Policy Number: 1a v4.0

Flourish Holistic Coaching Ltd

Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk Policy and Procedure

1. Policy Statement​
Flourish Holistic Coaching is committed to ensuring that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the services we provide and the way we treat our clients, families, staff and visitors reflect their individual needs and do not discriminate against any person on the grounds of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

Alternative formats of this policy can be made available upon request.

Flourish Holistic Coaching has a statutory and moral duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people and to protect adults at risk from abuse, neglect and exploitation, should the organisation come into contact with a safeguarding concern in the course of its work (see Scope, below).

This policy explains the safeguarding arrangements that must be in place to enable Flourish Holistic Coaching to meet its legal responsibilities and maintain safe, effective and person-centred coaching services.
​
This policy has been developed in accordance with current legislation and national guidance including:

• Children Act 1989

• Children Act 2004

• Care Act 2014

• Care and Support Statutory Guidance

• Mental Capacity Act 2005

• Human Rights Act 1998

• Equality Act 2010

• Data Protection Act 2018

• UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)

• Domestic Abuse Act 2021

• Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent Duty)

• Modern Slavery Act 2015

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (current statutory guidance)

• Lancashire Safeguarding Children Partnership procedures

• Lancashire Safeguarding Adults Board procedures

 
As an independent coaching organisation delivering in-person and online coaching services, Flourish Holistic Coaching does not provide healthcare, clinical assessment, treatment, therapy or counselling. Flourish Holistic Coaching is nonetheless committed to maintaining robust safeguarding arrangements and working collaboratively with statutory agencies and local safeguarding partnerships to protect children and adults at risk.

2. Scope
Flourish Holistic Coaching's coaching services are intended for, and provided to, adults who do not meet the Care Act 2014 definition of an Adult at Risk. The organisation does not knowingly provide coaching services to children or young people. This policy is therefore not a description of core service delivery, but is maintained so that staff know how to recognise and respond appropriately should a safeguarding concern come to light incidentally — for example through something a client discloses about a third party, contact with a child or vulnerable adult in a non-client capacity, or a concern arising outside the coaching relationship itself.

3. Purpose of this Policy
This policy has two primary functions.

• To define the safeguarding responsibilities of Directors, managers, coaches, employees, contractors, volunteers and students working on behalf of Flourish Holistic Coaching.

• To establish clear standards, procedures and expectations to ensure that any child, young person or adult at risk who staff come into incidental contact with is protected from abuse, neglect and exploitation, notwithstanding that these are not client groups served by Flourish Holistic Coaching.

 
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
 
This policy does not replace the professional responsibilities of individual coaches to deliver safe, appropriate coaching in line with their professional body's code of conduct. Every member of staff remains individually accountable for recognising safeguarding concerns, responding appropriately and reporting concerns without delay.

4. Aim of the Policy
The aims of this policy are:

• To ensure that no act or omission by Flourish Holistic Coaching places any child or adult at risk of harm.

• To maintain effective systems for recognising, preventing and responding to abuse, neglect and exploitation.

• To ensure safeguarding concerns are reported promptly to the appropriate safeguarding authorities.

• To ensure staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

• To promote effective partnership working with Lancashire Safeguarding Children Partnership, Lancashire Safeguarding Adults Board, Lancashire County Council, Police and other partner agencies.

• To ensure safeguarding forms an integral part of organisational governance, quality assurance and continuous improvement.

 
Flourish Holistic Coaching recognises that safeguarding is a shared responsibility requiring effective joint working between coaching and other support providers, local authorities, education providers, emergency services and voluntary organisations.
 
Effective safeguarding arrangements are supported through:

• clear leadership

• defined accountability

• safer recruitment

• appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks

• safeguarding training

• regular supervision

• information sharing

• secure record keeping

• effective multi-agency working

• continuous learning following safeguarding incidents

 
Flourish Holistic Coaching is committed to promoting a culture of openness, transparency and continuous improvement in safeguarding practice.

5. Definitions
For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply.
a. Child
In accordance with the Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004, a child is anyone who has not yet reached their 18th birthday.
 
