Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy

HAUS OF ÄSTHETIK

Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy

Effective Date: 28 August 2025

Review Date: 28 August 2026

Approved By: Clinical Governance Lead

Version: 1.1

 

1. Purpose

This policy sets out the responsibilities of Haus Of Ästhetik and its staff to protect and safeguard the welfare of children and young people. It ensures that robust systems are in place to identify, report, and manage actual or suspected cases of abuse or neglect in accordance with:

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government, 2018)

  • Children Act 1989 and 2004

  • Care Act 2014

  • CQC Regulation 13: Safeguarding Service Users from Abuse and Improper Treatment

  • The Children and Families Act 2014

  • The Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB)

  • NMC and GMC Codes of Conduct

  • Save Face Accreditation Framework

 

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All staff employed or contracted by Haus Of Ästhetik

• All children and young people (defined as individuals under 18 years of age) who attend the clinic

• Parents, carers, and guardians involved in the care of patients under 18

• Any third-party clinicians working within the premises

 

3. Definitions

  • Safeguarding: The proactive protection of children’s rights and wellbeing, including protection from maltreatment, harm, neglect, and exploitation.

  • Child Protection: The specific aspect of safeguarding focused on protecting children at risk of or suffering significant harm.

  • Abuse: Any form of maltreatment of a child, including physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect.

  • Young Person: An individual aged 13–17 years accessing treatment in line with the clinic’s under-18 policy.

 

4. Named Safeguarding Lead

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

Name: Owen Thomas Dickinson

Role: Clinical Governance Lead / Director

Contact: safeguarding@hausofasthetik.com

Phone: 07514 543015

Deputy Safeguarding Lead:

TBC – to be assigned based on clinical staffing changes

The DSL is responsible for:

• Leading safeguarding policy development

• Receiving, assessing, and escalating concerns

• Liaising with LSCB and statutory agencies

• Ensuring training compliance and documentation

• Annual safeguarding audits

 

5. Staff Training Requirements

All staff (clinical and non-clinical) must receive safeguarding training proportionate to their role

Training Level

Frequency

Target Staff

Content

Level 1

Annually

All Staff

Basic awareness, definitions, reporting

Level 2

Every 3 years

All Clinical Staff

Recognition, legal duties, multi-agency work

Level 3

Annually

DSL and deputies

Case management, complex concerns, inter-agency coordination

All training must be recorded, monitored via the clinic’s Training Matrix, and updated following any changes in legislation or CQC expectations.

 

6. Recognising Abuse or Neglect

Staff must be able to recognise indicators of abuse, including but not limited to:

Physical Abuse: Bruising, burns, fractures, bite marks

Emotional Abuse: Withdrawal, fearfulness, anxiety, low self-esteem

Sexual Abuse: Inappropriate sexual behaviour or knowledge, discomfort with physical examinations

Neglect: Poor hygiene, undernourishment, missed health appointments

Grooming & Exploitation: Excessive secrecy, unexplainable gifts, frequent contact with unknown adults

All concerns should be taken seriously, regardless of perceived severity.

 

7. Responding to a Safeguarding Concern

Immediate Steps if a Child Discloses Abuse or Staff Suspects Harm:

  1. Stay Calm – Avoid showing shock or disbelief.

  2. Listen Carefully – Let the child speak, do not interrogate.

  3. Record in Their Words – Write down what was said, using exact language where possible.

  4. Do Not Promise Confidentiality – Explain you must pass on the concern for their safety.

  5. Report Immediately to the DSL – Use the safeguarding reporting form.

If a child is in immediate danger or at risk of significant harm:

→ Contact 999 or Derbyshire Children’s Social Care directly.

→ Inform the DSL retrospectively.

 

8. Making a Referral

The DSL or a senior clinician will escalate concerns to the appropriate authority using:

  • Derbyshire LSCB referral pathway

  • NSPCC Helpline (for anonymous consultation)

  • Local GP or health visitor where appropriate

  • Children’s Services Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

All actions must be documented, with clear audit trails in the safeguarding file.

 

9. Confidentiality & Information Sharing

• Staff may share confidential information without consent where a child is at risk of harm.

• Information shared must be necessary, proportionate, relevant, accurate, timely, and secure.

• Staff should always consult with the DSL or Caldicott Guardian when in doubt.

• Records must be stored in accordance with the clinic’s Information Governance Policy and GDPR.

 

10. Multi-Agency Working

Haus Of Ästhetik is committed to working closely with:

• Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB)

• Children’s Social Services

• GPs, health visitors, schools

• Police and relevant safeguarding professionalsThe clinic will attend or contribute to strategy meetings or case reviews as required.

 

11. Allegations Against Staff

Any concerns or allegations that a staff member has:

• Harmed a child or placed them at risk

• Committed a criminal offence against a child

• Behaved in a way that questions their suitability to work with children


→ Must be reported to the DSL immediately

→ The DSL will notify the LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) within 1 working day

→ Suspension from clinical duties may occur pending investigation

 

12. Monitoring & Audit

• All safeguarding reports and referrals will be logged in a secure file

• An annual safeguarding audit will be conducted by the DSL

• The policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if legislation or guidance changes

 

Signed:

Managing Director

Date: 1st April 2025 v1.0

Date 28th August 2025 V1.1