Sending a teenager to another country for two weeks is a big decision for any family. When students travel from more than 90 countries to attend the London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF), parents naturally want to know: how will my child be kept safe?
LIYSF treats safety as a top priority. This article explains how the Forum protects its participants, from staff recruitment and supervision to medical support, welfare and student protection policies.
A Professional Approach to Safety
LIYSF follows an independently verified safety assessment protocol and uses a safety management programme called TravelSafe. It also works closely with its suppliers to keep improving safety standards.
Behind the scenes, venues are checked to confirm they have appropriate insurance cover, and risk assessments are carried out or requested wherever they are needed.
Carefully Selected and Trained Staff
The people looking after students matter most. LIYSF commits to:
- safe recruitment, using stringent selection and vetting procedures for all staff
- training every staff member, including in emergency procedures
- a staff code of conduct that everyone working at the Forum must follow
Supervision Day and Night
Students are never left without support during the Forum:
- An LIYSF staff member is present at every programmed event.
- Staff live in each accommodation, typically 5 to 8 staff per residence.
- Every residence has a staffed 24-hour reception with trained venue staff.
- A dedicated Student Welfare Officer is part of the team.
Medical and Emergency Support
- All LIYSF staff are trained in emergency procedures.
- At least one first aider is on hand throughout the Forum.
- A trained mental health first aider is on the team.
- A 24/7 emergency telephone line is staffed by trained people on site.
Every student must wear their LIYSF lanyard at all times. It carries key emergency information, so help can be given quickly if it is ever needed.
Student Protection and Safeguarding
LIYSF has a student protection (child protection) policy that covers every participant, whether they are under or over 18. Its key points are:
- Every concern or allegation is taken seriously.
- Where necessary, concerns may be referred to children’s social care, to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for allegations against staff, or to the police in an emergency.
- The policy is based on the UK Children Acts of 1989 and 2004 and Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- It is reviewed regularly, endorsed by LIYSF Director Richard Myhill, and shared with students, parents and staff.
Protection for everyone
All students are protected regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or beliefs. LIYSF also has a separate anti-discrimination and anti-bullying policy, and every student must agree to a code of conduct designed to prevent bullying and harassment.
Welfare: Someone to Talk To
LIYSF encourages students to speak to a staff member straight away if they have any problem. The person responsible on site is Richard Myhill, and students can also approach him directly.
If a student feels they cannot talk to anyone at LIYSF, the Forum can help them contact Childline on 0800 1111, a free and confidential UK helpline for young people.
Everyday wellbeing
- Meals: there is a choice at every meal, always including a vegetarian option. Dietary needs are catered for where possible.
- Faith: a 24-hour multi-faith prayer room is available.
- Additional needs: students with learning or special needs should tell LIYSF in advance so support can be arranged.
Staying Healthy: Infection Prevention
LIYSF also gives students simple health advice for their stay, including:
- washing hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, or using a hand rub with at least 60% alcohol, especially after public transport, after using the toilet and before eating
- covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- avoiding close contact with anyone who is unwell, and not sharing personal items
- wearing an approved face mask where advised
- if feeling unwell, staying in your room, telling your group leader and contacting a local healthcare provider
Peace of Mind for Parents
From vetted, trained staff living in every residence to 24-hour reception, first aiders, a welfare officer and a clear safeguarding policy, LIYSF has built a strong safety framework around its students. That lets participants focus on learning from leading scientists, exploring London and making friends from around the world, while families at home can feel confident their child is in safe hands.
Read the full details on the official LIYSF Safety and Protection page.
