Policies

Child Protection Policy

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MJO Wellbeing Services Ltd is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Everyone, regardless of age, background or circumstance, has the right to feel safe and protected from harm at all times.

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If we have any concerns about a child’s physical, emotional, or psychological wellbeing, we will take immediate and appropriate action.

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We recognise that child protection is part of a wider commitment to children’s rights and wellbeing. We follow the guidance of the Highland Child Protection Committee and ensure that recruitment, supervision, and safeguarding practices reflect national and local standards.

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Safer Recruitment and Vetting

1. We accept our responsibility to ensure that all adults working with children or young people are members of the appropriate Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and have been suitably vetted.
2. We maintain accurate records for each member of staff and volunteer.
3. We carry out all necessary pre-employment checks, including references where appropriate.
4. We interview all prospective staff and volunteers.
5. We will inform Disclosure Scotland if any individual on the Disqualified from Working with Children List applies to work or volunteer with us.
6. All staff and volunteers receive clear codes of practice and guidance for safe working.
7. Any member of staff or volunteer who is known or suspected to have caused harm to a child, or placed a child at risk of harm, will be immediately removed from their role. Disclosure Scotland will be notified of our actions and the reasons for them, even if that person has since left the organisation.

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Responding to Concerns

All staff and volunteers are expected to share concerns immediately with the organisation’s Child Protection Lead.

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If a situation is urgent, if a child is too frightened to go home, or if there are serious doubts about their safety, Social Work or Police Scotland will be contacted without delay.

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Designated Child Protection Lead

The designated Child Protection Lead for MJO Wellbeing Services Ltd is:

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Mike Ogden

Director and Child Protection Lead

Mike@mjowellbeingservices.uk

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Mike is responsible for ensuring that all safeguarding concerns are managed appropriately and in line with Highland Child Protection procedures. In his absence, any urgent concerns should be reported directly to Social Work or Police Scotland.

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Key local contacts

Highland Council – Social Work (Children’s Services)

During office hours: 01349 886606

Out of hours: 0808 175 3646

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Police Scotland

Non-emergency: 101

Emergency: 999

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Highland Child Protection Committee

www.hcpc.scot

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Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if legislation, guidance, or best practice changes.

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Complaints Policy

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We welcome feedback and are committed to handling all complaints in a respectful and transparent manner.

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• Complaints can be made verbally or in writing to complaints@mjowellbeingservices.uk
• All complaints will be acknowledged within 3 working days and resolved where possible within 10 working days.
• Complaints will be documented, reviewed, and used to improve practice.

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For counselling services, clients may also raise concerns through the relevant professional body, the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), where appropriate.

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Equalities Policy

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MJO Wellbeing Services Ltd is committed to providing inclusive services free from discrimination.

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• We welcome all clients regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or background.
• We actively promote equity and belonging in all work with children, families, and partners.
• Inclusive practice is embedded in service design and delivery.

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Health & Safety Policy

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MJO Wellbeing Services is committed to maintaining a safe environment for all.

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• All venues used will be risk assessed and meet safety standards.
• Emergency procedures are in place and reviewed regularly.
• Equipment used in sessions is safe and age-appropriate.

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Risk Assessment Policy

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Each activity or venue is subject to a risk assessment to identify potential hazards.

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• Control measures will be put in place and reviewed regularly.
• Risk assessments are updated in response to incidents or changes in service delivery.
• All external venues are also assessed prior to use.

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First Aid Policy

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Mike Ogden holds a valid First Aid certificate, updated every 3 years.

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• A first aid kit is carried to all in-person sessions.
• In case of an injury or medical incident, appropriate care will be provided and emergency services contacted where needed.
• Parents or carers will be informed as soon as possible.

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Accidents & Incidents Policy

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MJO Wellbeing Services is committed to ensuring that any accidents or incidents involving children, staff, or visitors are responded to promptly, recorded accurately, and reviewed appropriately.

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Corrective actions will be taken to reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Records will be retained securely for a minimum of 3 years in line with legal and insurance requirements.

• All accidents and incidents will be documented using an incident form.
• Serious incidents will be reported to appropriate authorities if required.