Our Policies

Our core commitment to protecting the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of every young person participating in our online webinars, Oxford chambers, and competitive events. For any safeguarding questions or to report a concern, contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead at alan@poi.org.uk.

Rules and protective measures governing digital debate chambers, webinars, video conferencing protocols, and safe virtual student-mentor interactions.

Vetting standards, Enhanced DBS checks, reference verifications, and training required for all directors, debate mentors, judges, and session volunteers.

Zero-tolerance frameworks against harassment, discrimination, cyberbullying, and intimidation, ensuring inclusive chambers where diverse perspectives are welcomed with respect.

Guidelines on parental and student media permissions, image usage across our website, promotional materials, and event recording protocols.

Fiduciary duties, ethical standards, transparency principles, and leadership expectations required of POI’s governing directors and trustees.

Procedures for identifying, declaring, and managing potential conflicts of interest across governance, judging allocations, and operational decision-making.

Rigorous management of donations, expenditures, bank mandates, accounting transparency, and financial compliance standards.

Systematic frameworks for assessing, monitoring, and mitigating operational, safeguarding, and logistical risks associated with youth events.

Confidential and protected reporting channels for volunteers, participants, and staff to raise genuine public-interest concerns or governance irregularities.

Professional boundaries, positive role modelling, respectful language, and constructive feedback rules required of all volunteers and mentors.

Defines the mutual expectations, roles, induction process, and support provided by POI to all active voluntary team members.

Transparent and merit-based volunteer and director recruitment processes aligned with equal opportunity principles.

Our commitment under the Equality Act 2010 to guarantee open, accessible debate education free from prejudice, barriers, or discrimination.

Clear rules and reimbursement procedures for reasonable out-of-pocket volunteer travel and operational expenses.

Safety standards, venue protocols, first-aid readiness, and emergency action plans for all in-person Oxford debate workshops.

Full compliance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 regarding secure data storage, processing lawful bases, and subject rights.

Plain-English explanation of how we collect, use, store, and protect student, parent, and volunteer personal information.

Step-by-step procedures for documenting, escalating, logging, and resolving accidents, behavioral issues, or safeguarding concerns.

Guidelines for organizational branding, online communication standards, and volunteer engagement on public social networks.

Security rules for handling organizational emails, digital accounts, cloud documents, and video conferencing systems.

Formal dispute resolution and complaint escalation process with transparent review timelines by POI directors.