Safeguarding Policy

Through cultivating mindfulness, we have the intention to: 

 

• Reduce human suffering

• Promote wellbeing

• Create the conditions in which people can flourish

 

We acknowledge that some of the people we work with and those associated with them may be at risk from harm, abuse and neglect. We are fully committed to safeguarding young people and adults who come in to contact with the organisation. 

 

We will work in partnership with other local and national agencies to continually develop appropriate procedures for reporting concerns and making referrals where there has been a disclosure. We are required to keep our practice up to date and are expected to access specialist support as and when required. 

 

Legislative Background

 

Safeguarding is about protecting young people and adults from abuse or neglect and educating those around them to recognise the signs and dangers. We are committed to sharing responsibility for wellbeing with those individuals who have needs for care and support and their carers. The legislation that underpins this policy includes: 

 

• 1989 The Children’s Act

• 2004 The Children’s Act 

• 2014 The Social Services & Wellbeing (Wales) Act

• 2014 The Care Act (England)

• 2014 Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act

• 2014 Children & Young People (Scotland) Act 

• 2007 Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order

• 1998 Human Rights Act

 

 

We will operate our Safeguarding Policy and Procedures in accordance with the relevant regional legislative framework, with awareness of possible cross-boundary issues, e.g. where a person may live in one region but attend a course, retreat, CPD training course or be in supervision in another. 

 

Good Practice in Mindfulness Based Teaching, Training and Supervision

 

We comply fully with the Good Practice Guidelines for Mindfulness-Based Teachers and Trainers, including the requirement for full adherence to the ethical framework appropriate to each teacher’s professional background or working context. 

 

 

Individuals accessing Mindfulness-Based courses and Retreats through us will complete a pre-course application, through which they will be given the opportunity to share with teachers and retreat lead any information about their mental and physical health needs, as well as any difficult life circumstances. The individual and the teacher/retreat lead will decide together whether the course or retreat is suitable.

 

The importance and limitations of confidentiality will be openly discussed with course and retreat participants and those taking part in CPD programmes, including ensuring understanding that teachers and retreat lead have a responsibility to act on their Safeguarding concerns.