Safeguarding Policy

Background

The Young People’s Shop (YPS) is committed to promoting the welfare and safeguarding of young people, and vulnerable adults. This policy outlines our legal and moral responsibilities to ensure that our work upholds the principles of safety, protection, and confidentiality. YPS provides non-crisis emotional support, counselling, and wellbeing activities for young people aged 11–25. We are not a crisis service and are not equipped to provide emergency mental health intervention.

Policy Statement

  • The welfare of young people is paramount.
  • It is not our responsibility to decide whether abuse is occurring — it is our responsibility to act on any concerns and take appropriate steps.
  • YPS recognises all forms of harm as defined by the Children’s Act 1989 and Amended Act 2004, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and neglect.
  • YPS is committed to supporting mental wellbeing but does not provide crisis or emergency response services. Staff and volunteers cannot offer immediate risk management for individuals in crisis.

Core Principles

YPS is guided by the following principles:

  • The welfare of the young person is paramount and must guide all decisions.
  • All young people deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Aim of this Policy

The aim of this policy is to:

  • Provide clear procedures for YPS staff when a young person is being abused, at risk of serious harm, or presenting in crisis.
  • Ensure procedures are consistent with YPS’s Confidentiality Policy and BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) standards.
  • Enable counsellors to work confidently and competently with young people at risk or in crisis.
  • Empower service users with information to make informed choices.
  • Promote equality of opportunity and outcome for all service users.

Commitment to Partnership Working

YPS adheres to the guidance in Working Together to Safeguard Children, recognising that safeguarding is a shared community responsibility. We actively collaborate with other agencies, including the Integrated Front Door (IFD), NHS, and local crisis services, to ensure effective interagency cooperation.

Designated Safeguarding Personnel

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead: Cathy Burnard
  • Deputy Safeguarding Leads: Bud Hagon, Olly West, Georgie Harris, Aly Oliver-Ede
  • Out-of-Hours Contacts (6pm – 8pm):
    • Monday – Bud Hagon
    • Thursday – Cathy Burnard

Professional Practice

YPS will:

  • Recruit only suitable and vetted staff and volunteers (DBS Enhanced Disclosure required).
  • Ensure effective management, supervision, and continuous professional training.
  • Provide regular YPS Safeguarding and Child Protection training
  • Uphold the BACP Ethical Framework and maintain professional indemnity insurance.
  • Ensure all workers understand what to do if abuse is suspected or a young person presents in crisis.

Safeguarding Procedures

Immediate Risk or Abuse

If a young person is at immediate risk of harm:

  1. Inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead or a Deputy Lead immediately.
  2. Complete a Record of Concern (ROC) form and submit it to the Safeguarding Lead.
  3. The Lead will communicate actions and outcomes to the counsellor and supervisor.
  4. Seek external advice if necessary (IFD, police, or medical services).
  5. If risk is clear and immediate, confidentiality may be broken in the young person’s best interest.
  6. Offer ongoing emotional support or counselling as appropriate.
  7. All actions and decisions must be fully documented.

Crisis Situations

A mental health crisis may include:

  • Active suicidal thoughts or attempts in the last three months.
  • Self-harm requiring current medical attention.

Crisis Contact Information:

  • Emergency Services: 999
  • NHS 111 (option 2)
  • Samaritans: 116 123
  • Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258
  • Childline: 0800 1111
  • Staying Well Service: 01903 268107 / sww@westsussexmind.org
  • Sussex text support: Text SUSSEX to 85258
  • Stay Alive App – suicide prevention and safety planning

Confidentiality and Decision-Making

  • Decisions prioritise the young person’s best interest.
  • At least two people (Manager and Safeguarding Worker) must agree to breach confidentiality where possible.
  • Inform the young person whenever confidentiality is broken.
  • Information disclosed must be limited strictly to relevant issues.
  • Responsibility for breaching confidentiality lies with YPS, not individual counsellors.

Allegations Against Staff or Volunteers

  • Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Officer.
  • If unavailable, report to the Designated Trustee for Safeguarding.
  • Inform Chair of Trustees.
  • Follow personnel procedures to protect both young person and staff/volunteer.
  • Suspension may occur pending investigation if necessary.

Questions to Determine if a Breach of Confidentiality Is Appropriate

  • What has the client given permission for?
  • Does that permission include referral?
  • What will happen if I refer or don’t refer?
  • Are consequences of non-referral preventable?
  • Do they include serious harm?
  • What steps are necessary to prevent harm?
  • Does the client have capacity to give informed consent?
  • What are professional and legal responsibilities if they do not?

Policy Compliance

  • All YPS staff and volunteers must adhere to this policy.
  • Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.
  • This policy should be read in conjunction with:
    • YPS Confidentiality Policy
    • YPS Working with Young People at Risk Policy
    • YPS Complaints Procedure