Throughout this policy, the term child includes children and young people under the age of 18. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children means:

• protecting children from maltreatment;

• preventing impairment of children's mental and physical health or development;

• ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and

• taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes. (Working Together to Safeguard Children – current statutory guidance)

 
Child protection forms part of safeguarding and refers to the activity undertaken to protect specific children who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm.
b. Young Carers
Young carers are children and young people who provide regular or ongoing care to a parent, sibling or other family member who has:

• physical illness

• mental illness

• disability

• substance misuse problems

• additional support needs

 
Staff should remain alert to the impact caring responsibilities may have upon a child's wellbeing.
 
c. Children Looked After
Children Looked After (CLA) are children who are looked after by a local authority under the Children Act 1989. These include children who are:

• subject to Care Orders

• accommodated under Section 20

• receiving short break care

• placed with foster carers

• living in residential care

 
d. Adult Safeguarding
Flourish Holistic Coaching adopts the definition contained within the Care Act 2014.
Safeguarding means protecting an adult's right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It involves people and organisations working together to:

• prevent abuse

• reduce risk

• stop abuse occurring

• promote wellbeing

• support people to make informed choices

• ensure adults remain at the centre of safeguarding decisions.

e. Adult at Risk
An Adult at Risk is a person aged 18 years or over who:

• has needs for care and support (whether or not those needs are being met); and

• is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect; and

• as a result of those care and support needs is unable to protect themselves from the abuse or neglect, or the risk of it.

Throughout this policy the term Adult at Risk is used in accordance with the Care Act 2014.

6. The Six Principles of Adult Safeguarding
Flourish Holistic Coaching adopts the six safeguarding principles contained within the Care Act.
a. Empowerment
People are supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and provide informed consent wherever possible.
b. Prevention
It is better to take action before harm occurs.
c. Proportionality
The least intrusive and most proportionate response should be taken to the risk presented.
d. Protection
Support and representation should be provided for those in greatest need.
e. Partnership
Effective safeguarding relies upon organisations working together and sharing information appropriately.
f. Accountability
There should be transparency and accountability in safeguarding decision-making.

7. Prevent Duty
Flourish Holistic Coaching recognises its responsibilities under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015.
Prevent forms one strand of the Government's CONTEST strategy and aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.
Staff should remain alert to signs of radicalisation and know how to seek safeguarding advice where concerns arise.

8. Radicalisation
Radicalisation is the process by which an individual comes to support extremist ideology that may lead to terrorism. Safeguarding concerns relating to radicalisation should be managed in the same way as any other safeguarding concern.

9. Roles and Responsibilities
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.
Every employee, coach, volunteer, contractor, student and Director working for Flourish Holistic Coaching has a duty to safeguard children and adults at risk.
Failure to follow this policy may result in disciplinary action and, where appropriate, referral to professional regulators or statutory agencies.

10. Directors
The Directors are ultimately responsible for ensuring that effective safeguarding arrangements are in place throughout Flourish Holistic Coaching.
They will ensure that:

• safeguarding remains a strategic priority;

• adequate resources are available;

• policies are reviewed regularly;

• staff receive appropriate safeguarding training;

• safeguarding forms part of organisational governance;

• safeguarding concerns are managed appropriately.

11. Designated Safeguarding Lead
Shelley Perry-Clarke
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for:

• providing safeguarding leadership throughout the organisation;

• acting as the principal point of contact for safeguarding concerns;

• ensuring referrals are made to Children's Social Care, Adult Social Care, Police or other agencies where appropriate;

• maintaining safeguarding records;

• ensuring safeguarding training is delivered;

• reviewing safeguarding incidents;

• monitoring compliance with this policy;

• liaising with external safeguarding professionals and partner agencies;

• ensuring safeguarding remains embedded within governance and quality assurance systems.

12. Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Tvisha Arora
The Deputy Safeguarding Lead will support the Designated Safeguarding Lead and undertake safeguarding responsibilities in their absence.

