Safeguarding Policy 

Date of Issue: October 2025
Review Date: October 2026

1. Policy Statement

Sound Serenity is committed to providing a safe, caring, and positive environment for all clients, particularly children (under 18 years old) and adults at risk (sometimes referred to as “vulnerable adults”). Sound Serenity is aware of a framework of national and international legislation that exists [1] to provide guidance on ensuring no child, young person, or vulnerable adult experiences abuse. 

We recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote their welfare and wellbeing, and to respond appropriately to any concerns of abuse or neglect.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• The practice owner and helpers at group bath sessions
• All clients attending sessions, workshops, or events run by Sound Serenity
• Any online or remote sound therapy services offered.

3. Definitions

Child: Anyone under the age of 18.
Adult at Risk: An adult aged 18 or over who has needs for care and support, and who may be unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect.
Abuse: Can include physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse, neglect, discrimination, organisational or domestic abuse.

4. Responsibilities

• The Practice Owner / Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is Julia Willcock.
  • Responsible for implementing this policy and acting as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
• All helpers must:
  • Read and understand this policy.
  • Report any concerns immediately to the DSL.
  • Maintain confidentiality (sharing information only on a “need to know” basis).

6. Safer Practice

To reduce risk and promote safety, Sound Serenity will:

• Always obtain parental consent before providing therapy to children under 18.
• Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult where possible.
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
• Keep clear records of sessions and client communication.
• Ensure all practitioners working with children or vulnerable adults hold a current Enhanced DBS check.

7. Recognising Signs of Abuse

Practitioners will remain alert to possible indicators such as:

• Unexplained injuries or changes in behaviour.
• Signs of neglect (poor hygiene, inappropriate clothing).
• Sudden withdrawal or anxiety.
• Disclosure or hints of abuse.

No practitioner should make assumptions — concerns should be recorded and reported following this policy.

8. Reporting Procedures

If a practitioner has a concern or receives a disclosure:

1. Listen carefully without judgment or leading questions.
2. Reassure the person that they’ve done the right thing by speaking up.
3. Record exactly what was said, including date, time, and any observations.
4. Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

How to report a concern

1. If you have concerns about a child, please contact the children's Integrated Front Door (IFD)

Telephone: 0300 456 0108

Monday to Thursday 08:45 - 17:00 or Friday 08:45 - 16:00

Email: integratedfrontdoor@wiltshire.gov.uk 

If you need urgent help or advice outside of these hours you can call: 

0300 456 0100

1. If you have concerns about a vulnerable adult please contact the adult Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

Telephone: 0300 456 0111

Monday to Thursday 08:30 - 17:20 or Friday 08:30 - 16:20

Email: adviceandcontact@wiltshire.gov.uk 

If you need urgent help or advice outside of these hours you can call: 

0300 456 0100

You can contact Wiltshire Police by calling: 101

If a child or an adult is in immediate danger you should always dial 999

Do not promise confidentiality — you may need to share information to keep someone safe.

9. Confidentiality and Record Keeping

• All safeguarding records will be stored securely and separately from client files.
• Information will be shared only with relevant authorities, in line with GDPR and safeguarding law.

10. Training and Review

• The DSL will undertake regular safeguarding training (at least every 2 years).
• All staff and volunteers will receive basic safeguarding awareness training.
• This policy will be reviewed annually or after any safeguarding incident.

11. Contact Details

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Julia Willcock

Email: julia@soundserenity.co.uk
 

[1] Children Act 1989 & 2004, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1991, Sexual Offences Act 2003, Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, Data Protection Act 2018, relevant government guidance on safeguarding