Safeguarding

Safeguarding – Our Policy

Dr Han’s Chinese Medicine in Essex is committed to the highest standards of safety, dignity, and care. This Safeguarding Policy exists to protect individuals, particularly children, at-risk adults, and those engaging with our services.

All patients under 18 must be accompanied by an Adult or Guardian.

From harm that may arise through interaction with our staff, representatives, programmes, or services.

This includes harm resulting from:

  • The conduct of staff, contractors, volunteers, or visitors
  • The design or delivery of our services and activities

This policy sets out our commitments and clearly outlines the responsibilities of all personnel involved with Dr Han Chinese Medicine Essex.

Definition of Safeguarding

In the UK, safeguarding refers to the protection of people’s health, well-being, and rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect.

In our context, safeguarding means taking proactive steps to protect children and at-risk adults from harm resulting from contact with our personnel or programmes.

Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All employees of Dr Han’s Chinese Medicine in Essex
  • Contractors, consultants, volunteers, and temporary staff
  • Visitors engaged with our services, including journalists, public figures, or third-party partners

Our Commitment to Safeguarding

We believe every individual, regardless of age, ability, gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or background, has the right to feel safe, respected, and protected. We do not tolerate abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harassment in any form.

Our safeguarding approach is based on three pillars:

  • Prevention: Creating a safe environment through awareness and proactive measures
  • Reporting: Establishing clear, accessible mechanisms for raising concerns
  • Response: Taking prompt, survivor-led action when concerns arise

Prevention

Organisational Responsibilities

Dr Han’s Chinese Medicine in Essex will:

  • Ensure staff are aware of, understand, and act in accordance with this policy
  • Embed safeguarding into the design and delivery of all services
  • Apply robust safeguarding practices during recruitment and onboarding
  • Provide training appropriate to staff roles and responsibilities
  • Investigate and follow up on all safeguarding concerns appropriately

Staff Conduct – Expectations and Prohibited Behaviours

Child Safeguarding

Staff and associates must never:

  • Engage in sexual activity with anyone under 18
  • Physically, emotionally, or psychologically abuse or neglect a child
  • Exploit children for labour or commercial gain
Adult Safeguarding

Staff and associates must not:

  • Abuse or exploit adults at risk of harm
  • Cause physical, emotional, or psychological harm
  • Neglect or fail to support at-risk individuals under our care
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA)

The following is strictly prohibited:

  • Exchange of money, goods, or services for sexual activity
  • Any sexual relationship with a beneficiary of our services
  • Use of position or influence to exploit individuals sexually or emotionally

All staff and personnel must:

  • Create and uphold a culture of safety and respect
  • Immediately report any suspected or confirmed safeguarding violations

Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Dr Han’s Chinese Medicine Essex will maintain accessible, secure, and confidential reporting mechanisms for:

  • Staff
  • Service users
  • Members of the public

We encourage anyone with concerns to report them promptly. All concerns will be treated seriously and investigated in line with our procedures and statutory obligations.

Designated Safeguarding Officers:

  • Shuge Zhang, Founder/Owner
  • Yan Zhnag, Clinical Practitioner & Administrator

If you are uncomfortable reporting directly to a Safeguarding Officer, you may report to any trusted senior staff member.

We also adhere to our Whistleblowing Policy, which ensures protection for those who report concerns in good faith.

Response and Survivor Support

All safeguarding concerns will be handled with care, confidentiality, and urgency. Where appropriate, disciplinary or legal action will be taken. Survivors will be supported throughout the process, with decisions led by their preferences and needs, regardless of whether a formal investigation occurs.

Confidentiality

All safeguarding matters will be handled confidentially. Information will only be shared on a strict “need to know” basis and securely stored.

Associated Policies and Procedures

  • Code of Conduct
  • Whistleblowing Policy
  • Complaints Policy
  • Reporting & Response Procedures

Glossary of Key Terms

  • Child: Anyone under the age of 18
  • At-Risk Adult: An adult needing care due to age, illness, or disability, who may be unable to protect themselves
  • Harm: Physical, emotional, psychological injury or abuse
  • Safeguarding: Taking reasonable steps to protect individuals from harm, especially those vulnerable to abuse or exploitation
  • Sexual Exploitation: Abuse of power or vulnerability for sexual purposes, including trafficking
  • Sexual Abuse: Unwanted or coerced sexual activity, including physical intrusion under threat or manipulation
  • Survivor: The individual who has experienced harm, who may also be referred to as the victim, depending on personal preference