Safeguarding
We believe that children, young people and adults at risk of harm should never experience abuse of any kind. We have an unfaltering commitment to promote the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk to keep them safe. COBIS is committed to reducing risk connected to all safeguarding and child protection matters.
Hear about how our schools benefit from our safeguarding support in the video below
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We are proud to be a founding member of the International Task Force on Child Protection.
We are proud to be the ICPC Global Ambassador.
We are proud to be a founding member of the British International Schools Safeguarding Coalition.
We’re committed to promoting and encouraging the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection in member schools and Supporting Associates as a requirement of continuing membership, through the provision of a variety of services and resources:
Safer Recruitment
We offer our schools around the world the support and resources they need to ensure they implement the latest safer recruitment processes and steps. Find out more.
Safeguarding Resources
We have a range of safeguarding resources, policies and guidance collated for your easy access. Explore them here.
International Child Protection Certificate
The International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) is a criminal records check for anyone who lives, or has lived, in the UK and who is looking to work with children overseas.COBIS is proud to be the ICPC Global Ambassador. Find out more here.
Safeguarding Training
We are committed to promoting the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection. We offer online and face-to-face training covering a range of safeguarding topics, for all members of staff. See what's on offer here.
British International Schools Safeguarding Coalition
BISSC is a collaboration bringing together AoBSO, BSME, COBIS, FOBISIA, LAHC, NABSS and The Safeguarding Alliance in a shared commitment to the highest standards in safeguarding.
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The termly Safeguarding Update provides the latest news and resources to support schools around the world.
Sign up to the newsletter here by selecting the 'Safeguarding' option.
We place safeguarding at the heart of our efforts, ensuring children and vulnerable people are protected. Our safeguarding and child protection policy is fully aligned with UK statutory guidance, and we support British international schools both in the UK and globally in upholding such high standards within their own settings.
We uphold a strong duty of care by enforcing rigorous safer recruitment processes, conducting thorough prohibition checks, and requiring the International Child Protection Certificate in our member schools. This ensures that all staff are carefully vetted and trained to meet the highest safeguarding standards.
The BISSC Safer Recruitment Code of Conduct also sets a benchmark for safeguarding in international education, especially for those who work with children and adults at risk.
In addition, COBIS promotes a culture of vigilance and accountability, encouraging schools to embed safeguarding into everyday practice. By fostering open dialogue and continuous professional development, we ensure that safeguarding is not just a policy, but a lived priority across our global network. This shared responsibility strengthens trust, safety, and wellbeing for all pupils. Our commitment is reflected in ongoing updates and resources that reinforce the importance of safeguarding in every school.
We also collaborate with global experts to deliver tailored training programmes for all school staff, ensuring best practice is embedded across roles and responsibilities. Through the British International Schools Safeguarding Coalition and our concrete standards, we drive innovation, share best practice, and support schools in building safe, inclusive environments.
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