This policy outlines Hair by Kissa’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety, well-being, and protection of all young people and vulnerable clients who enrol on our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities, courses, and workshops. It sets out our procedures and demonstrates our dedication to creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

1. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

Hair by Kissa recognises its moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all individuals accessing our services, particularly those who may be more vulnerable due to their age or circumstances. We are committed to doing everything within our power to ensure a safe environment free from abuse, harm, and neglect. Our paramount concern is always the best interests of the young person or vulnerable client.

2. Definitions

• Young Person: For the purpose of this policy, a young person is defined as anyone under the age of 18.
• Vulnerable Client: A vulnerable client is an adult (aged 18 or over) who is receiving or may need community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age, or illness, and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation. This could include, but is not limited to, individuals with learning disabilities, mental health conditions, physical disabilities, sensory impairments, or those who are frail due to age or illness.
• Safeguarding: Protecting children and vulnerable adults from maltreatment, preventing impairment of their health or development, ensuring they grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care, and taking action to enable all to have the best outcomes.

3. Safeguarding Principles

Hair by Kissa will apply the following principles:

• The welfare of the young person or vulnerable client is paramount.
• All young people and vulnerable clients, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, have an equal right to protection from all types of harm or abuse.
• All concerns and allegations of abuse will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately.
• Confidentiality will be maintained, but never at the expense of a young person’s or vulnerable client’s safety.
• We will work in partnership with relevant external agencies (e.g., local authority children’s and adult social care services, police) when necessary.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

• Kissa (Business Owner/Safeguarding Lead): As the business owner, Kissa holds overall responsibility for safeguarding within Hair by Kissa. Kissa will act as the primary Safeguarding Lead and will be responsible for:
  • Developing and implementing this policy.
  • Ensuring all staff are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities.
  • Acting as the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns.
  • Liaising with external agencies where required.
  • Ensuring appropriate training is undertaken.
• All Staff, Contractors, and Volunteers: All individuals working with or for Hair by Kissa who interact with young people or vulnerable clients have a responsibility to:
  • Familiarise themselves with and adhere to this policy.
  • Understand and recognise the signs of abuse and neglect.
  • Report any safeguarding concerns immediately to the Safeguarding Lead.
  • Maintain professional boundaries with all clients.

5. Procedures for Identifying and Responding to Concerns

5.1 Recognising Concerns

Staff will be encouraged to be vigilant and recognise potential signs of abuse or neglect, which can include:

• Changes in behaviour or mood.
• Unexplained injuries.
• Signs of neglect (e.g., poor hygiene, inadequate clothing).
• Disclosure of abuse by a young person or vulnerable client.
• Inappropriate behaviour by other adults towards clients.

5.2 Reporting Concerns

Any safeguarding concern, no matter how small, must be reported immediately to the Safeguarding Lead (Kissa).

• How to Report: Concerns should be reported verbally in the first instance, followed by a written report as soon as practically possible. The written report should detail the date, time, individuals involved, what was observed or disclosed, and any actions taken.
• Actions by Safeguarding Lead: Upon receiving a report, the Safeguarding Lead will:
  • Record the concern accurately.
  • Assess the level of risk to the individual.
  • Determine whether external agencies (e.g., Children’s Social Care, Adult Social Care, Police) need to be contacted immediately.
  • Liaise with external agencies to share information and seek advice where appropriate, always prioritising the safety of the individual.
  • Keep accurate records of all actions taken and decisions made.

5.3 Responding to Disclosures

If a young person or vulnerable client discloses abuse or neglect:

• Listen carefully and calmly.
• Do not promise confidentiality, but explain that you need to share the information with the Safeguarding Lead to help them.
• Do not ask leading questions or investigate yourself.
• Reassure them that they have done the right thing by telling you.
• Report the disclosure immediately to the Safeguarding Lead.

6. Safer Recruitment

Hair by Kissa is committed to safer recruitment practices for all staff, contractors, and volunteers who may work with young people or vulnerable clients. This includes:

• Conducting appropriate background checks (e.g., Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where legally required and appropriate for the role).
• Obtaining references.
• Ensuring that any individual found to be unsuitable to work with vulnerable groups is not employed or engaged.

7. Training

All relevant staff will receive appropriate safeguarding training to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities in protecting young people and vulnerable clients, recognising signs of abuse, and knowing how to report concerns effectively. This training will be refreshed periodically.

8. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

All safeguarding concerns and personal information related to young people and vulnerable clients will be treated with strict confidentiality. Information will only be shared on a “need-to-know” basis, and always in accordance with data protection legislation (UK GDPR) and with the overriding principle of protecting the individual’s welfare. Where necessary, information will be shared with external agencies without consent if there is a belief that doing so is essential to prevent harm.

9. Monitoring and Review

This Safeguarding Learners Policy will be reviewed and updated annually, or sooner if there are changes in legislation, guidance, or Hair by Kissa’s operations. The review will ensure the policy remains effective and compliant.

10. Contact Information

For any safeguarding concerns or questions relating to this policy, please contact:

Safeguarding Lead: Kissa Email: support@hairbykissa.co.uk Phone: [Your Business Phone Number, e.g., 07710438254] (as listed in Privacy Statement)