Is LIYSF Safe? 10 Questions Parents and Students Ask About the London Science Forum

The London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) welcomes students aged 16 to 21 from more than 90 countries to London each summer. For many, it is their first time travelling abroad alone. It is natural for students and their families to have questions about safety before they sign up.

We have gathered the most common questions and answered them using information published by LIYSF. Here is what you need to know about safety, supervision and student welfare at the Forum.

1. How seriously does LIYSF take safety?

Very seriously. LIYSF describes safety as a top priority. It follows an independently verified safety assessment protocol and runs a safety management programme called TravelSafe. It also works with its suppliers to keep improving safety standards.

2. Who looks after the students?

All LIYSF staff go through stringent recruitment and vetting procedures, receive training and must follow a staff code of conduct. The team also includes a dedicated Student Welfare Officer. The person responsible on site is LIYSF Director Richard Myhill.

3. Are students supervised at all times?

An LIYSF staff member attends every programmed event.
Staff live in each residence, typically 5 to 8 staff per residence.
Every residence has a staffed 24-hour reception with trained venue staff.

4. What happens if there is a medical emergency?

LIYSF is prepared for emergencies:

All staff are trained in emergency procedures.
At least one first aider is available throughout the Forum.
A trained mental health first aider is part of the team.
A 24/7 emergency phone line is staffed by trained people on site.

5. Why do students have to wear a lanyard?

Every student must wear their LIYSF lanyard at all times. It carries key emergency information, so staff or anyone helping can act quickly if something goes wrong.

6. Does LIYSF have a safeguarding policy?

Yes. LIYSF has a student protection (child protection) policy that applies to all participants, whether they are under or over 18. The policy:

is based on the UK Children Acts 1989 and 2004 and Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
takes every concern and allegation seriously
can involve children’s social care, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for allegations against staff, or the police in an emergency
is reviewed regularly and shared with students, parents and staff

7. What about bullying or discrimination?

All students are protected regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexuality or beliefs. LIYSF has a separate anti-discrimination and anti-bullying policy. Every student must also agree to a code of conduct designed to prevent bullying and harassment.

8. Who can a student talk to if something is wrong?

Students are encouraged to speak to any staff member straight away, or to approach Richard Myhill directly. If a student feels unable to talk to anyone at LIYSF, the Forum can help them contact Childline on 0800 1111, a free and confidential UK helpline for young people.

9. Are dietary, faith and special needs catered for?

Food: there is a choice at every meal, always including a vegetarian option. Other dietary needs are met where possible, so students should raise any concerns with staff.
Faith: a 24-hour multi-faith prayer room is available.
Additional needs: students with learning or special needs should tell LIYSF in advance so the right support can be arranged.

10. How can students stay healthy during the Forum?

LIYSF shares simple health guidance with participants, including:

wash your hands often for 20 seconds, or use a hand rub with at least 60% alcohol, especially after public transport, after using the toilet and before eating
cover coughs and sneezes, and don’t share personal items
avoid close contact with people who are unwell
wear an approved face mask where advised
if you feel ill, stay in your room, tell your group leader and contact a local healthcare provider

Quick Safety Checklist for Students

✔ Wear your LIYSF lanyard at all times
✔ Know where your Hall’s 24-hour reception is
✔ Save the LIYSF emergency number in your phone
✔ Tell LIYSF about any dietary, medical or special needs before you arrive
✔ Speak to a staff member straight away if anything worries you
✔ Follow the student code of conduct

The Bottom Line

LIYSF has built a thorough safety system around its students: vetted and trained staff, supervision at every event, staff living in every residence, round-the-clock reception and emergency support, and a clear student protection policy. Students can focus on learning, exploring and making friends, and families can feel reassured while their child is in London.

For the full safety and safeguarding details, see the official LIYSF Safety page.

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