Safeguarding Policy

The Holistic Grooming Academy works with Pet Professionals to provide all aspects of business support, including furthering education on Canine Behaviour, Safe Handling and Communication in the Grooming Environment. Additionally, The HGA will cover marketing, personal development and health and wellbeing in the workplace along with collaborating with organisations and other pet sector, service providers to ultimately help to evolve and enhance the Pet Industry.

For the purpose of this policy, a person will be referred to as “individual”.

The purpose of this policy statement is:

This policy statement applies to anyone working on behalf of The Holistic Grooming Academy, those who work in collaboration, students and all Members.

  • to protect an individual who receives The Holistic Grooming Academy services
  • to provide Members, Volunteers, and Contractors with the overarching principles that guide our approach to adult protection
Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy, and guidance that seeks to protect all members (both national and international). A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from The Holistic Grooming Academy Ltd.

We believe & recognise that:

  • individuals should never experience abuse of any kind
  • we have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all adults, to keep them safe, and to practice in a way that protects their integrity
  • the welfare of every individual is paramount
  • all individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation have a right to equal protection from all types of harm and/or abuse.
  • some individuals are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs, or other issues
  • working in partnership with other organisations is essential in promoting our Member’s welfare
We will seek to keep vulnerable individuals safe by:
  • valuing, listening to, and respecting them
  • appointing a nominated individual protection lead member for safeguarding
  • developing individual protection and safeguarding policies and procedures
  • using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving our Member’s
  • creating and maintaining an anti-bullying environment and ensuring that we have a policy and procedure to help us deal effectively with any bullying that does arise
  • developing and implementing effective online safety policy and related procedures
  • sharing information about individual protection and safeguarding best practice with our members via leaflets, posters, group work, and one-to-one discussions
  • recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made
  • providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training, and quality assurance measures
  • implementing a statement of ethics and terms and conditions for our team, members, and volunteers
  • using our procedures to manage any allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately
  • ensuring that we have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place
  • ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our Students, Members, Tutors and Volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance
  • recording and storing information professionally and securely
Related policies and procedures

The policy statement should be read alongside our organisational policies and procedures, including:

  • Procedures for responding to concerns about an individual’s wellbeing
  • Dealing with allegations of abuse of individuals
  • Role of the designated safeguarding officer
  • Managing allegations against staff, members, and volunteers
  • Safer recruitment and membership policy and procedures
  • Staff, team, and volunteers supervision ratios
  • Code of conduct for Members
  • Anti-Bullying policy and procedures
  • Online safety policy and procedures for responding to concerns about online abuse
  • Photography and image sharing guidance
  • Individual protection records retention and storage policy

Contact & Policy Details

If you require further information and/or clarity on this policy please contact us:

[email protected]

We are committed to reviewing our policy and practice annually.

This policy was last reviewed on:

01/02/2024

Signed: Stephanie Zikmann

Date: 13/11/2022

View Terms & Conditions Policy