Safeguarding

Many of the students we work with are under 18. Their safety and wellbeing come first in everything we do, and Shajara operates under a clear safeguarding framework.

Our framework

• Shajara has a written safeguarding policy and a code of conduct for everyone who works with students. Both are available on request.
• Our founder leads Shajara and is responsible for the overall programme, including safeguarding.
• Our mentors are Oxford and Cambridge students and alumni. Every mentor must agree to Shajara’s safeguarding requirements and code of conduct before working with students.
• Mentors work within Shajara’s programme framework. They do not have independent authority to represent Shajara.
• Any safeguarding concern or disclosure is escalated to Shajara straight away, and we will involve the relevant authorities where needed.

How sessions and communication work

• Online sessions take place on Zoom or Google Meet.
• Email is our default channel for formal communication with families.
• WhatsApp is only used in groups that include the student, a parent or guardian, the mentor and Shajara. Mentors do not message students privately on WhatsApp or social media.
• Parents and guardians of students under 18 are included in communication about their child’s programme and receive regular progress updates.

Raising a concern

If you have a concern about a student’s safety or wellbeing, or about the conduct of anyone working with Shajara, please contact us at connect@shajarapathways.com.

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. You can also contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000, or your local council’s children’s services.