We believe everyone has the right to feel safe, respected, and supported. Debut follows strict safeguarding policies to protect individuals from abuse, neglect, discrimination, and harm whether physical, emotional, or online.

Safety First

We create a secure and supportive environment for every learner, client, and staff member.

Accountability

We take all concerns seriously and act responsibly to protect our community.

Transparency

We communicate clearly and honestly, ensuring everyone understands their rights and responsibilities.

Empowerment

We equip students and staff with the knowledge and confidence to speak up and support one another.

Respect For All

Everyone is treated with dignity, fairness, and kindness, regardless of background or identity.

Inclusivity

Our spaces are open and welcoming to people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

Our team is trained to handle concerns with sensitivity and confidentially.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Linda Edwards
Email - linda@debutacademy.com
Phone - 07774096187

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Kersti Harding
Email - kersti@debutacademy.com
Phone - 01268560552

Safeguarding Officer

Ware Centre
Janine Gildersleve
Phone - 01920449725

Safeguarding Officer

Sidcup Centre
Colliette Palmer
Phone - 0208593446

Safeguarding Officer

Stanford-Le-Hope Centre
Poppy-Ann Lowe
Phone - 013575256301

If you feel unsafe or see anything concerning, please speak to a member of staff or contact our safeguarding team directly. Reports are treated seriously and handled with discretion.

Or Scan the QR Code

We have a full set of policies in place, including:

Learner Safeguarding & Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy

Debut is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all learners, particularly those under 18 or vulnerable adults. This policy outlines our responsibility to promote a safe environment and take appropriate action when concerns arise.

Download pdf here

Prevent Duty Policy

Debut recognises its responsibility under the Prevent Duty to help protect students from the risk of radicalisation and extremism, in line with the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015.

Download pdf here

Whistle Blowing Policy

Debut encourages all staff, learners, and stakeholders to raise concerns about unsafe or unethical behaviour. This policy ensures those who speak up are supported and protected.

Download pdf here

Safer Recruitment Policy

Debut follows a robust safer recruitment process to ensure all staff are suitable to work with young people and vulnerable adults, promoting a safe and trustworthy learning environment.

Download pdf here

Suicide Safety Policy

Debut is dedicated to promoting emotional wellbeing and identifying risks of self-harm or suicide. This policy outlines how we respond with care, support, and timely intervention.

Download pdf here

Anti-Bullying, Harassment & Victimisation Policy

Debut is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment, free from all forms of bullying, harassment, and victimisation.

Download pdf here

E-Safety & Social Media Policy

To ensure students, particularly younger learners, engage with online learning and digital platforms safely and responsibly. This policy promotes digital awareness and sets clear boundaries for use.

Download pdf here

Anti-Slavery & Child Trafficking Policy

Debut has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery and child trafficking. We are committed to identifying and reporting any concerns and protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals.

Download pdf here

Sexual Harassment Policy

Debut does not tolerate any form of sexual harassment. We are committed to preventing inappropriate behaviour and responding swiftly and sensitively to any reports or concerns.

Download pdf here

Critical Incident Policy

This policy ensures Debut can respond effectively to serious or unexpected events that impact safety or wellbeing, maintaining calm, coordinated, and protective action in critical situations.

Download pdf here

These can be requested at any time or downloaded in the dropdowns (if PDFs are availible).

Debut will liaise with the following external agencies as appropriate and contact them for any guidance and advice :

Essex Safeguarding Children’s Board (ESCB)

Phone: 0345 603 7627

www.escb.co.uk

Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)

Link to MAPPA Guidance

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for Essex Area

Learn about LADO here

Essex Children & Families Hub at Essex County Council

Phone: 0345 603 7627 8.45am to 5.15pm Monday to Friday

Outside these hours Phone: 0345 606 1212

Childline

Phone: 0800 1111

www.childline.org.uk

Meet the experts behind Debut. Our dedicated team of educators, business professionals, and beauty specialists who are here to guide you.

