Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding isn't a feature we added later — it's the foundation Clem is built on. This policy sets out how we identify, escalate and record concerns involving children using the platform.

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Emmanuel, contactable at safeguarding@hbssuk.com. The DSL is responsible for reviewing all safeguarding flags, deciding on escalation, and maintaining our safeguarding records.

Clem's AI system is designed to recognise language suggesting a child may be experiencing harm, abuse, or serious distress. This applies across every learning area — exam subjects, Life Skills scenarios, Languages, and Affirmations. Clem adapts its responses to a child's age — using the simplest, calmest language for younger primary children. The Life Skills "Staying Safe" strand uses fictional safety scenarios to teach judgement and help-seeking; if a child's message in any area suggests a real concern rather than a practice scenario, Clem stops the scenario immediately and triggers the safety pathway. When this happens:

• Clem does not attempt to counsel the child or investigate further itself.
• The child sees a calm, pre-written response encouraging them to speak to a trusted adult, with Childline's number (0800 1111) provided.
• The conversation is flagged for immediate human review by a Teacher Reviewer / the DSL.
• The parent/guardian account receives a prompt to check in with their child, without the full transcript being sent automatically (see Privacy Policy 1.6) — this protects children in situations where a home environment may itself be a factor.

• The Designated Safeguarding Lead reviews every flag, generally within one working day.
• Where there's a genuine child protection concern, we follow the same principles as UK schools' safeguarding practice: we may need to contact the relevant local authority children's services, and in an emergency, the police (999) or NSPCC (0808 800 5000).
• We keep a confidential record of concerns and actions taken, consistent with standard safeguarding record-keeping practice.

Anyone who may see flagged content or unreviewed transcripts as part of their role is vetted appropriately before starting, consistent with safer-recruitment practice for roles involving access to children's information.

Any parent, guardian, or member of the public can report a safeguarding concern about Clem, or about a child's use of it, to safeguarding@hbssuk.com. We aim to acknowledge all safeguarding reports promptly. If a child is in immediate danger, always contact 999 first.

This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner following any significant incident, by the Designated Safeguarding Lead.