Safeguarding

Introduction
The Wild Pause is committed to providing a safe environment for all participants, particularly for young people aged 14 and above, ensuring their welfare is protected throughout our activities. This policy outlines the steps we take to safeguard all participants from harm and abuse.

1. Safeguarding Principles
Safety First: We are dedicated to providing a safe environment where participants can engage in nature-based well-being activities without fear of harm.
Respect and Dignity: We respect the rights, privacy, and dignity of all participants, ensuring that their safety and well-being are prioritized.
Clear Boundaries: All activities are designed with clear boundaries to ensure the safety of participants and staff/volunteers.

2. Roles and Responsibilities
Sally Brown (Business Owner): As the business owner, Sally Brown will take primary responsibility for safeguarding issues.
Volunteers: Volunteers will receive basic safeguarding training to ensure they understand their role in protecting participants. They will always be supervised by Sally Brown during sessions.
Participants: All participants will be encouraged to behave in a way that ensures the safety and well-being of themselves and others.

3. Procedures for Identifying and Responding to Concerns
If any volunteer, participant, or third party raises a concern about the safety or well-being of a participant, it will be taken seriously and investigated.
In the case of any suspected harm or abuse, appropriate steps will be taken, including reporting to the relevant authorities where necessary.
Confidentiality will be maintained as far as possible during investigations.

4. Training and Awareness
Volunteers will be provided with safeguarding training, which will be reviewed periodically to ensure that it remains up-to-date.
Sally Brown will attend appropriate safeguarding training to stay informed of best practices.

5. Reporting and Escalation
If a safeguarding issue arises, it should be reported to Sally Brown via email or in writing. If the matter is urgent, participants and volunteers should contact local authorities or emergency services.
We will work closely with local authorities and other agencies to ensure the welfare of all participants.

6. Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or whenever there is a change in laws, regulations, or best practices. We will also seek feedback from participants and volunteers to improve safeguarding practices.

7. Contact Information
For any safeguarding concerns, please contact:
Sally Brown (Business Owner)
Email: TheWildPause@gmail.com
Phone: +44 (0)7 39 54 83 26 5 (UK) / +33 (0)7 67 97 97 35 (France)