Safeguarding Policy

Mad4Mutts Puppy School & Dog Training

Our website address: https://mad4mutts.co.uk

Effective Date: 20th May 2026

At Mad4Mutts, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all clients, including children, young people, and vulnerable adults attending our puppy school classes, dog training sessions, workshops, and related services.

We recognise our responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all individuals we come into contact with through our business activities.

Our safeguarding approach includes:

  • Providing a safe physical environment during training sessions
  • Promoting respectful, professional conduct at all times
  • Responding appropriately to concerns or disclosures
  • Maintaining appropriate boundaries with clients
  • Reporting safeguarding concerns when necessary

This policy applies to:

  • Business owners
  • Employees
  • Contractors
  • Volunteers
  • Assistants
  • Guest trainers or workshop providers

It covers all services including:

  • Puppy classes
  • Dog training classes
  • Behaviour consultations
  • Home visits
  • Workshops and seminars
  • Online consultations or video sessions
  • Social media interactions related to business services

We will:

  • Treat all clients with dignity, respect, and fairness
  • Prioritise the welfare of children and vulnerable adults
  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times
  • Take all safeguarding concerns seriously
  • Act promptly if concerns arise
  • Respect confidentiality while understanding it cannot always be guaranteed if safety is at risk

Children attending classes or sessions must:

  • Be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult unless explicitly agreed otherwise
  • Remain under parental/carer responsibility throughout sessions
  • Not be left unattended at training venues

Our trainers will:

  • Never be alone with a child without parental consent and awareness
  • Avoid unnecessary physical contact
  • Use age-appropriate, respectful communication

We recognise some clients may be vulnerable due to:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Mental health conditions
  • Learning difficulties
  • Illness or temporary incapacity

We will:

  • Treat vulnerable adults respectfully and without discrimination
  • Ensure reasonable adjustments where possible
  • Raise concerns appropriately if we believe someone may be at risk of harm, abuse, or neglect

All staff and representatives must:

  • Behave professionally and respectfully
  • Avoid inappropriate relationships or communications with clients
  • Not share personal or unnecessary private information
  • Use business communication channels where possible

Inappropriate behaviour includes:

  • Harassment
  • Bullying
  • Discrimination
  • Aggressive conduct
  • Inappropriate messaging or contact

Photos or videos taken during classes or sessions will only be used:

  • With prior client consent
  • In accordance with privacy and GDPR requirements

We will not post images of children without explicit written permission from a parent or guardian.

If a safeguarding concern arises, staff should:

  1. Record the concern clearly and factually
  2. Report it immediately to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) or business owner
  3. Seek advice from appropriate authorities where required

Designated Safeguarding Lead:

Name: Stephen Jenkins
Role: Dog Trainer
Contact: mad4muttstorbay@gmail.com

If there is immediate danger or risk of serious harm:

  • Contact emergency services: 999
  • Contact local safeguarding services or police where appropriate

Safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively.
Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis, except where disclosure is necessary to protect a child, vulnerable adult, or another person from harm.

All staff, assistants, or contractors should:

  • Read and understand this safeguarding policy
  • Receive appropriate safeguarding awareness training where relevant
  • This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or business activities change.
  • We may update these Safeguarding Policy at any time without notice. It is your responsibility to review them periodically.