Safeguarding Policy
Purpose
Beautifully Chosen CIC is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for all women who engage with our services.
This safeguarding policy outlines our responsibility to protect participants, volunteers, and staff from harm, abuse, and exploitation, and to respond appropriately to any concerns.
Scope
This policy applies to:
• All staff
• Volunteers
• Freelancers and facilitators
• Trustees/Directors
• Anyone representing Beautifully Chosen CIC
It applies across all activities, including workshops, events, online sessions, and one-to-one support.
Our Commitment
We are committed to:
• Promoting the wellbeing and safety of all participants
• Creating a culture of openness, trust, and respect
• Taking all safeguarding concerns seriously
• Responding promptly and appropriately to concerns
• Working in partnership with relevant agencies where necessary
Definitions of Abuse
Abuse can take many forms, including:
• Physical abuse
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Financial or economic abuse
• Neglect or acts of omission
• Discrimination or harassment
We recognise that abuse can happen to anyone, and we are particularly mindful of supporting vulnerable individuals.
Safeguarding Principles
We follow these key principles:
• Everyone has the right to feel safe
• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
• We will act in the best interests of the individual
• We will respect confidentiality, while recognising when information must be shared
• We will take concerns seriously and act without delay
Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
Staff and volunteers should be alert to signs such as:
• Changes in behaviour or mood
• Disclosure of harm or distress
• Signs of physical injury
• Withdrawal or isolation
• Expressions of fear, anxiety, or hopelessness
Responding to a Disclosure
If someone discloses a safeguarding concern:
Do:
• Stay calm and listen carefully
• Take the person seriously
• Reassure them they have done the right thing
• Record what has been said as accurately as possible
Do not:
• Promise confidentiality
• Ask leading questions
• Investigate the situation yourself
Reporting Concerns
All safeguarding concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Details: Name: Maureen Gilbert Role
Designated Safeguarding Lead Email: Maureen@BeautifullyChosen.co.uk
Phone: 07399614525
If the concern involves the DSL, it should be reported to a Director of the organisation.
In emergencies, or where someone is at immediate risk of harm, contact emergency services (999).
Record Keeping
All safeguarding concerns will be:
• Recorded accurately and promptly
• Stored securely and confidentially
• Shared only on a need-to-know basis
Confidentiality
We respect confidentiality but cannot guarantee it where:
• There is a risk of harm to the individual or others
• There are safeguarding concerns involving children or vulnerable adults
Information will only be shared with appropriate authorities when necessary.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safer recruitment practices, including:
• Appropriate checks (e.g. references, DBS where required)
• Clear role descriptions
• Safeguarding awareness for all staff and volunteers
Training and Awareness
We will ensure that:
• Staff and volunteers receive appropriate safeguarding training
• The Designated Safeguarding Lead receives enhanced training
• Safeguarding is regularly reviewed and discussed
• All team members understand trauma-informed approaches and how to apply them in practice
Code of Conduct for Facilitators
All facilitators, staff, and volunteers are expected to:
Treat all participants with dignity, respect, and compassion
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times
• Avoid any form of discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour
• Not engage in any relationships with participants that could be considered exploitative or inappropriate
• Respect confidentiality, while understanding safeguarding responsibilities
• Use inclusive, non-judgemental language
• Be mindful of power dynamics and create space for all voices to be heard
Any concerns about conduct should be reported in line with this safeguarding policy.
Lone Working and One-to-One Support
Where staff or volunteers are working alone with participants (in-person or online), the following safeguards must be in place:
• Sessions should take place in appropriate, agreed environments (e.g. public/community
• A record of the session should be kept, including time, date, and purpose
• Another team member should be aware of the session (lone working check-in)
• Personal contact details should not be shared unnecessarily
• Clear professional boundaries must be maintained at all times
Where possible, one-to-one support should be risk assessed in advance.
Trauma-Informed Practice
As an organisation supporting women’s wellbeing, we recognise that many participants may have experienced trauma.
We are committed to a trauma-informed approach, which means we will:
• Create safe, welcoming, and non-judgemental environments
• Prioritise emotional and psychological safety
• Respect individual experiences, boundaries, and choices
• Avoid re-traumatisation by being mindful of language, content, and delivery
• Empower participants through choice, collaboration, and consent
• Respond with empathy, patience, and sensitivity
All staff, volunteers, and facilitators are expected to embed these principles into their work.
Online Safety
For online sessions, we will:
• Use secure platforms
• Set clear boundaries for participation
• Monitor interactions appropriately
• Respond to any concerns raised in digital spaces
Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to any significant changes in legislation or organisational activity
Version Control
Version: 1.0
Last updated: April 2026
