Safeguarding Policy The Place To Be Mentoring

1. Purpose of This Policy

The purpose of this safeguarding policy is to ensure that all boys and young men engaging with The Place To Be mentoring programme are protected, supported, and treated with dignity, respect, and care.

This policy outlines the responsibilities, procedures, and safeguarding standards in place when working with young people aged 14–24 through mentoring sessions, talks, workshops, events, online communication, and community activities.

The Place To Be is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental environment that promotes emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, resilience, and healthy human connection.

2. Safeguarding Commitment

The Place To Be believes that:

  • Every young person has the right to feel safe and heard

  • Emotional wellbeing and mental health should be approached with care and responsibility

  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility

  • Concerns regarding harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or risk must always be taken seriously

  • Clear professional boundaries are essential in mentoring relationships

The Place To Be has a duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of all young people involved in its services.

3. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

  • One-to-one mentoring

  • Group mentoring sessions

  • School talks and workshops

  • Online mentoring or digital communication

  • Events and retreats

  • Volunteers, staff, collaborators, and facilitators working under The Place To Be

This policy particularly relates to young people aged 14–17, who are legally considered children under UK safeguarding legislation.

4. Safeguarding Lead

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
George Sullivan

Email: george@theplacetobementoring.org
Phone: 07549353316

The DSL is responsible for:

  • Managing safeguarding concerns

  • Recording incidents

  • Making referrals where appropriate

  • Ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed

  • Maintaining safeguarding training and DBS certification

5. Professional Boundaries

Mentoring relationships must remain professional at all times.

The following boundaries apply:

  • Mentoring is not therapy or clinical treatment

  • Sessions are focused on guidance, support, self-awareness, and personal development

  • Physical contact should always be appropriate and consensual

  • Communication should remain professional and respectful

  • No inappropriate, sexualised, manipulative, or exploitative behaviour will ever be tolerated

  • Sessions with under-18s should, where possible, take place in appropriate professional settings or online platforms with parental/carer awareness

Mentors must never:

  • Develop inappropriate emotional dependency

  • Engage in romantic or sexual relationships with mentees

  • Promise secrecy regarding safeguarding concerns

  • Use drugs or alcohol during sessions

  • Meet young people in unsafe or isolated environments

6. Confidentiality

Mentoring conversations are treated respectfully and confidentially wherever possible.

However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed if:

  • A young person is at risk of harm

  • There is risk of suicide or self-harm

  • Abuse or neglect is disclosed

  • Criminal activity is disclosed

  • Someone else may be at risk

In these situations, safeguarding concerns may need to be shared with:

  • Parents or carers

  • Schools or safeguarding teams

  • Emergency services

  • Mental health services

  • Local safeguarding authorities

Young people will be informed wherever possible if information needs to be shared.

7. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Bullying or online abuse

  • Self-harm or suicidal ideation

  • Substance misuse

  • Criminal exploitation

  • Radicalisation

  • Domestic violence

  • Grooming or coercion

  • Severe mental health crisis

All concerns must be taken seriously, recorded appropriately, and acted upon where necessary.

8. Responding to a Disclosure

If a young person discloses harm, abuse, or risk:

The mentor will:

  • Remain calm and listen carefully

  • Avoid judgement or shock

  • Avoid asking leading questions

  • Reassure the young person they were right to speak

  • Explain that confidentiality cannot be fully guaranteed

  • Record factual information as soon as possible

  • Report concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead

  • Contact emergency services if immediate danger exists

The mentor will not:

  • Promise secrecy

  • Investigate independently

  • Delay reporting serious concerns

9. Online Safety

When mentoring online:

  • Appropriate professional platforms should be used

  • Sessions should occur at agreed times

  • Communication should remain professional

  • Social media boundaries should be maintained

  • Young people should never be pressured into sharing personal content or images

Parental awareness and consent may be required for under-18s participating online.

10. Safer Recruitment and DBS

Anyone working with young people through The Place To Be will need to:

  • Hold an appropriate enhanced DBS check where required

  • Receive safeguarding awareness training

  • Understand boundaries and reporting procedures

  • Demonstrate suitability to work with young people

11. Health and Safety

Reasonable steps will be taken to ensure:

  • Safe physical environments

  • Appropriate supervision

  • Risk assessments for events or activities

  • Clear emergency procedures

12. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Place To Be is committed to creating an environment free from discrimination, bullying, or harassment.

All young people should feel:

  • Respected

  • Included

  • Heard

  • Safe regardless of background, identity, race, religion, sexuality, or personal circumstance

13. Policy Review

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or operational requirements change.

Date of policy: 15/10/2026
Review date: 14/10/2027