Public Safeguarding Statement

ATA aims to provide learning, programme and workplace experiences in which people are treated with dignity and can raise concerns without intimidation. This commitment extends to learners, unemployed graduates, interns, young professionals, enterprise participants, employees, facilitators, contractors and people interacting with ATA online or in person.

We recognise the unequal power that may exist between a participant and a trainer, programme manager, host employer or person offering employment opportunities. No person may use that position to demand sexual contact, personal favours, money outside an authorised fee arrangement, or silence about wrongdoing.

We do not accept harassment, sexual exploitation or abuse, bullying, discriminatory treatment, threats, violence, deliberate humiliation, coercion or retaliation. This includes inappropriate messages, requests for private images, unwanted sexual attention and misuse of a participant’s personal information or photographs.

Programme participation, assessment, references and access to opportunities must not be made conditional on an inappropriate personal relationship or favour. Staff and delivery partners must maintain professional boundaries and use appropriate communication channels.

Report a concern to the Head: Internship at admin@atatrainingacademy.co.za or (065) 752-9651. If the concern involves that person, or you do not feel safe approaching them, contact the Board of Advisors directly at support@atatrainingacademy.co.za. You may report what you experienced, witnessed or reasonably suspect. You do not have to investigate or prove it before reporting.

Tell us what happened, when and where, whether anyone remains at risk, and how we may contact you safely. Share only information reasonably needed; do not circulate sensitive evidence widely. Anonymous concerns will be considered, although anonymity may limit investigation or follow-up. In immediate danger, seek emergency assistance from the relevant local emergency services. ATA’s reporting channel is not an emergency response service.

We will acknowledge reports within two working days. Urgent safety concerns will be prioritised. Acknowledgement confirms receipt and the next steps; it does not mean that an investigation will be completed within two working days.

ATA will assess immediate safety needs, consider protective steps, identify an appropriate person to manage the concern, and decide whether referral to an employer, specialist service or competent authority is required. We will avoid unnecessary repeated retelling and seek the affected person’s views where appropriate.

Information is handled sensitively and shared only where needed to respond, protect people or meet legal duties. We cannot promise absolute secrecy where someone may be at risk or reporting is legally required. We will explain these limits where it is safe and lawful to do so. Allegations will be considered fairly without assuming that a report alone proves misconduct.

We prohibit retaliation against someone raising a concern in good faith or assisting an investigation. Possible responses include support, changes to contact arrangements, restrictions, disciplinary processes, review of a placement or partner relationship, and reporting to authorities where appropriate.

Host employers remain responsible for their workplace obligations. ATA will engage the host or relevant programme partner where a concern affects an ATA-managed placement and consider protective action within ATA’s role. Participants may raise concerns directly with ATA rather than only through a supervisor at the host site.

ATA’s courses and programmes covered by this statement are for people aged 18 and older. We recognise that adults may also require additional safeguards because of their circumstances, and will consider appropriate support and protective measures. Images, testimonials and case studies must be used with appropriate permission and care for dignity and privacy; declining publicity must not itself prejudice learning or programme participation.

This public statement summarises ATA’s commitment. It does not replace internal reporting, investigation, referral and staff-training procedures.