Future Focused, Career Ready
Staff Handbook 2026/2027
Our Mission & Values The School Roles and responsibilities Safer Recruitment Policy Statement Code of Conduct Employment contract & Salary payment Sickness Working hours Dress Code Professional Development School Policies Technology Use of social media Child Protection
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______________________________________ Our Mission & Values Our mission is to provide an inclusive, safe and secure online learning environment. Our future-focused, technology-driven study programme allows learners to access innovative online learning, anywhere, anytime, helping them to progress at their own pace, while becoming global citizens. Inventum ensures that in our community, all are accepted, respected and supported. We encourage our learners to develop integrity, perseverance, and curiosity, unlocking their creative potential and allowing them to be career-ready and future-focused.
The School Inventum International Online School was founded by two visionary education leaders who shared a common goal: to reimagine the face of learning while creating a positive environment focused on innovation, where learners can develop the knowledge, understanding, and future-ready skills to ensure success in an ever-changing world. Our comprehensive online programme not only ensures that our learners receive the grades they require for university admission, but we also cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, while developing a global outlook. Inventum International provides learners with a two-stream education system to enable learners to reach their full potential and be ready for a future career. Stream 1 is the traditional curriculum for Middle School and Secondary School learners including a wide range of Cambridge subjects. Stream 2 is an exciting glimpse at future technologies via modules to complete. We also provide a clear and systematic personal and mindset education to boost the stream.
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Roles and responsibilities The Management Board, acting as a Leadership team, consists of two directors.
Cobus Steyn
Kaisa Sorjonen
Founding Director
Founding Director
cobus@inventumonline.com
kaisa@inventumonline.com
Cobus and Kaisa work as a team to ensure that all aspects of Inventum run smoothly and that learners and teachers are working in a safe and engaged environment. They both value innovation and new ways of doing things, so if you have ideas, please share! Inventum also has three Heads, each responsible for different areas. Head of Academics is Edwin Thijs - edwin@inventumonline.com. Head of Learner Success is Nikita Thijs - nikita@inventumonline.com. The teachers are responsible for ensuring that learners understand the curriculum, achieve their academic goals, and are prepared for both traditional examinations and future technologies, whereas the Success Coaches support and motivate the learner, ensure that they manage their time effectively and help them to overcome any challenges.
Safer Recruitment Policy Statement Inventum International is committed to prioritising the safety and well-being of learners. All staff and volunteers must share our dedication to child welfare. We
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champion a diverse workforce and prohibit discrimination on any grounds. We adhere strictly to all relevant legislation, including the Keeping Children Safe in Education (2016) guidelines. All roles in the school require an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service Check. A criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify an applicant; each case is assessed individually. During the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates must provide proof of identity and qualifications. Applicants submit a CV and motivation letter. Direct references from previous employers are mandatory and will be checked. All candidates, including volunteers, must provide a recent criminal background check. All external staff must also undergo the same checks as direct staff. We independently verify their identities. Personal information is stored securely and retained for up to 7 years after departure. Inventum International is dedicated to ensuring a safe and professional environment through stringent recruitment practices. For details, please refer to the Safer Recruitment Policy.
Code of Conduct Inventum International Online School emphasises the utmost importance of a secure and respectful online learning space. All staff are mandated to adhere to our comprehensive Code of Conduct, which encompasses strict guidelines on professional interactions, the use of approved platforms, and the safeguarding of student information. This includes maintaining professionalism during virtual meetings and refraining from any personal engagements with learners on social media. Any deviation from these guidelines may result in severe disciplinary action. We urge all staff to be thoroughly acquainted with and compliant with these standards, thereby ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for all. For details, please refer to the Inventum International Staff Code of Conduct.
Employment contract & Salary payment Employees and contractors are hired globally via the International Payroll company, Oyster, or through representative companies in local markets. The legal employment contract is between the employee and either Oyster or the designated regional representative, depending on the hiring arrangement.
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Inventum adheres to the employment laws and regulations applicable in the country of residence of each employee, as determined by the legal structure under which they are hired. This includes compliance with local legislation governing working conditions, employment rights, pension contributions and termination of contract. The specific terms, such as notice periods and grounds for termination, are detailed in each individual employment agreement. Salaries are paid monthly in arrears, directly to the employee's bank account. Contractors are paid based on approved invoices submitted in accordance with the terms of their service agreements.
