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Safeguarding Policy

Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults

Effective date: 1 January 2026

OneBigNext Ltd.

 

1. Policy Statement

OneBigNext Ltd (“the Company”) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

The Company recognises its responsibility to take appropriate action to protect individuals from harm, abuse, or neglect and to respond appropriately when safeguarding concerns arise.

The welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults is paramount and underpins all activities and decision‑making undertaken by the Company.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

 

2. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

  • Children and young people under the age of 18
  • Vulnerable adults, as defined by the Care Act 2014
  • All directors, employees, associates, contractors, and anyone acting on behalf of OneBigNext Ltd

This policy applies across all services delivered by the Company.

 

3. Services Provided by OneBigNext Ltd

OneBigNext Ltd provides non‑clinical, non‑therapeutic coaching and consultancy services, including:

  • Career coaching and consultancy for young people and adults
  • Neurodiversity coaching and consultancy
  • Employability support, including CV reviews, job application support, and interview preparation
  • Career profiling and strengths‑based assessments
  • Start‑up and business transition support for adults moving from employment into self‑employment

 

Services Not Provided

One Big Next Ltd does not provide:

  • Therapy or counselling
  • Mental health, psychiatric, or clinical services
  • Medical or diagnostic services
  • Crisis or emergency emotional support

Where an individual’s needs fall outside the Company’s remit, they will be signposted to appropriate external or statutory services.

  

4. Legal Framework (England)

This policy operates in line with relevant legislation and statutory guidance, including:

  • The Children Act 1989 and 2004
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children
  • The Care Act 2014
  • The Equality Act 2010
  • The Counter‑Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Prevent)
  • The Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR

 

5. Definitions

 

Children and Young People

A child or young person is anyone under the age of 18.

 

Vulnerable Adults

An adult who has needs for care and support, is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and, as a result of those needs, is unable to protect themselves against the abuse or neglect (Care Act 2014).

 

Safeguarding

Safeguarding means protecting individuals from maltreatment, preventing harm, and taking action to ensure safe and positive outcomes.

 

6. Types of Abuse

Safeguarding concerns may relate to, but are not limited to:

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional or psychological abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Neglect or acts of omission
  • Domestic abuse
  • Financial or material abuse
  • Discriminatory abuse
  • Organisational or institutional abuse
  • Modern slavery
  • Online abuse
  • Child criminal or sexual exploitation
  • Self‑neglect (adults)

  

7. Preventing Radicalisation

OneBigNext Ltd is not a specified authority under the statutory Prevent duty. However, the Company recognises that children, young people, and adults may be vulnerable to radicalisation.

Any concerns relating to extremism or radicalisation will be treated as safeguarding concerns and escalated appropriately to relevant external agencies.

 

8. Recognising and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may arise through:

  • A direct disclosure
  • Observation of behaviour or emotional distress
  • Changes in engagement, communication, or presentation
  • Information received from a third party

When responding to a disclosure:

  • Listen calmly and without judgement
  • Do not ask leading questions
  • Do not promise confidentiality
  • Reassure the individual
  • Explain that information may need to be shared to keep them safe

 

9. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

All safeguarding concerns must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

 

Immediate Risk

If a child or vulnerable adult is believed to be at immediate risk of harm, emergency services must be contacted by calling 999.

  

10. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: Sandra Davis
Role: Designated Safeguarding Lead
Contact details: [email protected]; +44 (0) 7883 471010

 

In the absence of the DSL, safeguarding concerns should be escalated directly to appropriate external statutory services.

  

11. Recording and Record Keeping

All safeguarding concerns will be:

  • Recorded accurately and factually
  • Dated and stored securely
  • Kept confidential and shared on a need‑to‑know basis only

Records will be handled in line with UK GDPR and data protection legislation.

  

12. Information Sharing and Confidentiality

Confidentiality will be respected wherever possible. However, information will be shared with relevant agencies when:

  • There is a concern about the safety or welfare of an individual
  • A child or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm
  • Disclosure is required by law

  

13. Professional Boundaries and Safe Working

OneBigNext Ltd maintains clear professional boundaries at all times:

  • Services remain strictly within the remit of coaching and consultancy
  • Dual, dependent, or inappropriate personal relationships are avoided
  • Safeguarding concerns override contractual or confidentiality considerations

  

14. Recruitment, Training and Awareness

The Company is committed to safer recruitment and engagement practices that are proportionate to the nature of each role.

Appropriate safeguarding training will be provided to directors, employees, and associates, reflecting their responsibilities and level of contact with children or vulnerable adults.

  

15. Allegations Against Staff or Associates

Any safeguarding allegation involving a director, employee, associate, or contractor will be taken seriously and managed appropriately. Where required, concerns will be referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

  

16. Whistleblowing

OneBigNext Ltd encourages the reporting of concerns about unsafe, unethical, or unlawful behaviour. Anyone raising concerns in good faith will be supported and protected from victimisation or unfair treatment.

  

17. External Contacts (England)

  • Local Authority Children’s Services (relevant to the individual’s area)
  • Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team
  • Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
  • Police Emergency: 999
  • Police Non‑emergency: 101
  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

  

18. Review of Policy

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes to legislation, guidance, or organisational practice.

 

Approved by: Sandra Davis, Director, OneBigNext Ltd
Review date: 1 January, 2027.

 

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