Safeguarding Policy

Key Contact for Safeguarding

Anette Jacobs
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Phone: 07930 159533
Email: info@rootedflowcoaching.com

Policy Statement

Rooted Flow Coaching primarily provides coaching services to adults aged 18 and over. Support offered to children or young people under 18 is limited to practical mentoring or tutoring-based support (such as study skills or exam preparation) only. Coaching services such as emotional support is not provided directly to individuals under 18 years of age. Any wellbeing, breathwork, or nervous system regulation support relating to a child or young person is delivered through teaching and supporting the parent, guardian, or responsible adult responsible for their care.

Rooted Flow Coaching is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

We believe that:

  • The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount.

  • All people, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity, have the right to equal opportunities and protection from harm.

  • Everyone has a responsibility to keep children, young people, and vulnerable adults safe.

  • Extra support may be needed to safeguard those who are additionally vulnerable (e.g. young people from disadvantaged backgrounds or those with SEND).

Purpose of this Policy

Scope

Legal Framework

This policy outlines how I will:

  • Protect children and vulnerable adults who receive my services.

  • Ensure clear procedures for recognising, responding, and reporting safeguarding concerns.

This policy applies to all coaching, workshops, consultations and in-person and online services delivered by Rooted Flow Coaching.

This policy is based on legislation and guidance that seeks to protect children and adults, including:

  • Children Act 1989 & 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (2025)

  • Care Act 2014

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025)

  • Human Rights Act (1998)

  • Data Protection Act and UK GDPR (2018)

  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.

  • Mental Capacity Act 2005

  • Bath & North East Somerset Community Safety and Safeguarding Partnership

Safeguarding Role and Responsibility

Role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

As a sole practitioner, Anette Jacobs acts as the safeguarding lead for Rooted Flow Coaching and is responsible for:

  • responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns

  • maintaining secure safeguarding records

  • seeking advice or making referrals to statutory services where necessary

  • reviewing this policy annually

Recognising and Responding to Concerns

If someone discloses risk of harm to themselves or others, abuse, neglect, or exploitation, appropriate services will be contacted.

Abuse can take many forms, including:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Financial abuse

  • Domestic abuse

  • Modern slavery

  • Neglect

  • Radicalisation


Useful reference points:

When responding to safeguarding disclosures or concerns, I will:

  • Record what I have seen or heard using factual, objective language.

  • Not be investigating the concern myself.

  • Not be able to promise confidentiality to the person disclosing.

  • Obtain consent to share information from adults, young people, and families wherever possible – unless doing so places them at greater risk.

  • Contact the police (999) if there is an immediate risk of harm.

Information Sharing and Confidentiality

  • All records are stored securely on the Rooted Flow Coaching Google Drive.

  • Information will be shared with statutory agencies only where necessary.

  • Information is shared strictly on a “need-to-know” basis, in line with data protection, GDPR and safeguarding law.

  • All coaching is confidential except where there is risk of harm.

Useful Contacts

Local Contacts

Bath and North East Somerset

https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/make-referral-childrens-services

Phone: 01225 396312 or 01225 396313

Out of hours: 014 5461 5165 (out of hours)

National Contacts

  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

  • Police (non-emergency): 101

  • Emergency: 999