Bright World edge closer to Safeguarding accreditation with Child-Safe

In Partnership with Bright World

On Tuesday 15^th October Director of Operations, Avril Griffin accompanied Managing Director, Lana Foster to Child-Safe International’s Headquarters in Bristol (West of England).

Child-Safe is a unique organisation which aims to safeguard and prevent the abuse of children and young people living away from home.

 The two Bright World representatives met with the Charity’s leader and Founder, Chris Gould in order to discuss and learn more about Child-Safe’s Assured Partner scheme and their accreditation. 

Chris began Child-Safe in 2004. After 30 years experience within the police as a Detective Chief Superintendent heading the Child Protection Sector, he developed plans to build an organisation which focused solely on preventing the abuse of children and young people living away from home and received a Police Research Award for Innovation from the Home Secretary in 1999.

After meeting Chris for the first time back in 2011, Managing Director, Lana Foster has made bold changes within the team to shift the focus of the guardianship programme onto Safeguarding and Child Protection. By employing Safeguarding Manager, Brian McAllister and Director of Operations, Avril Griffin this year, Lana believes that Bright World can only improve and evolve as a company and guardianship organisation that is dedicated to protecting the children under its care.

“With all members of the Guardianship team undergoing specialist Child Protection training from Child Safe earlier this year, they are now more qualified to detect and resolve Child Protection issues.”

 Lana Foster, Bright World Managing Director

After a quick tour of the Avon and Somerset Police Headquarters, where Child-Safe are based, Lana and Avril discussed the remaining steps which will allow Bright World to become recognised Partner of Child-Safe and the Pilot accredited International Education Company worldwide.

There are four levels within the scheme – bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Bright World is currently working towards the Bronze level; an achievement which will further cement the company’s commitment to the Safeguarding and Child Protection of International students.

“I am really positive about the work that Bright World is doing in relation to safeguarding in it’s wildest sense and you are to be applauded for your dedication and positivity in this regard. I am really excited about having you achieve a level of Child-Safe accreditation.”

Chris Gould, Founder and Chairman of Child-Safe

Chris was also very excited to introduce Lana and Avril to Child-Safe’s ‘App’ SafeKnight.

The SafeKnight app was recently named in the top five safety apps competition globally at the recent WYSTC conference in Australia.  The app, once downloaded, can be used to launch the phone/device’s camera and not only records the photo onto the phone in the standard way but also holds a virtual copy which is date/time/location stamped and can be accessed to help track down a potentially missing person.

For more information on Bright World’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures please click here