Safeguarding Commitment

I am committed to creating a safe, respect and supportive coaching environment for children, young people and adults. This summary explains the key principles that guide my safeguarding practice.

What Safeguarding Means Here

Safeguarding is about protecting the wellbeing of everyone I work with. My approach follows UK safeguarding law, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics, and good practice for working with vulnerable people.

Who This Applies To

These standards apply to all one-to-one and group coaching, online or in person, as well as emails and messages. They cover children, adults, and anyone who may need additional support. Freelancers working with me must follow the same expectations.

My Safeguarding Values

I aim to:

• Empower clients to make their own choices
• Prevent harm by creating safe, supportive spaces
• Protect clients if concerns arise
• Work with parents, carers or agencies when needed
• Be accountable and keep clear records
• Respect communication differences and accessibility needs

My Responsibilities

I am responsible for keeping coaching safe, recognising signs of abuse or neglect, reporting concerns to the appropriate services, maintaining clear boundaries, protecting client information, completing regular safeguarding training, and holding an up to date DBS check. I do not investigate concerns — I report them.

• Working with Children
• When coaching children (usually age 10+), I:
  • Obtain written parental consent
  • Respect the child’s voice and choices
  • Allow parents to observe or join at the end when appropriate
  • Require a parent to be present during online sessions
  • Use only agreed communication channels
  • Explain boundaries clearly
  • Never promise confidentiality if someone is unsafe

Working with Adults

I recognise that some adults may need additional support. I offer reasonable adjustments, check understanding, respect communication needs, avoid assumptions, and follow the principles of the Mental Capacity Act.

Confidentiality

Coaching conversations are private unless:

• Someone is at risk of harm
• A client intends to harm themselves or others
• The law requires information to be shared

Where possible, I explain what will be shared and why. All records are stored securely.

Recognising Abuse

I stay alert to signs of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, neglect, financial abuse, bullying (including online), discrimination and coercive control. I understand that signs may present differently for neurodivergent clients.

If a Concern Arises

I will:

• Listen calmly
• Record factual information
• Report concerns to the appropriate service (e.g., Children’s Services, Adult Safeguarding, Police, NSPCC, or local agencies such as Wiltshire IFD/MASH)
• Maintain professional boundaries throughout

Professional Boundaries

I provide coaching only — not therapy or medical advice. I avoid dual roles, keep relationships professional, use physical contact only when necessary and agreed, and refer clients to other professionals when appropriate. I access 1:1 and group supervision to stay reflective and safe.

Safe Online Coaching

I use secure platforms, work in a private space, avoid recording sessions without consent, plan for technical issues, and collect emergency contact details.

Working with Freelancers

When working with freelancers must, I will assure they:

• Read and follow this safeguarding policy
• Know how to raise concerns

Data protection

I collect only the information needed, store it securely, keep it only as long as necessary, and allow clients to access their data on request.

Training and Review

I keep my safeguarding knowledge up to date through training, supervision, neurodiversity affirming practice, and ICF ethical guidance. This policy is reviewed annually or sooner if laws, standards or practice change.