IELTS Child Protection Policy

We recognise that the care, protection and welfare of children are paramount and that all children have the right to be protected from all types of harm or abuse. This includes a responsibility to protect children from any harm or risk.

We aim to achieve this through compliance with all applicable laws and by adhering to Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) 1989.

A child is defined as anyone who has not reached their 18th birthday (UNCRC 1989) irrespective of the age of majority in the country where the child is, or in their home country.

In relation to the management, recognition and administration of the IELTS test, IELTS is committed to:

• valuing, respecting and listening to children

• ensuring all necessary checks are made when recruiting staff

• maintaining strong child protection systems and procedures for staff

• training its staff and providing a common understanding of child protection issues to inform planning and practice

• protecting the data protection rights of children

• sharing information about any concerns with the relevant agencies and involving parents and children appropriately

• providing effective management for staff through clear processes, supervision and support.

We will provide adequate and appropriate resources to implement this policy and will ensure it is communicated and understood. IELTS will review this global policy statement annually to reflect new legal and regulatory developments and ensure good practice.