Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

Brussels College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students, staff, and visitors. We recognize that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where individuals can learn, work, and thrive without fear of abuse, exploitation, or harm.

2. Scope and Application

This policy applies to:

• All students enrolled at Brussels College, including full-time, part-time, and online learners
• All staff members, including academic faculty, administrative staff, and contract workers
• Visitors, guest speakers, and external partners interacting with our community
• All Brussels College premises, activities, and events (on-campus and off-campus)

3. Definitions

3.1 Safeguarding

Safeguarding refers to the measures taken to protect individuals from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm. It encompasses both preventative actions and responsive interventions.

3.2 Types of Abuse

Brussels College recognizes the following categories of abuse:

Type of Abuse	Description	Examples
Physical Abuse	Intentional use of physical force causing injury or harm	Hitting, kicking, pushing, inappropriate physical contact
Emotional/Psychological Abuse	Persistent emotional maltreatment causing psychological harm	Bullying, intimidation, verbal abuse, threats, humiliation
Sexual Abuse	Forcing or enticing participation in sexual activities	Sexual harassment, assault, exploitation, inappropriate images
Neglect	Persistent failure to meet basic needs or provide support	Denial of access to services, failure to provide care or supervision
Financial Abuse	Unauthorized or improper use of resources or funds	Theft, fraud, coercion regarding financial matters
Discriminatory Abuse	Harassment based on protected characteristics	Racism, sexism, homophobia, religious discrimination, ageism

4. Roles and Responsibilities

4.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: Dr. İbrahim Çıloğlu, Vice Rector
Email: i.chiloglu@brucol.be
Phone: +32 471 09 6641

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all safeguarding concerns
• Coordinate safeguarding training and awareness programs
• Maintain accurate records of safeguarding incidents and actions taken
• Liaise with local authorities, police, and support services when necessary
• Conduct regular reviews of safeguarding policies and procedures
• Report serious incidents to the Board of Governors

4.2 All Staff Responsibilities

Every member of Brussels College staff has a responsibility to:

• Be vigilant and recognize signs of abuse or harm
• Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the DSL
• Maintain confidentiality while ensuring information is shared appropriately
• Complete mandatory safeguarding training annually
• Follow institutional procedures for reporting and documentation
• Create a safe and respectful environment in all interactions

4.3 Student Responsibilities

Students are encouraged to:

• Report any concerns about their own safety or the safety of others
• Treat all members of the community with respect and dignity
• Be aware of support services available to them
• Participate in safeguarding awareness initiatives

5. Reporting Procedures

5.1 How to Report a Concern

Step 1: Identify the Concern
If you witness, experience, or become aware of a safeguarding issue, take it seriously.

Step 2: Report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead
Contact Dr. İbrahim Çıloğlu immediately via:

• Email: i.chiloglu@brucol.be
• Phone: +32 471 09 6641
• In person at the Vice Rector's Office

Step 3: Document the Concern
Write down factual details including:

• Date, time, and location of the incident
• Names of individuals involved (if known)
• Description of what was observed or reported
• Any immediate actions taken

Step 4: Confidentiality
Information should only be shared with those who need to know (DSL, relevant authorities). Do not discuss the concern with colleagues or peers.

5.2 Anonymous Reporting

If you prefer to report anonymously, you may use our secure whistleblowing email: whistleblowing@brucol.be

5.3 Emergency Situations

6. Investigation and Response

6.1 Initial Assessment

Upon receiving a safeguarding report, the DSL will:

1. Acknowledge receipt of the report within 24 hours
2. Assess the severity and urgency of the concern
3. Determine whether immediate action is required to protect individuals
4. Decide whether external authorities need to be notified

6.2 Investigation Process

All safeguarding concerns will be investigated promptly, fairly, and confidentially. The process may include:

• Interviewing relevant parties (while maintaining confidentiality)
• Gathering evidence and documentation
• Consulting with external safeguarding professionals or authorities
• Implementing interim measures to protect individuals during the investigation

6.3 Outcomes and Actions

Depending on the findings, Brussels College may take actions including:

• Disciplinary action against individuals found responsible for abuse or harm
• Referral to police or social services for criminal investigation
• Implementation of support services for affected individuals
• Policy or procedural changes to prevent future incidents
• Training or awareness initiatives

7. Support Services

7.1 Internal Support

Brussels College provides access to:

• Confidential counseling services
• Academic support and adjustments
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Student welfare officers

7.2 External Support Organizations (Belgium)

Organization	Contact	Services Provided
Child Focus	116 000 (24/7 hotline)	Support for missing and exploited children
SOS Viol (Rape Crisis)	0800 98 100	Support for victims of sexual violence
Tele-Onthaal	106 (24/7 helpline)	Emotional support and counseling
Police (Non-Emergency)	101	Reporting crimes and incidents
Emergency Services	112	Medical and urgent assistance

8. Training and Awareness

Brussels College is committed to continuous safeguarding training:

8.1 Mandatory Staff Training

• Induction Training: All new staff receive safeguarding training within their first month
• Annual Refresher Training: All staff complete updated safeguarding training every academic year
• Specialized Training: DSL and key personnel receive advanced safeguarding training

8.2 Student Awareness

• Safeguarding information included in student orientation programs
• Regular awareness campaigns throughout the academic year
• Clear signposting to support services and reporting channels

9. Record Keeping and Confidentiality

Record Retention: All safeguarding records are maintained securely for a minimum of 7 years and are accessible only to authorized personnel.

Data Protection: Safeguarding records are processed in accordance with GDPR and our Data Protection Policy, ensuring confidentiality while allowing necessary information sharing with relevant authorities.

10. Partnership with External Agencies

Brussels College works closely with:

• Local police authorities for criminal investigations
• Social services and child/adult protection agencies
• Healthcare providers and mental health services
• Local community safeguarding boards
• Educational safeguarding networks

11. Policy Review

This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually by the Board of Governors and the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Reviews consider:

• Changes in legislation and statutory guidance
• Lessons learned from safeguarding incidents
• Feedback from staff, students, and external partners
• Best practices from the higher education sector

12. Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Dr. İbrahim Çıloğlu, Vice Rector
Email: i.chiloglu@brucol.be
Phone: +32 471 09 6641

General Enquiries:
Email: office@brucol.be
Phone: +32 471 09 6641

Anonymous Whistleblowing:
Email: whistleblowing@brucol.be