At Welfare Call, our mission has always been to support Virtual Schools and Local Authorities in delivering the best outcomes for looked-after children. That’s why, when the term “ePEP” – a widely recognised and vital part of our shared language – became trademark-restricted by a single private supplier, we knew we had to act.
I’m thrilled to share some important and long-awaited news that marks a significant milestone for Welfare Call and, more importantly, for the wider community of Local Authorities and Virtual Schools we are proud to support.
After more than three years of dedicated effort, Welfare Call has successfully overturned the trademark registration of the term “ePEP.” This means that “ePEP” is now a freely available term – no longer owned or restricted by any single organisation. Anyone and everyone in the sector can now use this term without limitation.
Why This Matters
For years, the term “ePEP” (Electronic Personal Education Plan) has been widely understood and used across the sector to describe a digital tool/platform designed to improve outcomes for looked-after children, namely an online (electronic) PEP. However, until now, its formal use was restricted under trademark law – therefore limiting the use of the term and empowering a single entity to have full control of it.
By overturning this trademark, we have cleared the way for freedom of expression and fair use within the public sector. Now, Local Authorities, Virtual Schools and organisations who provide support in the education sector can confidently refer to their digital PEP systems as “ePEP” platforms, whether they are using Welfare Call’s system or another provider. This decision empowers you to communicate more clearly, without any restrictions in place.
A Win for Fairness and Flexibility
At Welfare Call, we’ve always believed in supporting the collective mission of raising educational outcomes for looked-after children. Over the last three years, we’ve worked persistently behind the scenes – alongside legal experts and partners – to ensure that this term, so essential to our work, could be returned to the public domain.
This is not just a legal victory – it’s a victory for fairness.
We believe that no single company should own the language of child welfare, particularly terms as essential and widely adopted as “ePEP.” We are proud to have led the charge in restoring open access to this term, and we are deeply grateful for the support and encouragement we’ve received from many of you throughout this journey.
- Clarity and Confidence: You can now freely refer to your digital Personal Education Plan platforms as “ePEPs” in documentation, tenders, training, and conversations – without fear of legal challenges.
Looking Ahead
Welfare Call remains committed to providing exceptional ePEP and education monitoring tools that meet the ever-evolving needs of our partners.
Thank you for standing with us. Your commitment to children’s education continues to inspire everything we do.