Compass Family Mediation is committed to promoting the safety and wellbeing of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. While mediation is a voluntary and confidential process, safeguarding concerns always take priority where there is a risk of harm.

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We recognise our responsibility to identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and to act in accordance with relevant legislation, professional standards, and best practice guidance.

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Purpose of This Policy

This policy sets out how Compass Family Mediation will:

• Protect children and vulnerable adults from harm.

• Recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns.

• Manage disclosures of abuse or neglect.

• Ensure appropriate reporting and referral procedures are followed.

• Maintain a safe and professional service for all clients.

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Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to:

• Mediators

• Employees

• Associates and contractors

• Volunteers involved in delivering services on behalf of Compass Family Mediation

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Safeguarding Principles

Compass Family Mediation is guided by the following principles:

• The welfare of the child is paramount.

• Everyone has the right to live free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm.

• Safeguarding concerns will be taken seriously and responded to promptly.

• Information will be shared appropriately where there is a legitimate safeguarding concern.

• Clients will be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

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Confidentiality and Safeguarding

Family mediation is generally confidential. However, confidentiality may be broken where:

• A child is believed to be at risk of significant harm.

• A vulnerable adult is believed to be at risk of abuse or neglect.

• There is a serious risk of harm to any person.

• Information relates to criminal activity.

• Disclosure is required by law or court order.

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Where possible, we will seek to inform clients before sharing information with relevant safeguarding agencies. However, this may not always be possible or appropriate where immediate protection is required.

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Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to:

Children

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect

• Domestic abuse within the family

• Exploitation or grooming

• Forced marriage

• Female genital mutilation (FGM)

• Online abuse

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Vulnerable Adults

• Physical abuse

• Psychological or emotional abuse

• Financial abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect or self-neglect

• Coercive or controlling behaviour

• Discriminatory abuse

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Reporting Concerns

Where a safeguarding concern is identified, Compass Family Mediation will:

1. Record the concern accurately and promptly.

2. Assess the level of risk.

3. Consult appropriate safeguarding guidance where necessary.

4. Make a referral to Children's Services, Adult Social Care, the Police, or other relevant agencies where appropriate.

5. Maintain secure records of all safeguarding actions taken.

If there is an immediate risk of harm, emergency services will be contacted without delay by calling 999.

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Domestic Abuse

Compass Family Mediation recognises that domestic abuse can affect adults and children and may impact the suitability of mediation.

Before mediation begins, all participants undergo individual assessment meetings to identify:

• Domestic abuse concerns

• Coercive or controlling behaviour

• Intimidation or fear

• Safety risks

Where mediation is considered unsafe or inappropriate, alternative options will be discussed and signposted.

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Staff Training

Compass Family Mediation is committed to maintaining safeguarding awareness and competence.

The mediator will:

• Undertake appropriate safeguarding training.

• Maintain knowledge of current safeguarding legislation and guidance.

• Regularly review safeguarding procedures and good practice.

• Keep accurate safeguarding records where concerns arise.

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Record Keeping

All safeguarding records will be:

• Kept securely and confidentially.

• Stored in accordance with data protection requirements.

• Accessible only to those with a legitimate need to know.

• Retained in line with legal and professional requirements.

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Contact Information

If you have concerns regarding the safety or welfare of a child or vulnerable adult during your involvement with Compass Family Mediation, please contact:

Compass Family Mediation
Email: Info@compass-family-mediation.co.uk
Telephone: 07786864896

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Emergency Contacts

Police Emergency: 999

NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
www.nspcc.org.uk

Childline: 0800 1111
www.childline.org.uk

Policy Review

Compass Family Mediation is committed to reviewing this policy regularly to ensure it remains effective and reflects current safeguarding requirements.

Policy Owner: Compass Family Mediation
Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 09/2026
Review Date: 09/2028