Safeguarding Policy
Busy Corner Books/Writing Well
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.
(Safeguarding Policy, Busy Corner Books/Writing Well 2026)