Safeguarding Policy

Updated April 2025 by Iona Meadows

The safety and wellbeing of my clients is the heart of everything I do.

I am a non-clinical health professional. I take my responsibility to create a safe, respectful, supportive environment seriously.

Purpose of this Policy

This policy outlines how I promote emotional and physical safety during coaching sessions and what steps I will take if I become concerned about someone’s wellbeing.

Scope of this Policy

This policy applies to all coaching clients, including adults who may be vulnerable due to age, disability, mental health, or personal circumstances.

My Commitment

To treat everyone with dignity, respect, and compassion

To maintain healthy boundaries and act within the scope of my role as a coach

To recognise signs of distress or risk and respond appropriately

To respect confidentiality, while also acting if I believe someone is at risk of serious harm

Ongoing learning, improving and continuing professional development

Safeguarding Training and Awareness

I have completed training in safeguarding, trauma awareness, and psychological first aid, including:

Accredited Health and Wellbeing Coach safeguarding module (PCI)

Safeguarding Children Level 1 (Time Out Fostering)

Psychological First Aid (UK Health Security Agency)

Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity (NCFE)

Additional trainings and ongoing CPD in trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming practice is part of my workflow. I do my best to stay informed about best practices to ensure I can respond appropriately and ethically when concerns arise.

Confidentiality and Exceptions

Coaching sessions are confidential. However, I may break confidentiality if:

I believe you or someone else is at immediate risk of serious harm

I am legally required to disclose information (e.g. in the case of abuse, criminal activity, or terrorism)

Wherever possible, I will discuss this with you first and be transparent about what steps I may need to take.

What I Will Do if I’m Concerned

If I become concerned about your safety or that of someone else who’s with you, I will:

Gently raise my concern with you during or after a session

Encourage you to seek additional support (e.g. a GP, therapist, or emergency service)

In rare cases, contact relevant services or safeguarding leads if there is a clear and serious risk of harm

Boundaries of My Role

As a coach, I:

Do not diagnose, treat, or manage mental or physical health conditions

Do not provide crisis support

Am not a substitute for therapy, medical advice, or emergency services

I may signpost you to other services if it seems like you need support beyond what coaching can provide.

Raising a Concern

If you ever feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or unsure about something in our work together, I encourage you to speak up.


Raise your concern during a session

Email me.

Ask to pause or end sessions at any time

Your feedback is always welcome and I will take any concerns seriously, respond with care, and make adjustments where needed.

In Case of Emergency

I do not offer emergency support. If you are in crisis or feel unsafe, please contact:

Emergency services: 999 (UK) / 112 (France)

Samaritans (UK): 116 123

SOS Suicide (France): 01 45 39 40 00

Or visit your local A&E / emergency department