Safeguarding Policy

Last Updated: 9/03/2026

1. Policy Statement

Medology is committed to providing a safe, respectful and supportive environment for all individuals who participate in our programmes and activities.

Many Medology programmes are designed for students aged 16–18 preparing for careers in healthcare. As an organisation working with young people across multiple countries, we recognise our responsibility to safeguard the welfare and wellbeing of every student who engages with Medology.

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility across the organisation. Every member of the Medology team is expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and care in their interactions with students and participants.

This policy outlines the principles, responsibilities and procedures that guide Medology’s approach to safeguarding.

2. Governance and Oversight

Safeguarding oversight is supported by Medology’s leadership and governance structure.

Medology operates under the guidance of its governing board, chaired by Dr Masood Ahmed, global healthcare leader and Chair of Medology.

The Board provides strategic oversight to ensure that safeguarding remains a central priority across all Medology programmes and activities.

Operational safeguarding responsibilities are delegated to the Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) who oversee the implementation of this policy and respond to safeguarding concerns.

3. Scope of this Policy

This policy applies to all individuals working with or representing Medology, including:

  • employees
  • mentors and tutors
  • volunteers
  • contractors and freelancers
  • guest speakers
  • partner organisations participating in Medology programmes.

The policy applies to all Medology activities, including:

  • in-person events and workshops
  • online programmes and mentoring sessions
  • webinars and educational broadcasts
  • community discussion platforms and digital communications.

Where Medology activities take place in partnership with schools, universities or other institutions, Medology will work collaboratively with the safeguarding procedures of the host institution.

4. Safeguarding Principles

Medology’s safeguarding approach is guided by the following principles:

  • The welfare and safety of children and vulnerable individuals is paramount.
  • Every individual has the right to participate in educational activities free from harm, abuse or exploitation.
  • Safeguarding concerns must be taken seriously and addressed promptly.
  • Professional boundaries must be maintained at all times.
  • Safeguarding responsibilities apply to every individual working with Medology.

5. International Safeguarding Framework

Medology operates internationally and provides programmes to students across multiple countries.

Our safeguarding framework is informed by internationally recognised principles and guidance including:

  • United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
  • internationally recognised child protection standards
  • relevant safeguarding legislation in jurisdictions where Medology operates.

Where activities take place in specific jurisdictions, Medology will cooperate with local safeguarding authorities and partner institutions where necessary.

Medology aims to apply safeguarding standards that meet or exceed recognised international best practices regardless of geographic location.

6. Recruitment and Vetting

Medology takes reasonable steps to ensure that individuals working with students are suitable to do so.

Safeguarding checks may include:

  • background verification where applicable
  • professional or academic credential verification
  • safeguarding briefings during onboarding
  • agreement to Medology’s Code of Conduct.

Where individuals are based in the United Kingdom or other jurisdictions with formal safeguarding checks available, appropriate background checks may be required.

7. Responsibilities of Team Members

All individuals working with Medology must:

  • maintain professional boundaries with students
  • treat all participants fairly and respectfully
  • promote a safe learning environment
  • report safeguarding concerns promptly.

Team members must not:

  • establish inappropriate personal relationships with students
  • communicate privately with students outside approved channels
  • request personal information unrelated to programme participation.

Friendly engagement with students is encouraged as part of a supportive learning environment, but this must always remain within professional boundaries.

8. Online Platforms and Community Communication

Medology may host moderated online communication spaces such as messaging groups or discussion forums to support learning and community engagement.

Safeguards include:

  • moderation by Medology representatives
  • clear expectations for respectful communication
  • removal of individuals who breach community standards.

Students are advised not to share personal contact information with individuals they do not know and to report any concerning interactions.

9. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include situations where a student may be experiencing harm or risk of harm.

Examples may include:

  • bullying or harassment
  • emotional abuse
  • physical harm
  • sexual misconduct or exploitation
  • neglect or unsafe circumstances.

This list is not exhaustive.

Team members are not expected to investigate concerns, but must report them appropriately.

10. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises, the following steps should be followed:

  1. Recognise the concern
    Observe behaviour or receive information indicating possible harm.
  2. Record the concern
    Document relevant information accurately.
  3. Report immediately
    Notify a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
  4. Safeguarding review
    The safeguarding lead will assess the concern and determine appropriate action.
  5. Escalation where necessary
    Where appropriate, concerns may be referred to relevant authorities or partner institutions.

Safeguarding concerns should never be ignored or delayed.

11. Designated Safeguarding Leads

Medology has appointed Designated Safeguarding Leads responsible for safeguarding oversight.

Their responsibilities include:

  • receiving safeguarding reports
  • coordinating responses to concerns
  • maintaining safeguarding records
  • liaising with external organisations or authorities where appropriate.

Current safeguarding leads include:

Dr Mohammad Amin Hashmi
Resident Doctor
amin@medology.co.uk

Dr Bilal Sheraz
Dentist
bilal@medology.co.uk

Additional safeguarding officers may support these roles depending on programme requirements.

At all Medology events, a safeguarding lead will be present or available remotely.

12. Record Keeping

Where safeguarding concerns arise, Medology will maintain confidential records including:

  • details of the concern
  • individuals involved
  • actions taken
  • outcomes of safeguarding reviews.

Records will be securely stored and handled in accordance with Medology’s data protection policies.

13. Confidentiality

Safeguarding information will be handled with appropriate confidentiality.

Information will only be shared where necessary to protect individuals or fulfil safeguarding obligations.

14. Training and Awareness

Medology provides safeguarding guidance to individuals delivering programmes on behalf of the organisation.

This may include:

  • safeguarding briefings
  • guidance on recognising concerns
  • reporting procedures.

15. Misconduct

Behaviour that breaches safeguarding expectations may result in disciplinary action including:

  • removal from Medology programmes
  • termination of involvement with the organisation
  • referral to relevant authorities where appropriate.

16. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure that Medology’s safeguarding practices remain effective and aligned with international best practices.

Updates may occur in response to:

  • organisational development
  • legislative changes
  • safeguarding feedback or incidents.

17. Contact

Safeguarding concerns should be reported to:

Email: admin@medology.co.uk

If an individual is in immediate danger, emergency services or relevant local authorities should be contacted.

End of Policy