Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

Busy Corner Books are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, dignity, and rights of all adults who engage with its services. This policy reflects a clear commitment to ethical practice, personal safety, respect, and accountability.

Safeguarding is understood as everyone’s responsibility. All activity is conducted in a way that seeks to prevent harm, minimise risk, and respond appropriately to concerns.

2. Scope of This Policy

This safeguarding policy applies to all safeguarding matters relating to adults aged 18 and over who participate in:

workshops, groups, courses, or events

1:1 reflective or creative facilitation

online or in-person activities

written, spoken, or creative engagement facilitated by Busy Corner Books or Writing Well.

This policy applies regardless of background, belief, identity, or circumstance.

3. Principles of Safeguarding

Busy Corner Books are guided by the following safeguarding principles:

Respect for dignity and autonomy

Prevention of harm through clear boundaries and ethical practice

Proportionality in responding to concerns

Accountability through supervision and spiritual direction and reflective practice

Empowerment, supporting individuals to make informed choices

4. Recognising Vulnerability

Busy Corner Books recognises that adults may experience vulnerability due to a range of factors, including but not limited to:

emotional distress or life transitions

disability or long-term health conditions

trauma history

social isolation or dependency

bereavement or loss

Participation is always voluntary, paced, and consent-based.

5. Boundaries and Safe Practice

To maintain a safe and ethical environment:

Busy Corner Books do not provide therapy, counselling, diagnosis, or crisis intervention

Clear professional boundaries are maintained at all times

Dual or exploitative relationships are avoided

Emotional, spiritual, financial, or psychological coercion is not tolerated

Participants are encouraged to take responsibility for their own well-being

Where appropriate, individuals may be gently encouraged to seek additional professional or pastoral support outside of Busy Corner Books

6. Confidentiality and Its Limits

Confidentiality is respected within all services. However, confidentiality cannot be maintained if:

there is a disclosure or concern indicating risk of serious harm to the individual or others

there is a legal or safeguarding obligation to share information

Any information shared will be limited to what is necessary and handled sensitively.

7. Safeguarding Concerns and Reporting

If a safeguarding concern arises:

it will be taken seriously

it will be responded to calmly and respectfully

appropriate action will be taken in line with UK safeguarding guidance

Concerns may include:

disclosure of abuse or neglect

behaviour that causes harm or distress

safeguarding risks observed during participation

Where necessary, concerns may be escalated to appropriate external agencies in accordance with UK law

(Every effort will be made to discuss this before any confidentiality is broken)

8. Accountability and Supervision

Busy Corner Books operates with professional accountability through:

regular professional external supervision
spiritual direction/pastoral mentoring 
up to date disclosure checks
reflective practice/continuous Professional Development and Personal Development
ethical self-monitoring
abiding by the Busy Corner Books Ethical Framework and all policies published on this website
liability insurance
membership to an accountable regulated organisation 

(The above provides oversight, safeguards participants, and supports responsible decision-making.)

9. Equality and Inclusion

Busy Corner Books are committed to safeguarding all adults equally and without discrimination. Adjustments may be discussed to support accessibility and inclusion where reasonably possible. (If you feel there is something Busy Corner Books should know about you to make your time with us more comfortable, please send an email to paulaanne@busycornerbooks.com or phone Paula on 07969 849294. This include reasonable adjustments. All information is treated in confidence and in accordance with the latest data protection law)

10. Policy Review

This safeguarding policy is reviewed regularly and updated as required to reflect best practice, legal requirements, and the evolving nature of the work

11. Contact

Safeguarding concerns relating to Busy Corner Books may be raised via our contact page. A response will be given within 48 hours unless there is a bank holiday or it is the weekend. In an emergency, please contact 079 69 849 294. 

Emergency and crisis contacts (UK-wide)

Immediate danger / urgent safeguarding risk

• Emergency services: 999 or 112

• Police (non-emergency): 101

NHS urgent health advice (not life-threatening)

• England / Scotland / Wales: NHS 111

• Northern Ireland: There isn't an NHS 111 service; use your GP / GP Out of Hours, or 999/112 in an emergency.

Suicide / emotional crisis support (24/7 unless stated)

• Samaritans: 116 123

• Shout (text support): Text SHOUT to 85258

• PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 (under 35): 0800 068 4141 (and text support options)

• CALM (men's mental health): 0800 58 58 58

Mental health urgent help (NHS)

• England: NHS 111 (mental health option available)

• Wales: NHS 111 (Option 2)

• Scotland: NHS 24 on 111 and Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87

• Northern Ireland: Lifeline: 0808 808 8000

Children / safeguarding

• Childline: 0800 1111

• NSPCC Helpline (adults worried about a child): 0808 800 5000

Abuse / violence

• Domestic Abuse (Refuge – National Domestic Abuse Helpline): 0808 2000 247

• Men's Advice Line: 0808 801 0327

• Rape Crisis (England & Wales): 0808 500 2222

• LGBT+ anti-violence support (Galop): 0800 999 5428

• Victim Support (Supportline): 0808 1689 111

Harmful sexual behaviour concerns

• Stop It Now (UK & Ireland): 0808 1000 900

Church safeguarding contacts (UK)

Church of England / Church in Wales / Catholic Church (England & Wales)

Safe Spaces (independent support for survivors of church-related abuse):

(numbers vary by diocese)