Health, Safety, and Online Safety Policy

American Professional School is committed to providing a safe and professional learning environment for the experienced adult professionals who participate in its competency-based education (CBE) programs.

1. Purpose

This policy sets out how American Professional School (APS) supports the health, safety, and online safety of learners in its professional credential programs. It describes the measures APS takes to maintain a respectful online environment and the process for raising concerns.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all APS learning activities and related communications. APS programs are designed for experienced adult professionals and are delivered online and asynchronously. APS does not enroll learners under the age of 18 and does not operate physical training premises open to the public.

3. Commitment

APS is committed to:

  • Maintaining a professional and respectful online learning environment
  • Taking reasonable steps to protect learners from harassment, bullying, or other harmful conduct in APS-managed platforms and communications
  • Providing clear channels for learners to raise safety or welfare concerns
  • Responding promptly and appropriately to reported concerns
  • Protecting learner personal information in accordance with the Privacy Policy

4. Online Safety

Because APS programs are delivered online, APS takes the following measures to support online safety:

  • Learners access materials and submit evidence through secure, authenticated platforms
  • Communications between learners and APS staff occur through designated channels
  • Learners are expected to engage professionally and respectfully in all APS-related communications
  • APS does not require learners to share personal contact information beyond what is needed for program administration
  • Technical and administrative access is limited to staff and contractors who need it to support program delivery

5. Expected Conduct

All learners, staff, and contractors are expected to:

  • Treat others with courtesy and respect
  • Refrain from harassment, bullying, intimidation, or discriminatory conduct
  • Use APS platforms and communications only for legitimate program-related purposes
  • Report concerns about harmful or inappropriate conduct through the channels described in this policy

6. Raising a Concern

Learners who have a safety or welfare concern related to their participation in an APS program should contact APS as soon as possible. Concerns may be raised by email to contact@americanprofessionalschool.org or through the Complaints and Feedback Procedure.

When reporting a concern, learners should provide:

  • A description of the concern
  • When and where (or on which platform) it occurred
  • Any relevant supporting information

APS will acknowledge the report and take appropriate steps to review the concern. If a concern involves an immediate risk of harm, the learner should contact local emergency services.

7. Response and Confidentiality

APS handles safety and welfare concerns confidentially, sharing information only with those who need it to address the matter. Concerns are reviewed by the Operations Manager (or a designated staff member) and, where the concern involves program content or facilitation, with input from the Academic Quality Lead as appropriate.

Possible responses include clarification of expectations, adjustment of communications or access, referral to the Complaints and Feedback Procedure, or other appropriate action. APS does not retaliate against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

8. Responsibilities

  • Learners: Engage professionally and raise any safety or welfare concerns promptly through the designated channels.
  • Operations Manager: Overall responsibility for this policy, including receiving and coordinating responses to safety and welfare concerns.
  • Academic Quality Lead: Provides input on concerns that relate to program content, facilitation, or competency demonstration processes.
  • Staff and contractors: Follow this policy, maintain professional conduct, and report any concerns they become aware of.

9. Related Policies

This policy operates in conjunction with the Complaints and Feedback Procedure, the Learner Support and Reasonable Adjustments Policy, the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy, and the Privacy Policy.

10. Review of This Policy

This policy is reviewed at least annually by the Operations Manager to ensure it remains practical and aligned with APS operations and the needs of its adult professional learners.

11. Contact

Questions about this policy or to report a concern:

American Professional School
Email: contact@americanprofessionalschool.org