Sickness If a member of staff becomes unexpectedly ill, they should inform one of the Directors and try to reschedule any teacher sessions scheduled for the day.
Working hours Teachers and Success Coaches are required to arrange their working hours so that they also fit the needs and the different time zones of the learners. Inventum provides flexibility for all. Above all, we trust that teachers will do their jobs as best as they can, and take ownership of their part in Inventum. We will not micromanage teachers unless it becomes necessary.
Communication In addition to Gmail, we use Slack at Inventum to interact with our colleagues. The goal of Slack is to create a channel where we can communicate and collaborate, fostering a positive work environment. This is especially important as we all work remotely and do not see each other in a physical space. In Slack, we will be able to share our experiences, inspiring stories, innovative teaching methods and tips with our colleagues. The conversations are structured in channels such as Welcome Wagon, Classroom Creatives, Celebrate, Wellness Lounge, and Teach Tools. Everyone is encouraged to use a channel that best suits their comment, tip or question.
Team Building We believe that a strong team is the foundation of exceptional education. While our operations are entirely virtual, our annual in-person team-building event provides
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invaluable opportunities to get to know your colleagues in person, build trust, understand diverse perspectives, and cultivate a positive company culture. The event will typically take three to four days and will be scheduled during a period that minimally impacts school operations, often during school holidays. The location will be chosen considering the accessibility of all team members worldwide. All employees and contractors are encouraged to attend. The activities and agenda will be developed based on current needs, emerging trends, and team feedback to ensure they remain relevant and impactful. In addition to the weekly staff meetings online, we also organise various challenges and competitions virtually throughout the year. These contests range from problem-solving exercises and innovation challenges to wellness initiatives and creative projects. Such activities are designed to foster teamwork, stimulate creativity, and add an element of fun to our work environment.
Dress Code Staff must dress in a manner appropriate for online school and meeting learners.
Professional Development Compulsory Training for New Staff Safeguarding- Child Protection Keeping learners safe is a legal requirement for all schools and, thus, our priority. All adults who have contact with Inventum International learners must complete a course by NSPCC entitled Child Protection in Secondary Schools within the first month of working. The course can be accessed here. The certificate should be sent to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (Cobus). This certification needs to be renewed every three years. GDPR- General Data Protection Regulations Training Keeping staff and learners' data safe is very important to Inventum International. All new Inventum employees and contractors are required to complete compulsory GDPR training. This is a Google Slides Training Presentation which will be sent to your Inventum International email address. At the end of the course, you will be required to complete a Quiz. Inventum International requires a score of 75% and above. The test
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can be taken twice and must be completed within the first month of employment. The certificate should be sent to GDPR responsible (Kaisa).
School Policies Inventum has a wide range of policies, and these are shared via Issuu. The policies are updated on a regular schedule. Staff are required to read the documents annually.
Technology Staff are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest technological developments in their respective fields of expertise. This can be a great tool to enrich the teaching and learning experience.
Use of social media Employees should use social media sensibly and not spread any negative comments about Inventum International. Any negative comments about the school that appear on any publicly accessible pages of any of the employee’s personal social networking sites may bring the school into disrepute and result in dismissal for serious cause and immediate termination of employment. Apart from negative posts or comments about Inventum, staff should be aware that they are representatives of the school and should avoid posting material on social media that may bring the school into disrepute. Staff should also be mindful of photos posted on Social Media, especially if they list Inventum as their employer. Staff are asked not to ‘friend’ parents and learners on social media such as Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram.
Child Protection Inventum International accepts its moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all learners. The School endeavours to provide a safe environment where learners are respected and valued. Members of staff should be alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow procedures to ensure that learners receive effective support, protection and justice. All members of staff have equal responsibility to act on any suspicion or disclosure that may suggest a learner is at risk of harm. It is your professional responsibility to report any suspected cases to a member of the Leadership Team. Please refer to Child Protection Policy for more details.
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“It's not a faith in technology. It's faith in people.” Steve Jobs
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