Sarah Vellacott Consultancy

Safeguarding Policy

Effective Date: 23rd November 2025

Sarah Vellacott Therapeutic Consultancy (“we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to ensuring the safety and protection of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm in all aspects of our work. This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding, promoting welfare, and preventing abuse or exploitation, in accordance with UK legislation and statutory guidance.

1. Purpose

We aim to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone engaging with our services, including children (under 18), young people, and adults at risk of harm. This policy sets out our commitment to safeguarding and provides clear guidance for staff, associates, and clients.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all activities conducted by Sarah Vellacott Therapeutic Consultancy, including:

  • In-person and online consultations, sessions, and workshops

  • Communication via email, phone, and social media

  • Website interactions and digital resources

3. Definitions

  • Child: Anyone under the age of 18.

  • Adult at Risk / Vulnerable Adult: Anyone aged 18 or over who may need community care services due to age, illness, disability, mental health difficulties, or who is unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.

  • Abuse: Any action or failure to act that causes harm, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial abuse, neglect, self-neglect, discriminatory abuse, domestic abuse, or modern slavery.

4. Legal Framework

This policy is informed by UK legislation and guidance, including:

  • Children Act 1989 & 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

  • Care Act 2014

  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

  • Protection of Freedoms Act 2012

  • Mental Capacity Act 2005

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (latest version)

5. Our Commitment

We will:

  • Promote the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

  • Treat all individuals with respect, dignity, and fairness.

  • Take all safeguarding concerns seriously and respond promptly.

  • Provide clear procedures for reporting and managing concerns.

  • Respect confidentiality while ensuring information is shared appropriately when there is a risk of harm.

6. Recognising Signs of Abuse

Abuse can present in many forms, including but not limited to:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional or psychological abuse

  • Sexual abuse or exploitation

  • Neglect or self-neglect

  • Financial or material abuse

  • Discriminatory abuse

  • Domestic abuse

  • Modern slavery

It is essential that all staff, associates, and clients are alert to potential signs of harm and respond appropriately.

7. Reporting Concerns

If you are concerned that a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm or abuse, you must report it immediately. You can:

  • Contact your local authority’s safeguarding team

  • Call the police in an emergency: 999

  • Contact us directly at sarah@sarahvellacott.com

All concerns will be handled in line with statutory guidance, and appropriate safeguarding or emergency services will be informed where necessary.

8. Working with Children and Adults at Risk

To ensure safety:

  • We obtain informed consent from parents/guardians when working with minors.

  • Risk assessments are conducted for all in-person and online activities.

  • Professional boundaries are maintained at all times.

  • Safe and respectful environments are prioritised.

  • Communications are conducted through secure and confidential channels.

9. Online Safety

We are committed to safeguarding in digital environments:

  • Only secure platforms are used for online sessions and communications.

  • Sessions are not recorded without explicit written consent.

  • Privacy settings are applied to protect confidentiality.

  • Client information and content are never shared without consent.

10. Safeguarding Lead

Sarah Vellacott is the designated safeguarding lead and is responsible for:

  • Managing safeguarding concerns

  • Ensuring compliance with this policy

  • Providing advice and guidance on safeguarding matters

11. Confidentiality

Confidentiality will be maintained at all times. However, where there is a risk of harm to an individual or others, information may be shared with relevant authorities. Individuals will be informed unless doing so increases the risk of harm.

12. Training and Awareness

All staff and associates are made aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and are trained to recognise, respond to, and report concerns. This policy is regularly reviewed and updated in line with best practice.

13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following significant changes in safeguarding legislation or practice.

14. Contact

For any questions or concerns regarding safeguarding, please contact:

Email: sarah@sarahvellacott.com