13. Responsibilities of All Staff
Every member of staff must:

• complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role;

• remain alert to signs of abuse or neglect;

• report safeguarding concerns immediately;

• accurately record concerns;

• maintain confidentiality;

• participate in safeguarding investigations where required;

• cooperate with statutory agencies;

• place the safety and wellbeing of children and adults at risk above all other considerations.

14. Safer Recruitment
Flourish Holistic Coaching is committed to safer recruitment.
Where appropriate to the role, recruitment processes will include:

• identity verification;

• employment history checks;

• references;

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks;

• right to work checks;

• professional body membership checks;

• safeguarding interview questions;

• induction;

• probationary supervision.

15. Managing Allegations Against Staff
Flourish Holistic Coaching recognises that safeguarding concerns may relate to the conduct of an employee, coach, volunteer, contractor or student working on behalf of the organisation.
 
An allegation may arise where an individual has:

• behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child or adult at risk;

• committed or may have committed a criminal offence against a child or adult at risk;

• behaved towards a child or adult at risk in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm;

• behaved in their personal life in a way that raises concerns about their suitability to work with children or adults at risk, including domestic abuse or offences involving violence or exploitation.

 
Any allegation must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
 
Where the allegation concerns the Designated Safeguarding Lead, the concern must be reported directly to a Director of Flourish Holistic Coaching.
 
Flourish Holistic Coaching will work with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO), Police, Adult Social Care, Children's Social Care and other agencies where appropriate.
The welfare of children and adults at risk will always take precedence over organisational interests.

16. Implementation
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for ensuring this policy is implemented throughout the organisation. Implementation includes:

• induction for all new staff;

• safeguarding training;

• policy awareness;

• supervision;

• annual policy review;

• monitoring safeguarding incidents;

• learning from safeguarding events;

• governance reporting.

17. Monitoring Compliance
Compliance with this policy will be monitored through:

• safeguarding audits;

• training compliance;

• incident reviews;

• complaints;

• supervision;

• governance meetings;

• policy review.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead will report significant safeguarding issues to the Directors.

18. Breaches of this Policy
Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

• disciplinary action;

• referral to professional regulators;

• referral to statutory safeguarding agencies;

• referral to the Disclosure and Barring Service where appropriate.

Where safeguarding failures place children or adults at risk, immediate action will be taken to reduce risk and protect those affected.

19. Emergency Contacts
If a child or adult is in immediate danger, telephone 999 and request:

• Police

• Ambulance

• Fire Service (if required)

20. Adult Safeguarding Concerns
Report concerns to Lancashire County Council Adult Social Care, following the current Lancashire safeguarding referral process.
Outside normal working hours, use the Lancashire Emergency Duty Team where appropriate.

21. Children's Safeguarding Concerns
Report concerns to Lancashire Children's Social Care, following the Lancashire Multi-Agency Safeguarding procedures.
Where a child is believed to be at immediate risk of significant harm, contact Police on 999.

22. Advice
Staff may seek safeguarding advice from:

• Designated Safeguarding Lead

• Local Authority Children's Social Care

• Adult Social Care

• Police

Seeking advice must never delay action where immediate protection is required.
Sections 22 to 27 below set out categories and indicators of abuse. As set out in the Scope section above, children and adults at risk are not client groups served by Flourish Holistic Coaching; this material is retained as reference and awareness content so that staff can recognise and respond correctly to any concern that comes to light incidentally, rather than as a description of who the organisation coaches.

23. Categories of Abuse — Children
The definitions below are taken from Working Together to Safeguard Children and current statutory guidance.
a. Physical Abuse
Physical abuse may involve:

• hitting

• shaking

• throwing

• poisoning

• burning

• scalding

• drowning

• suffocating

• fabricated or induced illness

• any action causing physical harm.

b. Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child causing severe and persistent adverse effects on emotional development. Examples include:

• humiliation

• intimidation

• rejection

• excessive criticism

• exposure to domestic abuse

• bullying (including cyberbullying)

• coercive or controlling behaviour.

c. Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse includes:

• rape

• sexual assault

• grooming

• exploitation

• online sexual abuse

• exposure to pornography

• inappropriate touching

• encouraging sexualised behaviour

• sexual exploitation.