Carla Hales
CEO
Leads Debut with a dedication to excellence in beauty education and training. With years of industry expertise, she drives Debut's mission to empower future professionals.
Charlotte Hughes
Director of Teaching and Learning
Designs and leads Debut’s curriculum. A passionate educator who brings energy, insight, and innovation to every classroom, helping learners unlock their full potential.
Bobbie Hales
Director of Finance and Funding
Oversees strategy, finance, and data at Debut. Combines sharp analysis with a deep passion for learner success, while managing our Stanford-le-Hope site and functional skills programme.
Kersti Harding
Director of Business Development
Leads business development, community outreach, and funding partnerships. A former learner turned director, she’s committed to building opportunity through meaningful education.
Linda Edwards
General Manager & Safeguarding Lead
Manages safeguarding, learner welfare, and quality compliance. A dedicated support lead who ensures every learner feels safe, supported, and set up for success.
Poppy-Ann Lowe
Marketing Manager
Heads up marketing, events, and digital content. Blends creativity and strategy while teaching marketing courses and supporting aesthetics and private diploma learners.
Nikki Henry
Sales and Recruitment Manager
Former learner turned tutor, she now guides new learners through recruitment and training. Passionate about helping others grow in confidence and build their careers.
Luisa Pozza
Quality Improvement Manager
Ensures quality in teaching and assessment across all centres. Combines hands-on tutoring with compliance work to maintain high standards and learner satisfaction.
Jenny Dobson
Finance Manager
Keeps Debut’s finances running smoothly across academies and salons. A long-time team member who brings dedication, accuracy, and heart to everything she does.
Frankie Hales
Content Creator
A qualified content creator and beauty professional, she blends creativity with technical knowledge to craft standout visuals that support learner engagement and marketing.
Danni Gore
Head of Aesthetics
A skin specialist with 14+ years of expertise, she teaches advanced aesthetics at Debut, sharing deep knowledge in skin health, rejuvenation, and anti-ageing treatments.
Janine Gildersleve
Director of Hertford
Franchise owner of Debut Hertford and senior tutor. Delivers a wide range of beauty and aesthetics courses, combining real-world salon experience with a love for teaching.
Sarah Chidley
Director of HB Academy
With 20+ years in beauty, she runs her own training academy under the Debut brand. Passionate about helping students grow skills, confidence, and careers in the industry.
Michaela Davis
Beauty Tutor
Beauty tutor passionate about semi-permanent makeup and supporting 16–19 learners. Loves helping students grow in skill and confidence through current, real-world training.
Emma Sinkins
Workplace Development Tutor
Hair tutor and assessor with 18 years’ experience. Has worked with top brands like L’Oréal and GHD, now focused on mentoring the next generation of stylists in the workplace.
Lucy Portway
Attendance & Pastoral Support
Supports learners with attendance, wellbeing, and accessibility. Brings a background in pastoral care and is passionate about creating inclusive, supportive learning spaces.
Charlotte Locke
Director of Hertford
Co-owner of Debut Hertford. A dedicated tutor and mentor, she delivers Level 2–4 courses and helps learners grow into confident, skilled professionals in hair and beauty.
Melanine Carr
Beauty Tutor
Teaches apprenticeships and massage with a passion for skincare. Combines cruise ship and spa experience with advanced qualifications in aesthetics and teaching.
Alex Duke
Hair Faculty Lead
Hair faculty lead with 20 years in the industry. Loves guiding students and tutors alike, helping everyone at Debut thrive in a supportive, high-energy learning environment.
Ellie Jones
Apprenticeship & Sales Co-Ordinator
Coordinates apprenticeships and employer partnerships. A former apprentice herself, she now helps others begin successful careers in the salon industry.
Ella Crowhurst
Customer Service Apprentice
Customer service apprentice supporting enquiries, operations, marketing, and exams. Brings energy and growth mindset to both Stanford-le-Hope and Brentwood academies.
Clara Barlow
Hair Tutor
Hair tutor with a lifelong passion for styling. Balances teaching with family life and brings warmth, experience, and joy to every lesson she delivers at Debut.
Kym Moody
Nail Tutor
Award-winning nail technician and tutor. Teaches NVQ Level 3 and bespoke masterclasses, sharing industry expertise with flair and precision across Debut’s academies.
Rosa Camacho-Soaje
Beauty Tutor
A beauty tutor specialising in nails, massage, and reconstruction. Teaches private and diploma courses while running her own business and dreaming of opening a retreat in Spain.
Samantha Decatris
Beauty Tutor
Started in salons at 16, later qualified as a teacher. Now mentors future beauty professionals at Debut while raising two daughters and pursuing her Level 5.
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