STEM Ambassadors & Safeguarding

As part of their induction training, all STEM Ambassadors are given guidance on standard safeguarding procedures. Additionally, we carry out a DBS check on all STEM Ambassadors and update that check every 3 years. Together these actions mean that we can, in all good faith, recommend any approved STEM Ambassador as someone that has been assessed as a suitable person to volunteer for STEM activities with young people.

When a STEM Ambassador comes in to a school or other place where children meet, they are to do so as a visitor and should comply with the host organisation’s safeguarding and child protection policies for visitors. STEM Ambassadors are happy to confirm their identity upon arrival and wear a visitors badge for the duration of their visit. They should also be accompanied at all times by a member of staff or other adult representative of the organisation which has invited them.

STEM Ambassadors should not be left alone with children during their visit. If the adult responsible for the visitor must leave the room for any reason, they should not leave until a suitable replacement has been found. This is to protect the children, the staff and the STEM Ambassadors.

If all of these requirements are met there should be no reason for a school or any other organisation to ask to see a STEM Ambassador’s DBS certificate before letting them volunteer with children. DfE guidance states that schools and colleges do not have the power to request DBS checks and barred list checks, or ask to see DBS certificates, for visitors.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions regarding STEM Ambassadors and safeguarding.