Safeguarding Policy for Workshops and Retreats

Practitioner Name: Jodi Anne Law
Business Name: Jodi Anne Law – Take Control Of Your Health Naturally
Date of Policy: 4th April, 2025
Review Date: [Insert date annually]

1. Purpose of this Policy

This policy outlines how safeguarding will be upheld during all workshops and retreats run by Jodi Anne Law to ensure the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of all participants, including vulnerable adults. It reflects a commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where healing and personal growth can occur.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all workshops, retreats, and events run by Jodi Anne Law in person or online. It applies to:

  • All participants
  • Volunteers and assistants (if present)
  • Third-party collaborators and venue staff during the event

3. Definitions

Vulnerable Adult: A person aged 18 or over who may need community care services due to age, disability, mental or physical health issues and who may be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation.

Abuse can include:

  • Physical
  • Emotional/psychological
  • Sexual
  • Financial
  • Neglect
  • Discrimination
  • Organisational/institutional
  • Self-neglect

4. Principles of Safeguarding

We are committed to:

  • Acting in the best interests of participants at all times
  • Empowering individuals to make their own choices while ensuring protection from harm
  • Treating everyone with respect, compassion, and dignity
  • Being alert to signs of abuse, neglect, or distress
  • Responding promptly and appropriately to any concerns raised

5. Code of Conduct

All facilitators, assistants, and volunteers must:

  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times
  • Obtain informed consent before engaging in any energy work or physical contact
  • Provide clear explanations of practices and honour a participant’s right to decline
  • Keep all personal information shared by participants confidential, except where there is risk of harm
  • Not engage in any behaviour that could be interpreted as exploitative, abusive, or disrespectful

6. Consent and Confidentiality

  • All participants will complete a registration and consent form prior to the workshop or retreat
  • Personal stories and emotions shared within sessions will be treated with confidentiality
  • The only exception to confidentiality is if a participant discloses information that indicates a risk of serious harm to themselves or others. In such cases, appropriate steps will be taken, and support services may be contacted

7. Recognising and Responding to Concerns

If there is a concern that someone is at risk:

  • Listen calmly and with empathy
  • Avoid judgment, promises of secrecy, or leading questions
  • Reassure the person that help is available
  • Record the concern factually (who, what, when, where) as soon as possible
  • Contact the appropriate safeguarding authority or support service

In the UK, concerns may be reported to:

  • Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team
  • Police (if someone is in immediate danger: call 999)

8. Record Keeping

  • All safeguarding concerns will be recorded factually and stored securely
  • Records will only be shared with relevant safeguarding authorities when necessary
  • Data will be stored in accordance with GDPR and privacy regulations

9. Safer Practice

To promote a safe environment:

  • Risk assessments will be completed before all events
  • Clear boundaries and group agreements will be set at the start of each workshop or retreat
  • Participants will be informed of their rights and who to contact if they have a concern
  • One-to-one support will be conducted in appropriate spaces where others are nearby or informed

10. Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect current best practices and legal requirements.

Contact Information

If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact:
Jodi Anne Law
+44 7902 161675
info@jodiannelaw.com

Or contact local safeguarding services directly.