Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy Organisation: Next Chapter

Coaching Owner/Lead: Collette McPeake

Last updated: 03/09/2025

Our commitment: We are committed to the safety, wellbeing and dignity of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We maintain clear professional boundaries, act on concerns, and follow host-organisation policies and relevant statutory guidance in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

1. Scope

This policy applies to all services delivered by Next Chapter Coaching, including workshops, group programmes, one-to-one coaching, and online/virtual sessions.

2. Principles

  • Safeguard first: We take reasonable steps to prevent harm, abuse or neglect and escalate concerns promptly.
  • Proportionality & respect: We balance safety with dignity, choice and independence.
  • Trauma‑informed practice: We minimise re‑traumatisation and promote psychological safety.
  • Equality & inclusion: No discrimination on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or background.
  • Partnership: We follow and cooperate with the safeguarding policies of schools, education boards, charities and community partners where we work.

3. Reporting concerns

If there is an immediate risk of harm, call emergency services. Otherwise, raise concerns to: info@next-chaptercoaching.com . We record concerns securely and, where appropriate, refer to the relevant safeguarding authority or Designated Safeguarding Officer of the host organisation.

4. Confidentiality & information sharing

We keep information confidential and share only when we have consent, it is required by law, or there is a safeguarding risk where sharing is necessary to protect someone.

5. Safer practice & boundaries

  • Sessions held in appropriate, approved locations (or approved online platforms).
  • For under‑18s, parent/guardian consent and host‑organisation awareness are required for one‑to‑one work.
  • No private 1:1 messaging with minors outside agreed channels.
  • No physical contact except where unavoidable for safety.
  • Clear start/finish times; professional communication only.

6. Online delivery (video sessions)

  • Use approved platforms; waiting rooms enabled; display first names only where possible.
  • A responsible adult/organisation should be aware of under‑18 participation.
  • No recording without written consent and a clear purpose.

7. Photography & media

  • No photographs, screenshots, or recordings of participants without prior written consent (and parental/guardian consent for under‑18s).
  • Materials are stored securely and used only for the stated purposes.

8. Training & vetting

We undertake ongoing safeguarding training and CPD; trauma‑informed practice is strengthened through acceptance onto MA Trauma Studies (UCC). We comply with host‑organisation vetting requirements (e.g., AccessNI / Garda Vetting where applicable).

9. Complaints

Please contact info@next-chaptercoaching.com . We’ll acknowledge within 5 working days and outline next steps.