SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Effective date:  22nd June 2022

Last Updated: 1st June 2026

Empowerment Foundation

1. Commitment to Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding the wellbeing, safety, and dignity of all clients, including children and vulnerable adults.

We aim to provide a safe and supportive environment and act promptly where concerns arise.

2. What is Safeguarding

Safeguarding means protecting individuals from:

  • Abuse or neglect

  • Harm to physical or mental health

  • Exploitation

It also includes promoting wellbeing and preventing harm.

3. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Concerns may arise from:

  • Disclosure by a client

  • Observed behaviour or emotional state

  • Information from others

  • Patterns or inconsistencies

4. Responding to Concerns

If a concern arises:

  • It will be documented

  • Appropriate action will be taken

  • Relevant professionals or authorities may be contacted

All actions will be proportionate and focused on safety.

5. Confidentiality and Safeguarding

All information is treated confidentially.

However, confidentiality may be broken where:

  • There is risk of serious harm

  • Safeguarding concerns exist

  • Disclosure is required by law

In such cases, information may be shared without prior consent where necessary.

6. Working with Children and Young People

For clients under the age of 16, parental or legal guardian consent is required before services commence. This is a requirement of our professional practice and reflects our commitment to safeguarding and working in the best interests of the child or young person.

While the law may allow some individuals under 16 to provide independent consent where they are assessed as having sufficient understanding and maturity (often referred to as “Gillick competence”), Empowerment Foundation requires parental or guardian involvement for all clients under 16.

For young people aged 16 and 17, it is generally accepted that they can provide their own consent to services, provided they have the capacity to understand what is involved.

Where appropriate, parental or guardian involvement may be encouraged for clients aged 16 - 17, particularly where this supports the wellbeing of the young person, while also respecting their rights to confidentiality and autonomy.

The practitioner will always act in the best interests of the child or young person, taking into account their safety, wellbeing, and individual circumstances.

Where safeguarding concerns arise, confidentiality may be overridden, and relevant information may be shared with parents, guardians, schools, or appropriate authorities where necessary to protect the child or others from harm.

All decisions regarding consent, confidentiality, and information sharing will be made using professional judgement, guided by applicable law, safeguarding responsibilities, and a commitment to acting proportionately and appropriately.

7. Professional Boundaries

Clear professional boundaries are maintained at all times to ensure safe and ethical practice.

8. Record Keeping

  • Safeguarding concerns are recorded accurately

  • Records are secure and confidential

  • Only relevant information is documented

9. Safeguarding and Information Sharing

Information may be shared where necessary to:

  • Protect an individual from harm

  • Meet safeguarding responsibilities

  • Comply with legal obligations

Only necessary information will be shared.

10. Review

This policy is reviewed regularly and updated as needed.

11. Contact

Empowerment Foundation
Email: info@empowerment-foundation.com

Address: Brackley, UK