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Safeguarding *

Effective Date: 18/02/2026

FlyingSponge™ (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to the safety, wellbeing, and protection of all participants on our immersive programmes. This policy outlines how we safeguard adults aged 18+, ensuring safe, respectful, and responsible experiences in all locations.

1. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All FlyingSponge participants (18+)

  • Host families, tutors, and local guides engaged in programme delivery

  • All FlyingSponge™ staff, contractors, and volunteers

It covers:

  • Recruitment and vetting procedures

  • Conduct expectations

  • Reporting concerns or incidents

  • Emergency procedures

2. Safeguarding Principles

We are committed to:

  • Treating all participants with respect and dignity

  • Creating an environment where participants feel safe and supported

  • Minimising risk in all activities, programmes, and accommodations

  • Ensuring host families, tutors, and guides adhere to safety and welfare standards

  • Responding promptly and appropriately to any safeguarding concerns

3. Recruitment & Vetting

All host families, tutors, and guides undergo:

  • Identity verification

  • Reference checks

  • Safeguarding and professional conduct declarations

This ensures that everyone participating in programme delivery is suitable to work with adults in an immersive environment.

4. Participant Responsibilities

Participants are expected to:

  • Respect host families, tutors, guides, and fellow participants

  • Follow programme rules, guidance, and safety instructions

  • Report any behaviour that is unsafe, unlawful, or inappropriate

5. Behaviour & Code of Conduct for Hosts, Tutors, and Guides *

All hosts, tutors, and guides must:

  • Treat participants with respect and professionalism

  • Ensure safety and welfare in all activities and accommodations

  • Adhere to house rules and programme guidelines

  • Report any concerns to FlyingSponge immediately

FlyingSponge provides guidance documents to all hosts, tutors, and guides, which must be signed in order to ensure clarity on their responsibilities and expected standards.

6. Reporting Concerns *

Any participant, staff member, or host can report concerns about:

  • Abuse, harassment, or discrimination

  • Unsafe accommodation or activities

  • Health emergencies or safeguarding breaches

How to report:

  • Contact FlyingSponge immediately via your personal contact number or via email at; hello@flyingsponge.com

  • Emergency contact during programme: [INSERT 24/7 number]

Reports will be treated confidentially, investigated promptly, and escalated where required to local authorities.

7. Emergency Procedures *

  • FlyingSponge provides all participants with emergency contact details prior to travel.

  • Serious incidents are reported to local authorities and UK consular services where appropriate.

  • Parents, emergency contacts, or relevant parties will be notified as necessary.

8. Health & Wellbeing

  • Participants must disclose relevant health information, allergies, or medical conditions prior to travel.

  • Hosts, tutors, and guides are informed on a need-to-know basis to ensure safety.

  • FlyingSponge™ monitors wellness during programmes and provides support and guidance where required.

9. Training & Oversight

  • All staff and partners receive safeguarding guidance before programme delivery.

  • FlyingSponge regularly reviews policies, risk assessments, and host/tutor compliance.

  • Continuous improvement is ensured through feedback, incident reports, and evaluations.

10. Policy Review

  • This policy is reviewed at least annually, or following any incident, regulatory change, or operational update.

  • Updates are published on our website and communicated to participants and staff.

We may update this Policy from time to time. The latest version will be posted on our website with the effective date.