SkinInspire Medical Aesthetics – Safeguarding Policy

1. Policy Statement

SkinInspire Medical Aesthetics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all patients, including children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
 

We recognise our responsibility to:

• Provide a safe, secure, and clinically appropriate environment 

• Protect individuals from harm, abuse, neglect, or exploitation 

• Act promptly and appropriately where safeguarding concerns arise 
   

This policy is implemented in line with safeguarding legislation, professional standards, and best practice guidance to ensure patient safety at all times.

2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

• All members of staff 

• All patients attending the clinic 

• Any visitors to the premises 
   

It covers safeguarding responsibilities relating to:

• Children and young people (under 18 years) 

• Vulnerable adults 

3. Safeguarding Lead

The clinic has a designated Safeguarding Lead responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices, supporting staff, and ensuring appropriate escalation of concerns.
 

Annie Coles (INP) is the Safeguarding Lead for SkinInspire Medical Aesthetics and holds:

• Level 3 Safeguarding Training (Clinical Level) 

• Completion of a degree-level safeguarding course (6-month university programme) 

• Extensive clinical experience within healthcare settings 
   

The Safeguarding Lead is responsible for:

• Providing guidance and support to staff on safeguarding matters 

• Reviewing and managing safeguarding concerns 

• Ensuring appropriate referrals are made where necessary 

• Maintaining up-to-date safeguarding knowledge and training 

• Supporting compliance with clinical governance and regulatory standards 

4. Safer Recruitment & Staff Responsibilities

All staff members:

• Are appropriately vetted through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), including checks for both children and vulnerable adults 

• Undergo mandatory safeguarding training appropriate to their role 

• Complete regular refresher safeguarding training to ensure knowledge remains current 

• Are subject to enhanced DBS checks which are reviewed and renewed every 2 years 
   

The clinic ensures that:

• All safeguarding training is documented and kept up to date 

• Staff remain competent in recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns 

• Ongoing professional development is supported in line with clinical governance standards 
   

Staff are required to:

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times 

• Act in the best interests of patients 

• Recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns 

• Escalate concerns in line with safeguarding procedures 

• Accurately document any concerns or incidents 

5. Safeguarding Children & Young People

The clinic provides limited treatments to individuals under the age of 18, in line with clinical protocols.
 

Where a child or young person attends:

• A parent or legal guardian must be present at all times 

• Valid consent must be obtained prior to treatment 

• The child’s safety, wellbeing, and best interests are prioritised 
   

Staff will assess:

• Capacity and understanding 

• Willingness to proceed 

• Any safeguarding concerns 
   

Treatment will not proceed where concerns are identified.

6. Unattended Children Policy

SkinInspire Medical Aesthetics does not provide childcare facilities.

• Children must not be left unattended anywhere on the premises 

• Patients are responsible for ensuring appropriate supervision at all times 
   

Staff:

• Are not responsible for supervising children 

• Are not permitted to provide childcare during appointments 
   

If appropriate supervision is not available:

• The appointment may be refused, rescheduled, or cancelled in the interest of safety 

7. Children in Treatment Rooms

For clinical safety, infection control, and governance reasons:

• Children who are not receiving treatment are not permitted in treatment rooms under any circumstances 
   

This policy is in place to:

• Maintain a safe and controlled clinical environment 

• Prevent risk of injury or disruption during procedures 

• Ensure infection prevention and control standards are upheld 
   

Failure to comply may result in:

• Refusal or rescheduling of the appointment 

8. Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults

The clinic is committed to protecting vulnerable adults who may:

• Have reduced capacity to make decisions 

• Be at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation 
   

Where concerns arise:

• Staff will act in the individual’s best interests 

• Capacity and consent will be assessed 

• Concerns may be escalated to appropriate safeguarding authorities 

9. Duty of Care & Safeguarding Reporting

SkinInspire Medical Aesthetics has a legal and professional duty of care to protect all patients from harm.
 

As healthcare professionals, we are committed to:

• Respecting patient confidentiality and privacy 

• Acting in the best interests of the individual 

• Taking appropriate action where there is a risk of harm 
   

Patients should be aware:

• Confidentiality is not absolute 

• Where there is a risk of harm, information may need to be shared 
   

If a safeguarding concern is identified, including risk of harm to the patient or others, the clinic will:

• Take immediate action where necessary 

• Document concerns clearly and factually 

• Escalate concerns in line with safeguarding procedures 
   

This may include referral to:

• Local safeguarding teams 

• Social services 

• The police 

• Other healthcare professionals 
   

These actions are taken to ensure safety and are in line with legal and professional obligations.

10. Types of Safeguarding Concerns

Staff are trained to recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns including, but not limited to:
 

Abuse

• Physical abuse 

• Emotional or psychological abuse 

• Sexual abuse 

• Financial or economic abuse 
   

Neglect

• Failure to meet basic needs 

• Lack of medical care 

• Poor hygiene or living conditions 
   

Exploitation

• Grooming or manipulation 

• Sexual exploitation 

• Financial exploitation 
   

Domestic Abuse

• Coercive or controlling behaviour 

• Violence within relationships 
   

Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking

• Forced labour 

• Exploitation under control or coercion 
   

Self-Harm & Risk to Self

• Self-inflicted injury 

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviours 

• Mental health concerns impacting safety 
   

Capacity & Consent Concerns

• Inability to understand treatment 

• Lack of capacity to consent 

• Pressure or influence from others 

11. Information Sharing & Confidentiality

All safeguarding concerns are handled sensitively and in accordance with data protection laws.
 

Information will only be shared:

• Where necessary to protect an individual from harm 

• With appropriate safeguarding authorities or professionals 

• In line with legal and professional obligations 
   

Where possible:

• Patients will be informed 

• Consent will be sought 
   

However, where there is a risk of serious harm:

• Information may be shared without consent 

• This will always be necessary, proportionate, and justified 

12. Patient Responsibilities

Patients attending the clinic are required to:

• Ensure children are supervised at all times 

• Not leave children unattended on the premises 

• Not bring children into treatment rooms unless they are the patient 

• Make appropriate childcare arrangements during appointments 
   

Failure to comply may result in:

• Refusal of treatment 

• Appointment cancellation or rescheduling 

13. Governance & Review

This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed regularly to ensure compliance with:

• Legal and regulatory requirements 

• Clinical governance standards 

• Best practice guidance 
   

The clinic is committed to continuous improvement in safeguarding practices.