E-Safety Policy - INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL

E-Safety Policy
Version Number		IBS/ESP/2026Apr/V001
Member of Staff Responsible		Ibrahim Sirkeci
Record of Revisions to Policy
Date	Details	Approved by
Apr 2026	Published	Board of Directors
Apr 2026	Reviewed	Board of Directors
July 2023	Reviewed	Board of Directors

Date of Current Policy		April 2026
Next Review Date		April 2028
Review to be approved by		Board of Directors

Related IBS Policies

Data Protection Policy
Equality, Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy
Student Complaints Policy
Harassment and Bullying Policy
Academic Misconduct Policy
Student Code of Conduct
IT Acceptable Use Policy
Student Protection Plan

External Reference Points

Office for Students (OfS) Regulatory Framework (including student protection, wellbeing and governance requirements)
UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
Data Protection Act 2018
Equality Act 2010
Counter‑Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty)
Online Safety Act 2023 (where applicable)

1. Policy Statement

International Business School (IBS) is committed to providing a safe, supportive and respectful digital environment for all students, staff and stakeholders. IBS recognises that effective use of digital technologies is essential to learning, teaching and academic engagement, while also acknowledging the risks associated with online activity.

IBS takes a preventative and proportionate approach to e‑safety, ensuring that online risks are managed appropriately, digital wellbeing is supported, and students are protected from harm, harassment, exploitation or exposure to inappropriate or illegal online content. This policy operates complementarily with the IBS Data Protection Policy, ensuring that online safety, digital conduct and safeguarding measures are applied alongside lawful, fair and secure processing of personal data. This approach supports IBS’s responsibilities under the Office for Students (OfS) regulatory framework, including student protection and risk management.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

Promote safe, responsible and appropriate use of digital technologies
Protect students and staff from online harm, abuse or exploitation
Set clear expectations for acceptable online behaviour
Support compliance with OfS, safeguarding and data protection requirements
Provide a framework for responding to e‑safety concerns or incidents

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

All IBS students, staff, associates and visitors
All IBS‑provided digital systems, platforms and networks
Use of personal devices where activities relate to IBS learning, teaching or communication

This includes (but is not limited to) virtual learning environments, email, online teaching platforms, social media use linked to IBS, and digital communication tools.

4. Definitions

E‑Safety: The safe and responsible use of digital technologies, including protection from online risks.
Online Harm: Behaviours or content that may cause psychological, emotional, reputational or physical harm.
Digital Platforms: Online systems used for learning, communication or administration.
Cyberbullying: Bullying or harassment carried out via digital platforms or electronic communication.

5. Principles of E‑Safety at IBS

IBS’s approach to e‑safety is underpinned by the following principles:

Student wellbeing and safety are central to digital engagement
Online behaviour should meet the same standards as behaviour in physical settings
Freedom of expression is balanced with respect, legality and safeguarding
Risks are addressed proportionately and in line with regulatory expectations
Support and education are prioritised over punitive action where appropriate

6. Acceptable Use of Digital Technologies

Students and staff must:

Use IBS digital systems responsibly, lawfully and respectfully
Avoid accessing, creating or sharing harmful, abusive, discriminatory or illegal content
Protect personal data and respect the privacy of others
Not engage in cyberbullying, harassment or intimidation
Comply with IBS IT and Acceptable Use policies

Misuse of digital technologies may result in disciplinary action under relevant IBS procedures.

7. Online Risks and Safeguarding

IBS recognises the following potential online risks:

Cyberbullying and online harassment
Exposure to extremist or harmful content
Online fraud, impersonation or data misuse
Excessive or harmful use of digital technologies

IBS takes reasonable steps to mitigate these risks through platform controls, staff training, student guidance, and clear reporting mechanisms.

8. Social Media and Online Communication

IBS encourages responsible use of social media but expects that:

IBS does not tolerate online harassment, discrimination or reputational harm
Students and staff clearly separate personal views from IBS representation
Confidential or sensitive information is not shared publicly

Social media conduct that impacts the safety, wellbeing or reputation of IBS may be addressed under relevant policies.

9. Reporting E‑Safety Concerns

E‑safety concerns may include online bullying, threatening behaviour, inappropriate contact or exposure to harmful content.

Concerns should be reported promptly through:

Academic or student support staff
Student Complaints or Safeguarding channels
Designated IBS reporting mechanisms

IBS will respond proportionately, sensitively and in line with safeguarding, data protection and disciplinary requirements.

10. Roles and Responsibilities

10.1 IBS Responsibilities

IBS will:

Promote awareness of e‑safety risks and responsibilities
Provide guidance and support to students and staff
Maintain appropriate safeguards on digital platforms
Monitor patterns of risk and respond to concerns

10.2 Staff Responsibilities

Staff are expected to:

Model safe and responsible digital behaviour
Be alert to potential e‑safety concerns affecting students
Report concerns in line with institutional procedures

10.3 Student Responsibilities

Students are expected to:

Use digital technologies responsibly and respectfully
Protect their own safety and wellbeing online
Raise concerns where they feel unsafe or affected by online behaviour

11. Monitoring and Review

IBS will monitor the effectiveness of this policy through:

Incident and complaints monitoring
Student feedback and engagement
Regular review of digital practices and risks

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory expectations, including those of the Office for Students.

12. Alternative Formats

This policy is available in alternative formats upon request. Requests should be directed to the Academic Standards and Quality Office.