Dubai: Private educational institutions in Dubai can temporarily remove staff members from their duties or suspend them from work when necessary to protect students while allegations or concerns about their conduct are assessed or investigated, under a new student safeguarding framework.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has outlined the measures in its Policy Framework for Safeguarding and Learner Protection in Dubai’s Private Educational Institutions, which requires concerns involving teachers, other staff members or adults who interact with students to be reported without delay and no later than the same working day.
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The framework allows institutions to take proportionate interim measures to safeguard students while a case is being assessed or investigated. Such measures are precautionary and do not, in themselves, establish wrongdoing.
Reports should normally be submitted to the institution's Child Protection Coordinator or Designated Safeguarding Lead, who is responsible for handling safeguarding concerns.
The framework also establishes alternative reporting channels when the person involved in an allegation is part of the usual reporting process.
External service providers and third parties working with students must be informed of their right to report concerns directly to KHDA or the relevant authorities.