Children may be abused by adults or by other children.
d. Neglect
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and emotional needs. Examples include failure to provide:

• food

• clothing

• shelter

• supervision

• healthcare

• emotional support

• education.

23. Categories of Abuse — Adults at Risk
Under the Care Act 2014, abuse includes:
a. Physical Abuse
Including assault, inappropriate restraint, misuse of medication and physical harm.
b. Domestic Abuse
Including physical, psychological, emotional and sexual abuse, coercive control, and financial abuse.
c. Sexual Abuse
Including rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, indecent exposure, sexual photography and non-consensual sexual activity.
d. Psychological or Emotional Abuse
Including threats, intimidation, humiliation, harassment, isolation and controlling behaviour (including cyber abuse).
e. Financial Abuse
Including theft, fraud, scams, exploitation, misuse of benefits, misuse of property, and coercion relating to finances.
f. Modern Slavery
Including human trafficking, forced labour, domestic servitude and exploitation.
g. Discriminatory Abuse
Including abuse motivated by race, disability, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation or gender reassignment.
h. Organisational Abuse
Poor care or neglect arising from organisational culture, policies or practices.
i. Neglect and Acts of Omission
Including failure to provide appropriate supervision or access to services.
j. Self-Neglect
Including hoarding, poor personal hygiene, refusing essential care and unsafe living conditions.

24. Responding to Adult Safeguarding Concerns
Where abuse is suspected:

• Ensure immediate safety.

• Call 999 if there is immediate danger.

• Preserve evidence where appropriate.

• Inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately.

• Record factual observations.

• Refer to Adult Social Care where appropriate.

• Continue to support the adult throughout the safeguarding process.

Staff must not investigate safeguarding concerns themselves.

25. Responding to Child Safeguarding Concerns
Where concerns relate to a child:

• Listen carefully.

• Remain calm.

• Never promise confidentiality.

• Reassure the child they have done the right thing.

• Record the child's own words wherever possible.

• Inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately.

• Refer to Children's Social Care where appropriate.

• Contact Police immediately if the child is at immediate risk.

Parents should normally be informed unless doing so would place the child or another person at greater risk.

26. Indicators of Abuse
The presence of one or more indicators does not necessarily mean abuse has occurred. Indicators should always be considered in the context of the individual's history, presentation and any explanation provided.
Staff should remain professionally curious and seek advice from the Designated Safeguarding Lead whenever concerns arise.
a. Physical Abuse — Possible Indicators
Injuries: unexplained bruising, bruising in unusual locations, injuries inconsistent with explanation, injuries of different ages, bite marks, burns or scalds, fractures, repeated injuries, delayed presentation for treatment.
Behaviour: flinching when approached, fear of particular individuals, wearing inappropriate clothing to conceal injuries, aggression, withdrawal, reluctance to discuss injuries.
b. Emotional Abuse — Possible Indicators
Low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, excessive compliance, social withdrawal, self-harm, eating disorders, developmental delay, fearfulness, frequent crying, extreme perfectionism.
c. Sexual Abuse — Possible Indicators
Physical: pain or bleeding, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, difficulty walking or sitting.
Behaviour: sexual knowledge inappropriate for age, sexualised behaviour, sudden behavioural change, nightmares, running away, self-harm, online exploitation concerns, secretive use of devices.
d. Neglect — Possible Indicators
Poor hygiene, malnutrition, inappropriate clothing, untreated medical conditions, poor attendance, lack of supervision, developmental delay, failure to thrive, persistent hunger, frequent missed appointments.

