Safeguarding Policy

Full Safeguarding Policy For Children and Young People (Under 18s)
 

1. Purpose

This policy outlines how Performance Chiropractic Gloucester ensures the safety and protection of all children and young people (under 18) attending the clinic. It provides guidance for clinicians and staff regarding appropriate conduct and procedures, especially when working with children in treatment rooms.

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2. Policy Statement

• We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all children and young people.

• All clinicians and staff have a duty of care and must act in the best interests of anyone under 18.

• This policy aligns with UK safeguarding legislation and professional standards, including the Children Acts 1989 and 2004.
   

3. Definitions

• Child / Young Person: Anyone under the age of 18.

• Parent / Guardian: An adult with legal responsibility for the child.
   

4. Safeguarding Procedures

a. Children Under 16

• A parent or guardian must be present in the treatment room at all times.

• If the parent/guardian leaves the room temporarily (e.g., to take a phone call):

  • The clinician must pause treatment immediately.

  • The clinician will politely request the parent’s return before resuming.

  • The following note must be added to the clinical record:
    “Parent/guardian temporarily left the room. Treatment paused and resumed upon return in line with clinic safeguarding policy.”

b. Young People Aged 16–17

• May be treated without a parent present if:

  • They demonstrate capacity to give informed consent (“Gillick competence”), and

  • They are comfortable proceeding independently.

• The clinician must assess appropriateness, document the decision, and may recommend a parent remain present based on the nature of the treatment.

• If needed, the clinician can request input from the safeguarding lead.

c. Chaperoning and Second Adult Presence

• Patients or parents may request a chaperone at any time.

• A clinician may also request a second adult to be present in certain circumstances (e.g., if the parent is absent, or to ensure safeguarding best practice).
   

5. Staff Responsibilities

• Clinicians must:

  • Adhere to this policy,

  • Document safeguarding-related events clearly,

  • Report any concerns to the safeguarding lead immediately.

• Reception/support staff may be asked to assist by acting as a second adult if needed.

• The Clinic Director, as safeguarding lead, is responsible for maintaining this policy and supporting staff with safeguarding issues.
   

6. Safeguarding Leadership

• Safeguarding Lead: Danny Adams (Clinic Director)

• Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Cat Barber
   

7. Incident Reporting

• Any concerns or incidents must be reported immediately to the safeguarding lead.

• All incidents should be documented clearly, confidentially, and handled in line with appropriate procedures and referrals where necessary.
   

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed on an annual basis or sooner if needed due to changes in legislation, best practice, or following any safeguarding-related incident.