1. Purpose of This Policy

This Safeguarding Policy sets out how I protect the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of all clients, including adults and young people aged 11–16, who engage with my services.

It outlines:

  • my safeguarding responsibilities,

  • how concerns are handled,

  • the boundaries of my role,

  • how online sessions are delivered safely, and

  • the procedures that ensure every session takes place in a protected environment.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and I am committed to upholding the highest standards of care.

2. Scope of Services Covered

This policy applies to all services delivered under my professional practice, including:

  • Life coaching

  • Emotional intelligence mentoring

  • Youth mentoring (11–16 years)

  • Men’s mentoring

  • Nervous system regulation guidance

  • Wellbeing support

  • Online video sessions

It applies to all sessions delivered online via Zoom or equivalent platforms.

I do not provide psychotherapy, counselling, clinical mental health treatment, or any form of regulated medical or therapeutic service.

3. My Professional Responsibilities

As a wellbeing practitioner and youth mentor:

  • I maintain an Enhanced DBS check (Child Workforce).

  • I complete and regularly update Safeguarding Level 1 and Level 2 training.

  • I operate within a non-clinical mentoring framework.

  • I adhere to UK child protection expectations.

  • I work in line with my insurance policy and best-practice standards.

4. Key Principles of Safeguarding

All safeguarding activity is guided by the following principles:

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

  • All individuals—children and adults—have a right to feel safe.

  • All concerns or disclosures are taken seriously.

  • Boundaries are clear, age-appropriate, and consistently maintained.

  • Parents/carers are kept informed wherever appropriate.

  • Sessions take place only in safe, supervised online environments.

5. Code of Conduct

I commit to:

  • Acting with integrity, empathy, and professionalism.

  • Respecting privacy within appropriate safeguarding limits.

  • Maintaining clear communication with parents of children under 16.

  • Keeping accurate, factual session notes.

  • Never engaging in physical contact (all sessions are online).

  • Never engaging in inappropriate communication or private relationships with minors.

  • Never meeting minors in person or in private locations.

I never:

  • Diagnose mental health conditions

  • Provide therapy

  • Make promises of secrecy

  • Use coercion, pressure, or manipulation

  • Engage in any form of unprofessional personal contact

6. Boundaries of the Mentoring Role

I operate exclusively as a mentor, guide, and wellbeing practitioner, supporting:

  • emotional regulation

  • self-esteem

  • confidence

  • communication

  • healthy masculine identity

  • personal development

  • mindset and resilience

I do not engage in:

  • psychotherapy

  • clinical trauma treatment

  • social work

  • medical advice

  • crisis intervention

  • legal or financial guidance

If a client requires services beyond my remit, I will signpost to appropriate professionals.

7. Confidentiality & When It May Be Broken

All sessions are confidential unless:

  • a child discloses harm, risk of harm, or abuse,

  • a child is at risk of harming themselves or others,

  • there is suspected neglect, exploitation, or coercion,

  • a criminal offence has taken place.

In these cases, I have a duty to share information with:

  • the parent or carer,

  • or the appropriate safeguarding authority,
    depending on the situation.

I will always aim to inform the young person (where appropriate) before information is shared.

8. Online Safety & Session Delivery

All under-16 sessions are online only.

To ensure safety:

  • A parent or responsible adult must be present in the home during the session.

  • The parent must confirm that the environment is safe and free from risk.

  • Sessions must take place in a communal or neutral space at home (not a bedroom), unless explicitly agreed with the parent for privacy and comfort.

  • No session may be recorded by either party without written consent.

  • Communication outside sessions is always via the parent.

  • I will never communicate privately with a minor through social media, messaging apps, or phone calls.

9. Storage of Notes & Data Protection

  • Notes are stored securely and digitally in line with GDPR regulations.

  • Notes are factual and minimal.

  • No session recordings or images are stored.

  • Parent contact details are kept securely.

  • Data is never shared with third parties except in safeguarding circumstances.

10. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

If I become aware of:

  • risk of harm,

  • emotional abuse,

  • physical abuse,

  • neglect,

  • self-harm,

  • radicalisation,

  • coercive control,

  • exploitation, or

  • any other safeguarding risk,

I will:

  1. Document the facts.

  2. Contact the parent/carer (unless doing so increases risk).

  3. Contact the appropriate authority if necessary, including:

    • Surrey Children’s Services

    • NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000)

    • Local safeguarding partners

Emergency cases: Call 999.

11. Section for Under-16 Clients (Ages 11–16)

This section outlines specific commitments and protocols for working with children.

11.1 Parental Consent

  • Written parental consent is required for all under-16 clients.

  • Parents must agree to the Under-16 Mentoring Agreement.

  • Parents must confirm the young person wishes to participate.

11.2 Session Structure

  • Sessions are held online only.

  • Parents must be in the home and available.

  • Parents may sit in or remain nearby, depending on the young person’s comfort level.

11.3 Communication

  • All communication is through the parent.

  • No private messaging with the child is permitted.

11.4 Suitability of Work

Sessions focus on:

  • emotional literacy

  • developing confidence

  • healthy masculinity

  • boundaries

  • self-regulation

  • identity development

  • wellbeing support

I do not explore:

  • sexual content

  • adult themes

  • deep trauma

  • graphic material

  • anything beyond age-appropriate education

11.5 Ending or Pausing Work

I may pause or end mentoring if:

  • the child becomes distressed

  • the issues raised fall outside my scope

  • safeguarding risk increases

  • attendance becomes inconsistent

  • consent is withdrawn by parent or child

12. Review of Policy

This policy is reviewed every 12 months or sooner if:

  • legislation changes,

  • my services expand,

  • best practices are updated.

13. Contact

For safeguarding concerns, questions, or clarification:

Email: chat@kainestromberg.com
Website: www.kainestromberg.com
Practice Name: Awaken 2 Life / MentorShift
Practitioner: Kaine Stromberg, Development Coach & Mentor