Safeguarding & Child Protection
JW Therapy Ltd is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children and young people who come into contact with our hypnotherapy and counselling services. This policy outlines our approach to safeguarding and protecting children from harm or abuse.
1. Purpose:
1.1. This policy aims to provide a framework for promoting the welfare of children, protecting them from harm, and responding appropriately to any concerns or allegations of abuse.
1.2. It applies to all staff, volunteers, contractors, and associates working for JW Therapy Ltd.
2. Definitions:
2.1. Child: A person under the age of 18 years.
2.2. Safeguarding: The process of protecting children from abuse, harm, or exploitation.
2.3. Child Protection: The measures taken to prevent and respond to child abuse.
3. Responsibilities:
3.1. Management Commitment:
3.1.1. JW Therapy Ltd is committed to creating a safe environment for children, ensuring their welfare is paramount.
3.1.2. The management will allocate appropriate resources, provide training, and regularly review this policy to ensure its effectiveness.
3.2. Designated Safeguarding Lead:
3.2.1. A designated safeguarding lead will be appointed, responsible for promoting and coordinating safeguarding and child protection within JW Therapy Ltd.
3.2.2. The designated safeguarding lead will receive relevant training and keep updated on safeguarding legislation, policies, and procedures.
3.3. Staff and Associates:
3.3.1. All staff and associates will receive appropriate safeguarding training, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and how to identify signs of abuse.
3.3.2. Staff and associates must report any concerns or disclosures immediately to the designated safeguarding lead.
4. Risk Assessment:
4.1. JW Therapy Ltd will conduct a risk assessment to identify potential safeguarding risks and put measures in place to mitigate them.
4.2. The risk assessment will be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains up to date and effective.
5. Confidentiality and Information Sharing:
5.1. Information sharing is essential for safeguarding and child protection.
5.2. JW Therapy Ltd will ensure that all staff and associates understand the need for confidentiality, except when there are concerns about a child's safety or welfare.
5.3. Information will be shared on a need-to-know basis, following relevant data protection laws and regulations.
6. Safer Recruitment:
6.1. JW Therapy Ltd will follow robust recruitment procedures to ensure that all staff and associates working with children are suitable and safe.
6.2. Pre-employment checks, including enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, will be carried out before individuals start working with children.
7. Reporting Concerns:
7.1. All concerns, allegations, or disclosures relating to child safety or welfare will be taken seriously and responded to promptly.
7.2. Staff and associates will follow the established reporting procedures, which include notifying the designated safeguarding lead and recording information accurately.
8. Training and Awareness:
8.1. JW Therapy Ltd will provide regular safeguarding and child protection training for all staff and associates.
8.2. Training will cover the recognition of signs of abuse, responding to disclosures, and understanding relevant legislation and procedures.
9. Review and Monitoring:
9.1. This policy will be reviewed annually or as deemed necessary to ensure it remains effective and compliant with current safeguarding legislation and best practices.
9.2. Compliance with this policy will be monitored and evaluated regularly, identifying areas for improvement and taking appropriate action.
10. Communication:
10.1. This policy will be made available to all staff, associates, and relevant stakeholders.
10.2. JW Therapy Ltd will communicate this policy to clients, parents, and guardians, ensuring transparency and providing information on how to raise concerns.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding our safeguarding and child protection policy, please contact our designated safeguarding lead.