Confidentiality and data protection policy

ADHD Mentoring With Emily
Effective date: 19th April 2025
Contact: Emily.ramsey4@outlook.com

1. Purpose

This safeguarding policy outlines how I, Emily Ramsey, protect the wellbeing and safety of young people aged 14 to 24 who engage with my online ADHD mentoring services.

I take my responsibility to protect young people from harm seriously. This policy sets out how I identify and respond to safeguarding concerns.

2. Who this policy covers

This applies to all clients aged 14–24, and specifically outlines actions I take when working with under-18s, in line with UK safeguarding guidance.

3. My commitment

  • To create a safe, respectful, and confidential mentoring environment.

  • To promote the wellbeing, rights, and dignity of every young person.

  • To act promptly and appropriately if I suspect a young person is at risk of harm.

4. Key safeguarding principles

  • All young people have the right to feel safe and be protected from harm.

  • Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, even in online settings.

  • Concerns are taken seriously, even if shared indirectly or casually.

  • Confidentiality is important, but not absolute — safety comes first.

5. Recognising abuse or harm

I stay alert to signs of:

  • Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse

  • Neglect or exploitation

  • Bullying (including online)

  • Mental health crises or self-harm risks

  • Unsafe home or social environments

6. Confidentiality and safeguarding

Mentoring sessions are private and confidential. However, I may need to break confidentiality if:

  • A young person is at serious risk of harm (to themselves or others)

  • A disclosure of abuse, neglect, or criminal activity is made

  • I am legally required to share information

Whenever possible, I will speak with the young person before taking action, and I will explain clearly what will happen and why.

7. If the client is under 18

  • I will seek written consent from a parent/guardian before starting mentoring.

  • I will still respect the young person’s confidentiality during sessions.

  • I may contact the parent/guardian in case of risk or if I feel mentoring is no longer appropriate.

8. Reporting concerns

If I believe a young person is at risk, I may contact:

  • Local safeguarding services (e.g. the local authority’s MASH or social services)

  • Parents/guardians, if appropriate and safe

  • Police or emergency services, if the risk is immediate

I keep brief, factual records of any safeguarding concerns raised.

9. Staying safe online

As mentoring takes place virtually:

  • Sessions are held via secure, password-protected platforms (e.g. Zoom)

  • No sessions are recorded

  • I encourage clients to join from a private, safe space

  • I never communicate with clients via personal social media

10. Training & updates

I regularly review this policy and stay informed about current safeguarding legislation. If I expand my services or team in the future, safeguarding training will be a requirement for anyone working with me.

11. What to do if you have a concern

If you’re a client, parent, or professional and have a safeguarding concern related to my work, please email me directly at:
📧 Emily.ramsey4@outlook.com

If you do not feel comfortable speaking with me directly, you can contact:

  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

  • Childline (for under 19s): 0800 1111

  • Your local authority’s safeguarding team

12. Policy review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if laws or best practices change.

Last reviewed: 19th April 2025
Next review due: 19th April 2026