SIMPLY CALM

Safeguarding Policy

Version 1.0  ·  May 2026  ·  Alison Thompson & Carmen Kellock


This policy applies to all services delivered by Simply Calm Ltd and to both directors in their capacity as registered nurses and service providers.


1. Policy statement

Simply Calm Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We believe that the safety and wellbeing of every child is paramount and takes precedence over all other considerations.


Both directors of Simply Calm Ltd — Alison Thompson and Carmen Kellock — are registered nurses regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). As registered nurses, we have a professional and legal duty to act on any concerns about the safety or welfare of a child or young person, regardless of the context in which those concerns arise.


2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All services provided by Simply Calm Ltd, including live webinars, on-demand content, 1-to-1 sessions, and professional training

  • All communications received through our website, email, social media, and referral form

  • Both directors of Simply Calm Ltd in the exercise of their professional roles


3. Named Safeguarding Leads

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Alison Thompson

Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Carmen Kellock

Contact: ATCKconsulting@gmail.com


4. What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding means protecting children and young people from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm. It includes:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Child sexual exploitation (CSE)

  • Child criminal exploitation (CCE)

  • Domestic abuse in the household

  • Female genital mutilation (FGM)

  • Radicalisation and extremism

  • Online abuse and exploitation


5. Our safeguarding duties

5.1 NMC professional obligations

As registered nurses, Alison Thompson and Carmen Kellock are bound by the NMC Code of Conduct, which requires them to act immediately if they believe a person is at risk of harm. This duty applies in all professional contexts, including Simply Calm services.


5.2 Limits of confidentiality

Information shared with Simply Calm is treated as confidential. However, confidentiality is not absolute. We will breach confidentiality without consent where:

  • There is a risk of serious harm to a child or young person

  • There is a risk of serious harm to the person themselves

  • There is a legal requirement to disclose


Where possible and safe to do so, we will inform the person that we intend to make a referral before doing so. However, the safety of the child will always take precedence.


6. Recognising a safeguarding concern

A safeguarding concern may arise when:

  • A parent or carer discloses abuse or harm to a child, whether past or present

  • A child or young person discloses abuse directly

  • Information shared during a session raises concern about a child’s welfare

  • A parent describes behaviour or circumstances that suggest a child is at risk

  • We receive information through our website, referral form, or social media that raises concern


7. What we will do

If a safeguarding concern arises, the following steps will be taken:

  1. The concern will be recorded in writing, including the date, time, and exact words used

  2. The Designated Safeguarding Lead will be informed immediately

  3. We will consider whether immediate emergency services are required (999)

  4. A referral will be made to the appropriate statutory agency within 24 hours — in Scotland this is the local authority Children’s Social Work or the Police (101 or 999 in an emergency)

  5. We will co-operate fully with any subsequent statutory investigation

  6. Records will be retained securely for a minimum of 10 years


8. Reporting in Scotland

Simply Calm Ltd is registered in Scotland. Statutory safeguarding referrals are made to:

  • West Lothian Council Children’s Social Work: 01506 282 400

  • Police Scotland: 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency)

  • MAPPA / MARAC where relevant


The legal framework governing child protection in Scotland is the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 and the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, supported by the National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland (updated 2021).


9. Online safeguarding

Simply Calm delivers services online. We recognise that online environments carry specific safeguarding considerations. We will:

  • Not engage in 1-to-1 communication with children or young people directly

  • Ensure all 1-to-1 sessions are with parents or carers only

  • Not record sessions without explicit consent

  • Signpost to appropriate crisis services where concerns are raised in online communications


10. Crisis and urgent support

Simply Calm is not a crisis service. Where urgent or emergency support is needed, we signpost to:

  • Emergency services: 999

  • NHS 24: 111

  • Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7, free)

  • Shout Crisis Text Line: text SHOUT to 85258 (24/7, free)

  • Childline: 0800 1111 (for children and young people)


11. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually and following any significant safeguarding incident or change in legislation. Current version and date are shown in the document footer.