Orion’s Embrace CIC – Safeguarding Policy
Version: 1
Date: January 2026
Review Cycle: Annual or as required
1. Purpose
Orion’s Embrace CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals who engage with our services, including clients, practitioners, volunteers, and anyone participating in activities we facilitate.
We believe everyone has the right to feel safe, respected, heard, and supported.
This Safeguarding Policy sets out how we:
- Protect clients and service users from harm
- Protect practitioners and volunteers from unsafe situations or allegations
- Respond to safeguarding concerns appropriately
- Create safe, inclusive, and trauma-aware spaces
- Support ethical, boundaried, and accountable practice
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All Orion’s Embrace CIC staff and volunteers
- All practitioners working with or referred through Orion’s Embrace CIC
- All clients and service users engaging with our services
It covers safeguarding concerns arising from:
- 1:1 sessions (in-person, online, or by phone)
- Group sessions, circles, workshops, or events
- Any interaction facilitated by Orion’s Embrace CIC
3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Jenny Wild (Founder & Director)
The DSL is responsible for:
- Receiving and managing safeguarding concerns
- Making decisions about escalation
- Liaising with external agencies where required
- Ensuring safeguarding records are stored securely
If the DSL is unavailable, concerns should still be reported to Orion’s Embrace CIC as soon as possible.
4. Our Safeguarding Approach
Orion’s Embrace CIC provides holistic, community-based support. We are not a crisis service and do not provide emergency or clinical mental health care.
Our safeguarding approach prioritises the safety and wellbeing of clients, while also supporting practitioners to work safely and ethically.
Our approach is:
- Trauma-aware and compassionate
- Client-centred and dignity-led
- Proportionate and appropriate to the setting
- Clear about boundaries, roles, and limitations
We aim to support individuals while recognising when concerns must be escalated to keep people safe.
5. What We Mean by Safeguarding
Safeguarding means protecting people from harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional or psychological abuse
- Sexual abuse or exploitation
- Financial abuse
- Neglect or self-neglect
- Coercive control
- Unsafe professional boundaries
Safeguarding also includes protecting people who may be vulnerable due to mental health challenges, trauma, disability, illness, age, or life circumstances.
6. Safer Practice & Boundaries
Safeguarding clients is central to all work carried out through Orion’s Embrace CIC.
All practitioners must:
- Act in the best interests of clients at all times
- Work within their scope of practice and competence
- Maintain clear professional boundaries
- Gain informed consent for all work
- Avoid dependency, coercion, or dual relationships
- Communicate clearly about the nature and limits of their role
Practitioners must not:
- Offer crisis intervention beyond their training
- Act as a replacement for medical or emergency services
- Pressure clients into ongoing sessions or private arrangements
- Ignore or minimise safeguarding concerns
7. DBS & Suitability
All practitioners working with Orion’s Embrace CIC are required to hold a Basic DBS check, dated within the last 3 years, regardless of whether they offer:
- 1:1 sessions (in-person, online, or by phone)
- Group sessions, circles, workshops, or events
This consistent approach supports transparency, trust, and safeguarding across all services.
DBS checks are obtained independently by practitioners and must be submitted before client referrals begin.
All practitioners must also provide appropriate insurance and formally agree to this Safeguarding Policy.
8. Recognising a Safeguarding Concern
A safeguarding concern may arise where a client’s safety, wellbeing, dignity, or autonomy may be at risk.
This may include situations where:
- A client discloses harm, abuse, or neglect
- A client appears distressed, frightened, coerced, or unsafe
- A practitioner observes worrying behaviour or indicators
- There are concerns about capacity, consent, or exploitation
- A boundary breach or unsafe practice occurs
Concerns should always be taken seriously, even if details are unclear.
9. Reporting a Safeguarding Concern
If a safeguarding concern arises:
- Ensure immediate safety where possible
- Do not promise confidentiality
- Report the concern promptly to Orion’s Embrace CIC
Concerns should be reported to:
📧 jenny@orioncommunity.co.uk
Include:
- Client reference number (not full name where possible)
- Nature of the concern
- Date, time, and setting
- Actions already taken
The DSL will assess the concern and decide next steps.
10. Escalation & External Support
Where necessary, concerns may be escalated to:
- Adult Social Care or Children’s Services
- Emergency services (999)
- Other relevant safeguarding bodies
Escalation will be proportionate and based on risk, consent, and legal obligations.
If there is immediate danger, emergency services should be contacted without delay.
11. Record Keeping & Confidentiality
- Safeguarding records are kept securely and separately
- Access is limited to the DSL
- Information is shared only when necessary for safety
- Records are retained in line with legal and organisational requirements
12. Supporting Clients & Practitioners
Orion’s Embrace CIC recognises that safeguarding situations can be challenging for everyone involved.
We are committed to:
- Placing client safety and wellbeing first
- Listening to clients who raise concerns or feel unsafe
- Responding promptly and compassionately
- Supporting practitioners who raise concerns in good faith
- Maintaining a no-blame, learning-focused approach
13. Allegations or Concerns About Practitioners
If a safeguarding concern involves a practitioner:
- The concern will be taken seriously
- Immediate steps may be taken to pause referrals
- An investigation will be carried out proportionately
- External agencies may be involved if required
Practitioners will be treated fairly while prioritising safety.
14. Review & Updates
This Safeguarding Policy will be:
- Reviewed annually
- Updated if legislation, guidance, or organisational needs change
The most current version will always be available via Orion’s Embrace CIC.
15. Commitment
Safeguarding is central to everything we do at Orion’s Embrace CIC.
We are committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where people can explore healing with trust, dignity, and care.
Approved by: Orion’s Embrace CIC
Signed: Jenny Wild, Founder & Director