top of page

Neuroshine Safeguarding Policy

Effective Date: [Insert Date]
Last Updated: [Insert Date]

1. Purpose

This policy sets out Neuroshine’s approach to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk who access our services. Our duty is to ensure that all individuals are safe from abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All staff, contractors, and associates of Neuroshine (clinical and non-clinical)

  • All clients, including children and adults at risk

  • Any service or communication provided through Neuroshine

3. Principles

Neuroshine is committed to:

  • Promoting a safe, supportive environment for all clients

  • Responding swiftly to safeguarding concerns

  • Following UK legislation and statutory guidance, including:

    • Children Act 1989 & 2004

    • Care Act 2014

    • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)

    • Keeping Children Safe in Education (where relevant)

    • NHS Safeguarding standards

  • Upholding confidentiality, except where disclosure is necessary for protection

4. Definitions

  • Child: Anyone under the age of 18

  • Adult at Risk: An individual over 18 who is vulnerable due to disability, illness, or circumstances that make them unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation

  • Safeguarding: Protecting an individual’s right to live safely and free from harm

  • Abuse: May be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, organisational, discriminatory, or neglect

5. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Safeguarding Lead (Designated Safeguarding Officer – DSO):

    • [Insert Name/Role] – Responsible for ensuring safeguarding concerns are acted upon

    • Contact: [Insert Email / Phone]

  • Deputy Safeguarding Lead:

    • [Insert Name/Role] – Covers responsibilities in absence of Safeguarding Lead

  • All Staff:

    • Must complete safeguarding training

    • Must remain alert to concerns and report immediately to the DSO

    • Must maintain clear, accurate records of any safeguarding incidents

6. Safeguarding Procedures

  • Identifying Concerns

    • Staff must be alert to signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation (e.g., disclosure by client, changes in behaviour, unexplained injuries).

  • Responding to Concerns

    • Listen calmly and reassure the individual.

    • Do not promise confidentiality if safety is at risk.

    • Record details factually and accurately.

    • Report immediately to the Safeguarding Lead.

  • Escalation

    • The Safeguarding Lead will assess the risk and, if necessary:

      • Contact local authority safeguarding teams

      • Contact the police in emergencies

      • Liaise with the client’s GP or other relevant agencies

  • Confidentiality

    • Information is shared strictly on a need-to-know basis.

    • All records stored securely in compliance with UK GDPR.

7. Safeguarding Children

  • Parental or guardian consent is required for under-18s accessing services (unless Gillick competence applies).

  • Neuroshine follows the Children Act 1989 & 2004 regarding child protection duties.

  • Any suspicion of abuse or neglect must be reported immediately to local authority children’s services.

8. Safeguarding Adults at Risk

  • Adults must be empowered to make their own decisions where possible.

  • Intervention occurs only when an adult cannot protect themselves, or where others may be at risk.

  • Neuroshine follows the Care Act 2014 and works with local safeguarding boards when needed.

9. Training & Awareness

  • All staff complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role.

  • Training refreshed every 2 years (or sooner if legislation changes).

  • Additional training for staff prescribing or working directly with children/vulnerable adults.

10. Safer Recruitment

  • All staff working with clients must undergo enhanced DBS checks.

  • Recruitment includes safeguarding questions and references.

  • Ongoing professional conduct monitored through appraisals and supervision.

11. Incident Recording & Reporting

  • All safeguarding concerns logged in Neuroshine’s Safeguarding Register.

  • Records must be factual, accurate, dated, and signed.

  • Serious incidents reported to:

    • Local Safeguarding Boards

    • CQC (if it meets notification thresholds)

12. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if:

  • Legislation or statutory guidance changes

  • A safeguarding incident highlights the need for an update

  • Requested by the CQC or safeguarding authorities

13. Contact

Neuroshine Safeguarding Lead (DSO):
[Insert Name]
Email: safeguarding@neuroshine.co.uk
Phone: [Insert Contact Number]
 

If you are concerned about immediate risk of harm:

  • Call 999 (emergency services)

  • Contact your local authority safeguarding team

bottom of page