POLICY: Safeguarding Protocol

Reviewed: 15th June 2025 Next Review: June 2027

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Safeguarding Protocol is to ensure that Pride Space CIC provides a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all clients, staff, and volunteers, particularly those who may be at risk of harm, abuse, or exploitation.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All staff, counsellors (volunteer or paid), trainees, board members, and anyone working on behalf of Pride Space CIC.
  • All service users, including adults and, where applicable, young people (16+) who access counselling or support services.

3. Key Definitions

  • Safeguarding: Protecting an individual’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.
  • Adult at risk: A person aged 18+ who is or may be in need of community care services and is unable to protect themselves from significant harm or exploitation.
  • Abuse: May include physical, emotional, sexual, financial, psychological, discriminatory, neglectful, or institutional abuse.

4. Our Safeguarding Commitment

Pride Space CIC is committed to:

  • Promoting a culture of zero tolerance to abuse, discrimination, and neglect.
  • Providing inclusive and trauma-informed services.
  • Taking prompt and appropriate action to address safeguarding concerns.
  • Ensuring all volunteers and staff understand their responsibilities.

5. Safeguarding Lead

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Jake Hook
  • Deputy DSL: TBC
  • Contact: 0115 891 8456 option 3

The DSL is responsible for:

  • Receiving reports of safeguarding concerns.
  • Providing advice and guidance to counsellors.
  • Making referrals to statutory agencies (e.g. Adult Social Care, the Police) when necessary.

6. Identifying Abuse or Risk

Counsellors should be alert to the following signs:

  • Disclosure of abuse or neglect.
  • Indicators such as fearfulness, withdrawal, injury, financial issues, controlling relationships, etc.
  • Sudden changes in mood, presentation, or engagement.
  • Concerns shared by third parties (e.g. friends, carers).

7. Responding to a Disclosure

If a client discloses abuse:

  1. Listen carefully and stay calm.
  2. Do not promise confidentiality — explain that you may have to share information to keep them safe.
  3. Reassure the person they have done the right thing.
  4. Record what was said as soon as possible using their own words.
  5. Report the concern to the DSL immediately.

8. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Pride Space CIC respects client confidentiality. However, there are exceptions where information must be shared:

  • Risk of serious harm to the individual or others.
  • Risk of abuse or neglect.
  • Risk of serious crime.
  • Legal obligation (e.g. safeguarding, terrorism, money laundering).

Only relevant information will be shared, and only with appropriate parties.

9. Recording and Reporting

  • Complete a Safeguarding Concern Form as soon as possible after an incident.
  • All records must be factual, objective, and stored securely in line with our Data Protection Policy.
  • Reports should include date/time, what was said, observed signs, and action taken.

10. Training and Supervision

  • All volunteers and staff will receive safeguarding induction training and annual refreshers.
  • Counsellors must discuss any safeguarding concerns in clinical supervision.
  • The DSL will be available for additional consultation if needed.

11. Safer Recruitment

Pride Space CIC ensures safer recruitment through:

  • Enhanced DBS checks for all counsellors and staff.
  • Two professional references.
  • Declaration of any disciplinary history or safeguarding concerns.
  • A clear code of conduct and boundaries policy.

12. Whistleblowing

Pride Space CIC encourages anyone to raise concerns about poor practice or abuse. You will be protected from victimisation for reporting concerns in good faith.

13. External Safeguarding Contacts

  • Nottingham City Council Adult Social Care: 0115 876 3330
  • Police (Non-Emergency): 101
  • Emergency Services: 999
  • NSPCC Helpline (Adults/Professionals): 0808 800 5000

14. Policy Review

This protocol will be reviewed annually or after any serious safeguarding incident.

Do you have a safeguarding concern? Report it here – please print out the form and return it to head office.