MC DRIVER TRAINING

Professional Boundaries & Safeguarding Policy

Policy owner: Michael Collie
Business: MC Driver Training, Ellon, Aberdeenshire
Effective date: 25 October 2026
Next review: October 2027

1. Our Commitment

MC Driver Training is an independent driving school operated by Michael Collie, a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) Approved Driving Instructor.

We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive and professional learning environment for every pupil, regardless of age, background, ability or learning needs.

We recognise our safeguarding responsibilities towards all learners, particularly young people under 18 and adults who may be at risk of harm.

All pupils have the right to feel safe, respected, listened to and free from harassment, discrimination, exploitation and inappropriate behaviour.

2. Safeguarding Checks and Professional Standards

Michael Collie holds the following safeguarding credentials:

* Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme membership, registered in Scotland on 15 July 2025.
* Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Certificate, issued on 19 August 2023 for the Child Workforce and Driving Instructor role.

The Enhanced DBS certificate recorded no relevant information disclosed at the date of issue, including no information recorded on the Children’s Barred List.

These checks support safeguarding arrangements but do not replace the ongoing responsibility to maintain appropriate professional conduct and safe working practices.

MC Driver Training is committed to following the applicable DVSA Approved Driving Instructor Code of Practice and relevant safeguarding guidance.

3. Professional Boundaries and Conduct

The instructor will:

* Treat all pupils with dignity, fairness, patience and respect.
* Maintain professional language and behaviour at all times.
* Keep driving lessons focused on learning, vehicle control and road safety.
* Avoid inappropriate personal conversations, comments, jokes or questions.
* Never engage in romantic, sexual or exploitative relationships with pupils.
* Respect personal privacy and maintain appropriate confidentiality.
* Avoid unnecessary contact with pupils outside agreed business communication.
* Provide constructive feedback without intimidation, humiliation, bullying or aggressive behaviour.
* Avoid discrimination or harassment of any kind.

Pupils will also be expected to treat the instructor respectfully and follow reasonable safety instructions.

4. Physical Contact and Safety Interventions

Physical contact between instructor and pupil will be avoided unless necessary and appropriate.

Teaching will normally take place through verbal instruction, coaching, demonstration and visual teaching resources.

The instructor will not use physical contact as a routine method of instruction.

Where immediate intervention is necessary to prevent an accident or injury, the instructor may take proportionate action to maintain safety.

Any significant physical intervention or related concern will be documented appropriately.

5. Safeguarding Young Learners

MC Driver Training provides one-to-one driving lessons in a dual-controlled training vehicle.

For pupils under 18:

* Lesson collection and drop-off locations will be agreed in advance.
* The instructor will maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
* Communications will relate to lessons, progress, safety and administration.
* Parents or guardians may be involved where appropriate.
* The pupil’s privacy, dignity and developing independence will be respected.
* Any concern about abuse, exploitation or welfare will be taken seriously.

Pupils will not be pressured to share personal information unrelated to their driving instruction.

6. Parents and Guardians

MC Driver Training encourages positive parental involvement in the learning process.

Parents and guardians may assist with lesson arrangements, private practice, payments and supporting learning goals.

However, the instructor will respect the pupil’s confidentiality and consider their age, maturity and wishes before sharing personal information.

Where necessary to protect a pupil, safeguarding information may be shared with appropriate authorities without parental involvement.

7. Additional Learning Needs and Inclusivity

MC Driver Training recognises that pupils have different learning needs, abilities and levels of confidence.

Reasonable adjustments may be considered for pupils with disabilities, neurodivergence, anxiety or other relevant learning requirements.

The instructor will aim to provide:

* Clear, understandable instructions.
* A calm, patient and supportive environment.
* Appropriate lesson planning and structured learning.
* Constructive feedback and achievable learning goals.
* Respect for individual needs and circumstances.

Safety remains the priority throughout every lesson.

8. Communication and Social Media

Official business communication may be conducted through:

* Total Drive.
* WhatsApp Business.
* Telephone or SMS.
* Email.

Communications will remain professional and relevant to driving lessons, bookings, payments, progress and road safety.

The instructor will not pursue inappropriate personal conversations, relationships or private social media contact with pupils.

Communication will normally take place at reasonable times.

9. Dashcam Recording and Confidentiality

The MC Driver Training tuition vehicle is fitted with front and rear dashcam equipment.

Footage may be used for road safety, incident investigation, security or insurance purposes.

Recordings will not routinely be used for promotional purposes.

Personal information and footage will be handled in accordance with the MC Driver Training Privacy Notice and applicable data protection legislation.

10. Photography, Testimonials and Social Media

MC Driver Training may request permission to publish photographs, driving-test achievements and testimonials.

No pupil will be required to participate in promotional activities.

Appropriate permission will be obtained, with additional consideration for learners under 18.

Refusing permission will not affect the quality or availability of driving instruction.

11. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include:

* Physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
* Neglect or exploitation.
* Bullying, intimidation or harassment.
* Inappropriate behaviour by adults towards children or young people.
* Serious threats to personal safety or wellbeing.
* Information disclosed by a pupil suggesting they may be at risk of harm.

Any concern will be treated seriously.

12. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a pupil raises a safeguarding concern, the instructor will:

1. Listen calmly and take the concern seriously.
2. Avoid unnecessary or leading questions.
3. Not attempt to investigate allegations personally.
4. Explain that complete confidentiality cannot be promised where safety is at risk.
5. Make an accurate, factual and secure record.
6. Contact the appropriate safeguarding authority when necessary.
7. Take appropriate action to protect the pupil from immediate harm.

Where someone is in immediate danger, Police Scotland will be contacted on 999.

Non-emergency police concerns may be reported on 101.

Concerns involving a child at risk of harm may also be referred to the appropriate local authority social work or child protection service.

13. Complaints and Reporting Concerns

Pupils, parents and guardians may raise concerns about instructor conduct.

MC Driver Training
Michael Collie
Telephone: 07823 778050
Website: www.mcdrivertraining.co.uk
Email: michael@mcdrivertraining.co.uk

Where a concern involves alleged misconduct by the instructor, individuals may contact Police Scotland, the relevant local authority or the DVSA directly.

A pupil will not be penalised for raising a genuine safeguarding concern.

14. Safeguarding Records

Any safeguarding incident or concern will be recorded accurately and stored securely.

Records may include:

* Date and time of concern.
* Factual description of what occurred or was disclosed.
* Immediate action taken.
* Organisations or individuals contacted.
* Decisions made and follow-up actions.

Information will only be shared where necessary and lawful.

Safeguarding records will be retained for an appropriate period in accordance with applicable legal and data protection requirements.

15. Professional Development and Policy Review

MC Driver Training is committed to maintaining and developing professional driving instructor standards.

Safeguarding procedures and professional boundaries will be reviewed periodically, including when legislation or relevant DVSA guidance changes.

This policy will be reviewed at least annually and following any significant safeguarding incident.

⸻

Michael Collie
Owner and DVSA Approved Driving Instructor
MC Driver Training — Ellon, Aberdeenshire

Last updated: 25 October 2026
Next scheduled review: October 2027

© 2026 MC Driver Training. All rights reserved.