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Safeguarding Policy

 

Ocean Therapy

A trading name of Surf Therapy CIC


Last updated: March 2026

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Ocean Therapy is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. We recognise our responsibility to provide a safe, supportive and respectful environment for all participants, volunteers and staff.

 

This policy applies to all staff, facilitators, volunteers, contractors and anyone acting on behalf of Ocean Therapy.

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1. Our Commitment

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Ocean Therapy will:

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  • Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of all participants

  • Act promptly on any safeguarding concern

  • Work in accordance with UK and Welsh safeguarding legislation

  • Promote a culture of openness, accountability and respect

  • Ensure appropriate safeguarding training for staff and volunteers

 

We recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

 

2. Legal Framework

 

This policy is informed by:

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  • The Children Act 1989 & 2004

  • The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014

  • The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (UK Guidance)

  • Wales Safeguarding Procedures

 

3. Scope

 

This policy applies to:

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  • Children (under 18)

  • Young people

  • Adults at risk (including individuals with physical, mental health or learning needs)

  • Participants in ocean-based sessions

  • Volunteers and staff

 

4. Definitions

 

Safeguarding means protecting individuals from abuse, neglect or harm.

 

Abuse may include:

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  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Financial abuse

  • Discriminatory abuse

  • Online or digital abuse

 

Ocean Therapy recognises that abuse can occur in any setting.

 

5. Safeguarding Principles

 

Ocean Therapy will:

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  • Treat all individuals with dignity and respect

  • Listen to and take concerns seriously

  • Maintain appropriate professional boundaries

  • Ensure safe recruitment practices

  • Provide clear reporting procedures

 

We operate a zero-tolerance approach to abuse.

 

6. Recruitment & Training

 

Ocean Therapy will:

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  • Ensure relevant DBS checks where required

  • Provide safeguarding awareness training

  • Supervise volunteers appropriately

  • Maintain clear role descriptions

 

Staff and volunteers must understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

 

7. Code of Conduct

 

All staff and volunteers must:

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  • Treat participants respectfully and professionally

  • Avoid being alone with a child or vulnerable adult without appropriate safeguarding measures

  • Avoid inappropriate physical contact

  • Avoid private communication outside authorised channels

  • Never engage in discriminatory or harmful behaviour

 

Any breach of conduct will be investigated.

 

8. Recognising Concerns

 

Signs of abuse may include:

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  • Sudden behavioural changes

  • Withdrawal or fearfulness

  • Unexplained injuries

  • Disclosure of harm

  • Signs of neglect

 

Ocean Therapy staff are trained to respond appropriately to concerns.

 

9. Responding to a Disclosure

 

If a participant discloses abuse, our team will:

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  1. Listen calmly and without judgement

  2. Not promise confidentiality

  3. Reassure individual they have done the right thing

  4. Record the information factually

  5. Report the concern immediately

 

Our team not investigate or question beyond clarification.

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10. Reporting Procedure

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If a safeguarding concern arises:

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  • It will be reported immediately to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL).

  • If there is immediate danger, emergency services will be contacted (999).

  • Concerns will be referred to local safeguarding authorities where appropriate.

 

In Swansea, concerns should be reported to:

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Swansea Council Social Services
Emergency Duty Team: 01792 775501

 

If a crime is suspected, South Wales Police will be contacted.

 

11. Online & Digital Safety

 

Where Ocean Therapy communicates online or uses social media:

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  • Communication will remain professional

  • Consent will be obtained before publishing images

  • Safeguarding standards apply equally online

 

12. Photography & Media

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  • Written consent will be obtained before using images of participants.

  • No identifying details will be published without explicit permission.

 

13. Confidentiality

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Safeguarding information will be handled sensitively and shared only on a need-to-know basis.

 

However, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where a person is at risk of harm.

 

14. Review

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This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation changes.

 

Contact Us

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For any safeguarding-related enquiries, please contact:

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info@oceantherapy.uk
07900 578386

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