidance and support to staff and volunteers on how to handle situations involving bullying, cyberbullying, exploitation, or other forms of abuse.
•     Ensure the needs of the individual affected are prioritised, taking a holistic approach that includes consideration for bystanders and the organisation’s overall wellbeing.
•     Review and adjust safeguarding plans regularly to resolve any long-term issues.
  
  

Related Policies and Procedures

This safeguarding policy is designed to work in conjunction with other key Earniversity policies and guidelines, including:

•     Child Protection Policy
•     Procedures for Responding to Concerns about a Young Person's Wellbeing
•     Managing Allegations Against Staff, Volunteers, or Mentors
•     Code of Conduct for Staff, Volunteers, and Mentors
•     Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy
•     Photography and Image Sharing Guidelines

Last modified: 27.11.2024

Earniversity Parent and Carer Support Guide

At Earniversity, we are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every young person in our online academy. We understand that parents and carers play a crucial role in supporting and safeguarding young people as they navigate the online world. This support guide aims to provide parents and carers with key information on how we ensure the safety of your child, how you can support them, and what to do if concerns arise.

1. Welcome to Earniversity

Earniversity is an online platform where young people aged 13 to 24 can develop entrepreneurial and impact-driven skills. Our platform offers:

We recognise that with these exciting opportunities come certain risks, particularly when young people engage online. That’s why safeguarding is a core priority for us, and we’ve implemented robust policies and systems to protect young people using our platform.

2. How We Ensure Your Child’s Safety

We have put several measures in place to safeguard young people and promote a safe, secure, and supportive environment:

a. Code of Behaviour

All participants (students, mentors, staff) must follow our Code of Behaviour, which outlines acceptable conduct, respect for others, and appropriate online communication. We enforce this code strictly and take action against any violations.

b. Safe Use of the Platform

We actively promote the safe use of online tools and services by:

c. Online Safety Resources

We offer resources to help young people understand the importance of online safety, including:

d. Support for Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

We provide guidance and tools to help students manage the pressures of online entrepreneurship and social interaction:

• Mentorship support: Our mentors offer guidance not only on business but also on personal wellbeing.
• Mental health resources: Links to external organisations offering professional mental health support.

3. How You Can Support Your Child

a. Talk About Online Safety

Open communication about online activities is key to your child’s safety. Here’s how you can support them:

b. Set Boundaries

Encourage your child to set boundaries around their online time:

• Create a routine: Help them manage their time between online activities, studies, and relaxation.
• Monitor usage: Where appropriate, monitor their online activities to ensure they remain safe and use the platform responsibly.
  
  

c. Stay Informed

Stay up to date with your child’s progress and any updates on Earniversity by:

• Subscribing to our parent/carer newsletters: We provide important updates on platform safety, online workshops, and more.
• Participating in parent/carer webinars: We host regular webinars where you can learn more about supporting your child’s learning and entrepreneurial journey on Earniversity.
  
  

d. Encourage Responsible Social Media Use

If your child is engaging with social media for their business, help them:

• Set up secure accounts: Ensure their profiles are private and that they’re cautious about what personal information they share.
• Promote kindness and respect: Encourage your child to use social media to positively promote their ventures and interact with others.

4. What to Do If You Have Concerns

We encourage you to report any concerns, whether they relate to your child’s safety, behaviour on the platform, or issues with other users. Earniversity takes all concerns seriously and follows a strict Reporting and Escalation Procedure.

a. Signs That Your Child May Be Experiencing Difficulties

As a parent or carer, you know your child best. If you notice any of the following signs, it could indicate an issue that needs addressing:

• Changes in behaviour, such as becoming withdrawn or upset after being online.
• Unexplained anxiety about participating in online activities.
• Unusual secrecy about their online interactions or messages.
  
  

b. How to Report a Concern

If you suspect that your child has been affected by inappropriate behaviour, online bullying, or any other safeguarding issue, here’s what to do:

• Document any evidence: If possible, take screenshots or save any relevant communications that may be helpful in the investigation.
  
  

c. What to Expect After You Report

After reporting a concern, you can expect:

5. How Earniversity Responds to Incidents

We take any incidents or concerns seriously and follow a clear Reporting and Escalation Procedure to ensure a timely and effective response:

• Safeguarding investigations: If the issue involves a serious safeguarding concern, it will be handled by our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in collaboration with external authorities if needed.
• Disciplinary action: Depending on the outcome, appropriate actions may include mediation, account suspension, or formal warnings.
• Support for your child: We will offer counselling or additional emotional support if your child is affected by an incident.
  
  

6. Additional Resources for Parents and Carers

We encourage parents and carers to explore these resources to stay informed about online safety and digital wellbeing:

• Childnet International: Provides a range of resources to help parents and carers navigate online safety.
• Internet Matters: Offers practical advice for parents on managing children’s digital habits and ensuring their safety online.
• National Online Safety: Regular updates and courses about emerging online risks and how to tackle them.
  
  

7. Contact Us

If you have any further questions or need additional support, please feel free to get in touch with us:

8. Conclusion

We’re committed to working together with parents and carers to create a safe, supportive, and positive online environment for young people. By staying involved and informed, you can help your child thrive in their entrepreneurial journey on Earniversity while keeping them safe and supported.

Thank you for trusting us to be part of your child’s learning and development.