Safeguarding Policy

Last updated: 2 March 2026

1. Our Commitment

SyncMed is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all users. While our platform connects adult medical students (aged 18+) with GMC-registered doctors, we recognise our responsibility to maintain safeguarding standards consistent with those expected across UK medical education.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all SyncMed users, including medical students, doctors, and administrators. It covers all interactions facilitated through the SyncMed platform, including live tutorials, messaging, and any content shared during sessions.

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is:

Dr Azizi
Founder & CEO, SyncMed
Email: safeguarding@syncmed.co.uk
Postal: Unit 111481, PO Box 6945, London W1A 6US

All safeguarding concerns should be directed to this contact in the first instance.

4. What Constitutes a Safeguarding Concern

A safeguarding concern includes, but is not limited to:

• Inappropriate behaviour or language during tutorials
• Sharing of patient-identifiable information during sessions
• Harassment, bullying, or discriminatory conduct
• Requests to move communication outside the SyncMed platform for inappropriate purposes
• Any conduct that may put a user at risk of harm
• Concerns about a user's fitness to practise (for doctors)
• Disclosure of self-harm, abuse, or exploitation

5. Reporting a Concern

If you witness or experience a safeguarding concern:

Step 1: If you are in immediate danger, contact the emergency services on 999.

Step 2: Report the concern to SyncMed's Designated Safeguarding Lead at safeguarding@syncmed.co.uk. Include:

• Your name and role (student/doctor)
• Date and time of the incident
• Names of those involved (if known)
• Description of what happened
• Any evidence (screenshots, messages)

Step 3: We will acknowledge your report within 24 hours.

6. How We Handle Reports

Upon receiving a safeguarding report, SyncMed will:

1. Acknowledge receipt within 24 hours
2. Assess the severity and immediacy of the concern
3. Take interim measures if necessary (e.g., suspending access to tutorials)
4. Investigate the concern thoroughly and proportionately
5. Take appropriate action, which may include:
   • A formal warning
   • Temporary or permanent suspension from the platform
   • Referral to the GMC (for doctors) where fitness to practise is in question
   • Referral to the relevant medical school (for students)
   • Referral to law enforcement where criminal conduct is suspected
6. Notify the reporter of the outcome (where appropriate and without breaching confidentiality)

We aim to resolve all safeguarding concerns within 14 working days. Complex cases may take longer. We will keep you informed of progress.

7. Confidentiality

All safeguarding reports are treated confidentially. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We may be required to share information with regulatory bodies (e.g., the GMC) or law enforcement where there is a legal obligation or risk of serious harm.

8. Doctor Verification

All doctors on SyncMed must hold current GMC registration, which we verify before granting teaching access. GMC registration confirms a doctor's licence to practise medicine in the UK. SyncMed does not currently require DBS checks, as our platform facilitates group educational sessions between adults in a supervised online environment. We keep this position under review.

9. Platform Safety Measures

SyncMed maintains the following safety measures:

• All tutorials take place via Microsoft Teams with session logging
• One-to-one unsupervised sessions are not permitted
• Users cannot exchange personal contact information through the platform
• All doctor accounts require GMC verification before activation
• Users can report concerns directly from within any tutorial session
• SyncMed administrators can suspend accounts with immediate effect where necessary

10. Training and Awareness

SyncMed's team reviews this policy annually and when significant incidents occur. We are committed to updating our safeguarding practices in line with guidance from the GMC, Health Education England, and the UK medical education sector.

11. Related Policies

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Disclaimer
• Complaints Procedure

12. Contact

For any safeguarding concerns:

• Email: safeguarding@syncmed.co.uk
• General enquiries: info@syncmed.co.uk
• Post: Unit 111481, PO Box 6945, London W1A 6US