Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy

Effective Date: 25th March 2025

This Safeguarding Policy sets out how Andrew T. Austin and The Fresh Brain Company Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”) ensure the safety and protection of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm, in accordance with UK safeguarding legislation and guidance.

1. Purpose

We are committed to creating a safe environment for everyone who engages with our services, particularly children (under 18), young people, and vulnerable adults, including those with mental health difficulties or experiencing crisis. This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding and promoting welfare, as well as preventing abuse and exploitation.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all activities conducted by Andrew T. Austin and The Fresh Brain Company Ltd, including in-person and online sessions, events, workshops, communications, and interactions through this website (www.metaphorstraining.com).

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, disability, illness, mental health difficulties, or who is unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.
  • Abuse: A violation of someone’s human and civil rights by another person or persons, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial abuse, neglect, and self-neglect.

4. Legal Framework

This policy is based on the following UK legislation and guidance:

  • 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.
  • Ensure all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
  • Take all concerns about safeguarding seriously and respond appropriately.
  • Provide clear procedures for reporting and managing concerns.
  • Respect confidentiality and protect personal data as per our GDPR policy.

6. Recognising Signs of Abuse

Abuse can take many forms, including but not limited to:

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional or psychological abuse
  • Sexual abuse or exploitation
  • Neglect and self-neglect
  • Financial or material abuse
  • Discriminatory abuse
  • Domestic abuse
  • Modern slavery

7. Reporting Concerns

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

  • Report your concerns to your local authority’s Safeguarding Team
  • In an emergency, call the police on 999
  • Contact us directly via freshnewbrain@gmail.com

We will always act in accordance with statutory guidance and inform the appropriate safeguarding or emergency services where necessary.

8. Working with Young People and Vulnerable Adults

We take the following precautions when working with or around children and vulnerable adults:

  • Obtaining appropriate consent from parents or guardians when working with minors.
  • Conducting risk assessments for in-person and online activities.
  • Ensuring a safe and respectful environment at all times.
  • Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
  • Using secure and confidential communication channels.

9. Online Safety

We are committed to safeguarding in the digital environment and will:

  • Use secure platforms for video sessions and communications
  • Not record sessions without explicit written consent
  • Ensure privacy settings are appropriately configured
  • Not share or distribute content involving clients or participants

10. Safeguarding Lead

Andrew T. Austin is the designated safeguarding lead for The Fresh Brain Company Ltd. He is responsible for managing safeguarding concerns and ensuring compliance with this policy.

11. Confidentiality

We will respect confidentiality at all times, but where there is a risk of harm to an individual or others, we may need to share information with relevant authorities. In such cases, the individual will be informed unless doing so would increase the risk.

12. Training and Awareness

We ensure that anyone working under the name of The Fresh Brain Company Ltd is aware of safeguarding responsibilities and knows how to raise concerns. We regularly review and update this policy in line with best practices.

13. Policy Review

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

14. Contact

If you have any questions or concerns about safeguarding, please contact us via freshnewbrain@gmail.com