Safeguarding & Child Protection
Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
Approved by: Directors of Moving MindSpace
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Christopher Cooper
Deputy Safeguarding Lead(s): Victoria Dutton
Email: chris.cooper@movingmindspace.com
Review Date: Annually (or sooner if legislation changes)
This document sets out how Moving MindSpace protects children, young people, and adults
across all of our services. It includes our procedures, legal duties, and contact details for
safeguarding concerns. If you have any questions or need support, please contact us
1. Purpose & Scope
This policy ensures all staff, mentors, counsellors, contractors, and volunteers at Moving
MindSpace understand their duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, young
people, and vulnerable adults. It applies to all services delivered by Moving MindSpace,
including one-to-one mentoring, counselling, creative and educational programmes, family
and carer support, and professional training. It covers both online and face-to-face delivery
across all UK regions of operation.
2. Legal & Statutory Framework
This policy follows UK legislation and guidance including:
Children Acts 1989 & 2004
Working Together to Safeguard Children (2026)
Keeping Children Safe in Education (2026) (relevant education safeguarding guidance)
Care Act 2014 (Adults)
Education Act 2002
Equality Act 2010
Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR
Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty)
Human Rights Act 1998
Moving MindSpace adheres to safeguarding arrangements under relevant Local Safeguarding
Children Partnerships (LSCPs) and Safeguarding Adults Boards (SABs) across the areas it
operates.
3. Safeguarding Principles
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Our principles are:
The welfare of children and adults is paramount.
All individuals have the right to be protected from harm.
We act promptly and appropriately on all concerns.
We empower people to speak out and seek help.
All staff receive supervision and training.
Safeguarding practices are inclusive and non-discriminatory, respecting culture, gender,
disability, neurodiversity, and identity differences.
3a. Key Definitions
Child: Anyone under 18 years of age.
Young Person: 18–25 years where services are part of education, health or care provision.
Adult at Risk: A person aged 18 or over who has care and support needs and may be unable
to protect themselves from harm.
Abuse: A form of maltreatment that can be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect, or
exploitation, whether online or in person.
4. Roles & Responsibilities
The DSL, Christopher Cooper, oversees all safeguarding concerns, liaises with authorities, and
ensures procedures are followed. All staff and associates must:
Report concerns immediately to the DSL.
Complete safeguarding induction and refresher training.
Maintain confidentiality and record concerns accurately.
Model professional and ethical behaviour.
5. Recognising Abuse & Neglect
Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, or exploitation. Staff should be alert to
signs such as:
Unexplained injuries or fearfulness.
Sudden behavioural changes.
Withdrawal or aggression.
Poor hygiene or signs of neglect.
Disclosures of harm.
Safeguarding also includes protecting from online grooming, exploitation, radicalisation, and
domestic abuse.
Moving MindSpace recognises that harm can occur in a variety of contexts including online
spaces, peer groups, schools, and communities. We promote early help through partnership
working and timely intervention to prevent escalation.
6. Responding to Concerns
When concerns arise:
1. Record the facts clearly.
2. Report immediately to the DSL or Deputy.
3. Do not investigate personally.
4. Keep information confidential.
The DSL will determine next steps, contacting statutory services or emergency responders if
risk of immediate harm exists.
If the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL is unavailable and a child, young
person, or adult is at immediate risk of harm, staff must contact emergency services or the
relevant Local Authority safeguarding team directly and inform the DSL as soon as possible.
Where concerns arise through behaviour, emotional distress, or dysregulation, staff must
follow this policy alongside the Positive Behaviour & Relationships Policy, with safeguarding
procedures taking precedence at all times.
6a. Physical Intervention
Moving MindSpace does not use physical restraint. Physical intervention would only be used
in exceptional circumstances to prevent immediate harm and to ensure safety, and would
always be proportionate and in line with safeguarding principles.
Any incident involving physical intervention would be recorded, reported to the DSL, and
reviewed as part of safeguarding governance.
7. Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers
Allegations about staff or volunteers must be reported to the DSL immediately, or to the
Directors if the DSL is involved. The DSL will consult the Local Authority Designated Officer
(LADO). All allegations are handled fairly, confidentially, and in line with national guidance.
Staff may also raise safeguarding concerns through the Whistleblowing Policy where they feel
unable to report concerns internally.
8. Online & Digital Safeguarding
For online sessions:
Use only approved, secure platforms.
Maintain privacy settings and professional boundaries.
Do not exchange personal details.
Parents are informed of online safety protocols.
All staff receive digital safeguarding training.
9. Safer Recruitment
Moving MindSpace’s safer recruitment includes:
Enhanced DBS checks for all staff.
Verification of identity, qualifications, and references.
Interviews assessing safeguarding understanding.
Probation and supervision reviews.
10. Prevent Duty
In line with the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, staff are trained to identify signs of
radicalisation and extremism. Concerns are referred to the DSL, who may liaise with Prevent
teams or police as necessary.
11. Training & Supervision
All staff complete safeguarding induction and annual refreshers. DSL training is renewed
every two years. Supervision includes safeguarding reflection and case discussions.
12. Confidentiality & Record Keeping
All safeguarding records are confidential, factual, and securely stored under GDPR.
Information is shared lawfully, proportionately and on a need-to-know basis where appropriate, including where safeguarding requires timely sharing. Records are retained per the organisation’s record retention policy. Staff must follow current statutory guidance on information sharing to safeguard children and young people (2026), including applicable duties.
12a. Multi-Agency Working
Moving MindSpace works collaboratively with schools, social care, health, and other agencies
to share information and coordinate responses to safeguarding concerns. The DSL maintains
relationships with Local Safeguarding Children Partnerships (LSCPs) and Safeguarding Adults
Boards (SABs) across all operational areas.
13. Voice of the Child / Person
Moving MindSpace ensures children, young people, and adults at risk are listened to and their
voices are central in decision-making. Staff are trained to validate experiences and ensure
individuals feel heard, respected, and supported.
14. Reporting Process Summary
Concern → DSL / Deputy DSL → Decision → Referral / Record → Follow-Up / Review.
15. Policy Review & Governance
Reviewed annually by the DSL and Directors, or sooner if required by law. All staff sign to
confirm understanding. Moving MindSpace maintains links with LSCPs and Safeguarding
Adults Boards across operating areas.
Approval: Approved by the Directors of Moving MindSpace
Review date: 08/10/2026
Next Review: 08/10/2027
Version: 1.1
2026 review note: References updated to Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026, Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 and 2026 statutory information-sharing guidance; Oxfordshire addendum cross-reference added. Director approval confirmed.