Together, we are joining forces to address critical issues and work collaboratively to drive change. By engaging with policymakers and elected representatives, BISSC aims to ensure global safeguarding risks, challenges and concerns are given the utmost priority in order to protect those most vulnerable.

BISSC was officially launched at the AoBSO Conference on 21st November 2023.

Core Principles

Our commitment to safeguarding is underpinned by the following principles:

1. Collaboration and Partnership: Collaboration is at the heart of our commitment to safeguarding. We firmly believe that by working together with like-minded organisations, regulators, governments, specialists, and communities, we can create a more powerful and effective force for change. Our commitment to collaboration extends to sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices to enhance the protection of vulnerable individuals. Together, we will grow a stronger culture in safeguarding.

2. Pioneering change: We are committed to relentlessly lobby for change in safeguarding. Our dedication to this cause is unwavering, as we tirelessly advocate for stronger protections, legal reforms, and heightened awareness. We believe that by actively engaging with policymakers and advocating for safeguarding improvements, we can make a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of vulnerable communities, ensuring a brighter, more secure future for all.

3. Sharing best practice: We believe that by openly sharing our knowledge and experiences, we can empower individuals and other organisations to create safer environments for vulnerable communities. Through this commitment, we aim to foster a collective dedication to safeguarding, ensuring that the best practices are accessible to all, and ultimately, improving the well-being of those we serve.

4. Growing a culture of safeguarding: Our commitment to safeguarding excellence is embedded at the very core of BISSC's roots. We prioritise continuous training, education, and peer support to nurture a culture of vigilance and care. Through ongoing learning and collaboration, we empower practitioners to recognise and respond effectively to safeguarding concerns. This commitment extends to our wider community, where we aim to inspire and support others in their journey towards effective safeguarding, ensuring that the protection and well-being of all remains paramount.

5. Child-Centred Approach: We pledge to always prioritise the well-being and protection of children. Their physical, emotional, and psychological safety is at the core of everything we do. We are dedicated to creating an environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive without fear or harm, abuse or neglect.

6. Impact Measurement: We maintain that safeguarding has no finish line. We will measure our impact, gather data, and evaluate our initiatives to ensure they are effective and meet the needs of the communities we serve. We will regularly review and enhance our objectives in light of evolving best practices, legal requirements, and emerging risks. We will learn from our experiences and from the broader safeguarding community.


Together we are one voice united in safeguarding.

Founding Members of the British International Schools Safeguarding Coalition (BISSC) are delighted to announce the launch of the BISSC Safer Recruitment Code of Conduct - a landmark framework designed to further support, promote and strengthen safeguarding standards across international schools.

BISSC was established in November 2023 with the purpose of establishing and promoting a unified strategic and coordinated approach to strengthening global safeguarding systems.  

The new BISSC Safer Recruitment Code of Conduct sets out a shared commitment to rigorous, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices within international education, and which will be applicable to all school members of BISSC founding organisations. 

The Code of Conduct will come into practice from 1 September 2025, offering a unified benchmark for safer recruitment policies in the BISSC network of schools. As a supportive guidance document, it is designed to encourage reflection, consistency, and continuous improvement in order to keep children safe in their education settings. 

This development underlines the joint commitment and passion to drive forward global safeguarding standards from the founding members of BISSC. 

Building on the significant safeguarding work of aligned partner organisations, with this new guidance, BISSC aims to ensure global safeguarding risks, challenges and concerns are reduced and given the utmost priority in order to protect those most vulnerable.
 

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“We are very proud to share the new BISSC Safer Recruitment Code of Conduct. Keeping children safe in education is at the heart of BISSC. This pioneering document represents a major step forward in safeguarding practice — supporting schools in implementing vital policies, reducing risk, and promoting a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. It is our aim that this Code of Conduct will not only raise the standards of safeguarding in schools worldwide, but also set a new global benchmark for excellence. 

We believe this framework has the power to transform how schools approach recruitment and protection, and we look forward to seeing the positive, lasting impact it will have when implemented in September.”

Emily Konstantas, Chair of BISSC and CEO and Founder of The Safeguarding Alliance

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For more information on the work of BISSC, please visit www.bissc.org.uk