27. Additional Safeguarding Concerns
Flourish Holistic Coaching recognises additional safeguarding risks that were not fully reflected in the original 2017 policy. These include:
a. Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)
Indicators may include: unexplained money, new expensive possessions, missing episodes, association with older individuals, drug activity, county lines involvement.
b. Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
Indicators include: grooming, secretive relationships, gifts, inappropriate online contact, repeated missing episodes.
c. Domestic Abuse
Staff should remain alert to: coercive control, controlling behaviour, isolation, unexplained injuries, fear of partners, financial control.
d. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Staff have safeguarding responsibilities where FGM is known or suspected. Concerns should be discussed immediately with the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
e. Forced Marriage
Staff should be aware that forced marriage is a safeguarding issue and should never attempt mediation between family members.
f. Modern Slavery
Indicators include: fearfulness, inability to speak freely, someone controlling communication, poor living conditions, signs of exploitation.
g. Radicalisation (Prevent)
Possible indicators include: sudden extremist views, isolation, fixation on violence, accessing extremist material, significant behavioural change.

28. Safeguarding Training
Flourish Holistic Coaching recognises that safeguarding training is essential for all staff. Training requirements will be based upon an individual's role.
a. All Staff
Must complete: safeguarding induction, safeguarding adults awareness, safeguarding children awareness, Prevent awareness, information governance, confidentiality.
b. Coaches
Must additionally complete safeguarding training appropriate to their coaching role and in accordance with the requirements of their professional coaching body (for example the Association for Coaching, or equivalent accrediting organisation).
c. Designated Safeguarding Lead
The Designated Safeguarding Lead must maintain enhanced safeguarding knowledge through additional safeguarding training,
regular updates, professional development and attendance at safeguarding forums where appropriate. Training records will be maintained by Flourish Holistic Coaching.

29. Information Sharing
Information sharing is essential for effective safeguarding. Information may be shared without consent where:

• there is risk of significant harm

• there is risk to life

• safeguarding legislation permits

• disclosure is required by law

Information sharing should always be necessary, proportionate, relevant, accurate, timely and secure.

30. Record Keeping
Safeguarding records should:

• be factual

• be written as soon as possible

• include dates and times

• distinguish fact from opinion

• include actions taken

• be signed by the author

• be stored securely

31. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed:

• annually

• following legislative change

• following significant safeguarding incidents

• following learning from safeguarding reviews

32. Reference Documents
This policy has been informed by:
a. Legislation

• Children Act 1989

• Children Act 2004

• Care Act 2014

• Mental Capacity Act 2005

• Equality Act 2010

• Human Rights Act 1998

• Domestic Abuse Act 2021

• Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015

• Modern Slavery Act 2015

• Data Protection Act 2018

• UK GDPR

b. National Guidance

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (latest version)

• Care and Support Statutory Guidance

c. Local Guidance

• Lancashire Safeguarding Children Partnership Procedures

• Lancashire Safeguarding Adults Board Procedures

33. Safeguarding Contacts
These contact details should be reviewed at least annually to ensure they remain current.
Emergency Services
Role / Organisation
Contact
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
999
Police (Non-Emergency)
101
 
Internal Contacts
Role / Organisation
Contact
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Shelley Perry-Clarke
Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Tvisha Arora
 
Lancashire County Council
Role / Organisation
Contact
Children's Social Care (Daytime)
0300 123 6720
Emergency Duty Team (Out of Hours)
0300 123 6722
Adult Social Care
0300 123 6721
Blackburn with Darwen Children's Safeguarding
01254 283450
Central Lancashire Children's Safeguarding
01772 777220
East Lancashire Children's Safeguarding
01254 283399
East Lancashire Alternative
01254 283380
Mental Health (North Lancashire / Blackpool)
01254 283450
 
Other Useful Contacts
Role / Organisation
Contact
NSPCC Helpline
0808 800 5000
Childline
0800 1111
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 2000 247
Modern Slavery Helpline
08000 121 700
 
Version History
Version
Date
Author
Summary of Changes
4.0
July 2026
Flourish Holistic Coaching
Rebranded and comprehensively updated to reflect current legislation, guidance and organisational structure.
5.0
July 2026
Flourish Holistic Coaching
Adapted for a coaching-only service. All references to healthcare provision, clinical assessment, treatment, therapy and counselling removed or replaced with coaching-appropriate language and roles.