Safeguarding Policy Statement

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Dr Dave Wood

Our Commitment

Metanoeo fully recognises its moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all individuals who engage with its services, specifically children (under 18) and adults at risk (previously vulnerable adults).

I am committed to ensuring that all clients and trainees, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all business activities, including:

One-to-one life coaching sessions.
Coach training sessions and workshops.
In-person and virtual (online) delivery.
Communication via email, phone, and social media.

Sole Trader Role and Responsibility

As a sole trader, I, Dr Dave Wood, am the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

My responsibility is to:

Ensure that I understand and adhere to all relevant UK legislation and guidance (including the Children Act 1989/2004 and the Care Act 2014).
Maintain current and appropriate safeguarding training (refreshed at least every 2-3 years).
Be the point of contact for all safeguarding concerns and follow the reporting procedures outlined below.
Ensure professional boundaries are maintained at all times.

General Safe Practice and Boundaries

To minimise risk and ensure a safe and professional environment:

Confidentiality - I will explain the limits of confidentiality to all clients/trainees at the start of the contract, explicitly stating that confidentiality must be breached if there is a safeguarding concern.
Digital/Online Safety - Sessions will be conducted via secure, password-protected video platforms. Personal social media contact with clients/trainees will be avoided.
In-Person Sessions - If applicable, sessions will be held in a professional, public, or rented space (e.g., business centre) where other people are present and venue-specific safety measures are in force. Lone-working protocol will be followed.
Physical Contact - There will be no non-essential or inappropriate physical contact with clients or trainees.
Referrals - I will recognise the boundaries of my competence as a coach and will refer clients to appropriate specialist services (e.g., counselling, mental health support, medical/social services) if their needs fall outside the scope of coaching.

Safeguarding Children (Under 18s)

Note: If your business is strictly for adults (18+), you should state this clearly in your marketing and contracts. If you do engage with under 18s (e.g., teen coaching/training), the following applies:

Consent and DBS Checks

Consent: Written, informed consent must be obtained from a parent/carer for a young person under 18 to participate in coaching or training.
DBS Check: Although voluntary for a sole trader, it is highly recommended to hold an Enhanced DBS Check with a check against the barred list if working regularly with children. A copy of the certificate will be made available upon request to parents/guardians.

Suspecting or Disclosing Harm (Child)

If a child makes a disclosure or I become concerned about a child's welfare:

Listen and Reassure: Listen carefully and take the concern seriously. Reassure the child they have done the right thing by telling someone.
Do Not Investigate: Do not question the child further, make promises of absolute secrecy, or express personal opinions about the alleged abuser.
Record: Make an immediate, factual, written record of the concern, using the child's own words where possible, including date, time, and location.
Report (Self-Referral): As the Sole Trader and DSL, I will immediately report the concern to the Local Authority Children's Social Care (or equivalent in Scotland/Wales/NI) in the area where the child lives.
Urgent Concerns: If the child is in immediate danger, I will call 999 (Police/Ambulance).

Safeguarding Adults at Risk

An Adult at Risk is defined by the Care Act 2014 as someone who:

Has needs for care and support (whether or not the local authority is meeting any of those needs); AND
Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect; AND
As a result of those care and support needs, are unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the actual instance of, abuse or neglect.

Suspecting or Disclosing Harm (Adult)

If an adult client / trainee makes a disclosure or I become concerned that an adult at risk is being abused, neglected, or is at risk of self-harm / suicide:

Immediate Risk: If there is immediate danger, call 999.
Consent: Wherever possible, I will gain the adult's consent to report the concern, following the principle of 'Making Safeguarding Personal'.
Act Without Consent (If Necessary): If consent is withheld but I believe the adult or others are at serious risk of harm, I will report the concern without consent, documenting the decision and the reason why.
Report (Self-Referral): I will report the concern to the Local Authority Adult Social Care Services in the area where the adult lives.
Record: I will make a factual, written record of the concern, disclosure, and the action taken, ensuring it is stored securely.

Useful Contact Information

Emergency Services - For immediate danger or injury (Police or Ambulance) - 999
NSPCC Helpline - For advice or concerns about a child - 0808 800 5000
Local Authority Children's Social Care - For non-urgent reporting of child concerns - 0151 606 2008
Local Authority Adult Social Care - For non-urgent reporting of adult concerns - 0151 606 2006
Samaritans - For support with self-harm or suicidal thoughts - 116 123

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed and updated annually, or whenever there are changes in statutory UK legislation, government guidance, or the business operations.