Purpose and Scope

This policy outlines the commitment of Positive Pathways to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults who receive mentoring services. As a sole practitioner, I acknowledge my responsibility to promote the welfare of all service users and to keep them safe from harm.

This policy applies to all aspects of the mentoring relationship, whether conducted in person, online, or via telephone.

Core Principles

• The welfare of the individual is paramount.
• All service users, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion, or sexual orientation, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
• Working in partnership with service users, their parents/carers, and other agencies is essential to promoting welfare.

Professional Boundaries & Conduct

As a sole mentor, I commit to the following safe working practices.

• DBS Checks: I maintain an up-to-date Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, which is available for inspection by clients/parents upon request.
• Communication: All communication will be through professional channels (official email/business phone). I will not engage with minor mentees via private social media accounts.
• Online Safety: For remote sessions, I will use secure, password-protected platform. Parents of minors are encouraged to be present in the building during all sessions.
• Transparency: I will ensure that parents/guardians are fully informed of the frequency, location, and intent of all mentoring sessions.

Recognising Abuse

I remain alert to the signs of abuse and neglect, including:

• Physical: Unexplained bruising or injuries
• Emotional: Significant changes in behaviour, withdrawal, or low self-esteem
• Sexual: Inappropriate knowledge or behaviour for the individual's age
• Neglect: Persistent lack of basic needs (food, clothing, hygeiene)

Procedures for Reporting a Concern

If a mentee discloses abuse or if I suspect a safeguarding issue, I will follow these steps.

1. Listen & React: Stay calm, listen without judgement, and do not promise "secrets". I will explain that I may need to share this information to keep them safe.
2. Record: Write down exactly what was said and observed using the mentee's own words. Note the date, time, and setting.
3. Report:
   • Immediate Danger: Contact the Police via 999
   • Standard Concern: Contact the relevant Local Authority Designated Office (LADO) or the local Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
   • Consultation: If unsure, I will contact the NSPCC Helpline for professional advice.

Confidentiality and Data Protection

I respect the privacy of my mentees, however safeguarding overrides confidentiality. If I believe a mentee or another person is at risk of significant harm, I am legally and ethically obligated to share information with the appropriate authorities.

All safeguarding records will be stored securely in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Complaints and Whistleblowing

Since I work independently, if a client or parent has a concern regarding my conduct, they are encouraged to:

1. Discuss it with me directly (if appropriate)
2. Contact the Local Authority Children's Social Care services directly if they believe my practice is unsafe
3. Contact the Police on 999 if they believe I present an immediate danger to my mentee