Anti-Harassment & Safeguarding Policy

This policy addresses:

• Harassment — unwelcome conduct based on gender, race, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other personal characteristic, including verbal, physical, or online behaviour
• Sexual Harassment — unwanted sexual advances, comments, or conduct of a sexual nature
• Bullying — repeated behaviour intended to intimidate, demean, or exclude
• Physical, Emotional, or Verbal Abuse — any act that causes harm or distress to another person
• Neglect — failure to meet a child or vulnerable person's basic needs while in our care
• Online/Digital Misconduct — inappropriate contact, messaging, or image-sharing involving students or minors

Where our programs involve minors or vulnerable individuals, we apply enhanced safeguarding measures:

• Background Checks — All staff and coaches working directly with minors undergo verified background screening prior to appointment
• Supervision Standards — Minors are never left alone with a single unsupervised adult in closed, private settings
• Communication Guidelines — Staff are prohibited from private, one-on-one digital communication with minors outside of approved Academy platforms
• Photography & Media Consent — Images or videos of minors are only captured and used with prior parental/guardian consent
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) — A trained staff member is appointed to oversee safeguarding concerns and serve as the first point of contact for reports

We encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses harassment, abuse, or unsafe behaviour to speak up. Reports can be made:

• Directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Through a confidential reporting channel (email/hotline, as provided by the Academy)
• To any staff member, who is obligated to escalate the concern immediately

No one will face retaliation for raising a genuine concern in good faith. All reports are treated seriously, confidentially, and investigated promptly.

• Immediate Safety — If there is any immediate risk, protective action is taken first.
• Confidential Investigation — Concerns are investigated by trained personnel, keeping information on a need-to-know basis.
• Support for the Affected Individual — Access to counselling, guidance, or external support services is offered where appropriate.
• Fair Process for All Parties — Anyone accused of misconduct is given a fair opportunity to respond, in line with due process.
• Outcomes & Accountability — Substantiated cases result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination or removal from the Academy, and referral to authorities where the law requires it.

• All staff and coaches complete mandatory safeguarding and anti-harassment training upon joining, with periodic refreshers.
• Students and parents are informed of expected codes of conduct and how to raise concerns.
• Policies are reviewed regularly to reflect best practice and legal requirements.

Where conduct may involve criminal behaviour or serious risk to a child or vulnerable person, Olymp Academy will report the matter to the relevant child protection or law enforcement authorities, in addition to any internal action taken.

This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if required by changes in law or best practice, to ensure it continues to protect our community effectively.