Safeguarding Policy

Our commitment

Athena Veritas Ltd, trading as Bolt Practice and operating the RIZE programme, is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all participants. We recognise that some people who join RIZE may be going through difficult times, and we take seriously our responsibility to respond appropriately when concerns arise.

This policy applies to all RIZE programme participants, staff, coaches, and contractors. It covers the online programme at rize-platform.netlify.app and all associated communications.

Scope and legal framework

RIZE is an online skills programme for adults aged 18 to 30. All participants are adults. This policy is therefore an adult safeguarding policy and operates within the framework of the Care Act 2014, the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended), the Health and Social Care Act 2012, and the General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) as retained in UK law.

We are not a mental health service, a counselling service, or a crisis intervention service. Where a safeguarding concern arises, our role is to signpost participants to the appropriate professional support, not to provide that support ourselves.

Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for RIZE is:

The DSL is responsible for overseeing safeguarding matters, ensuring this policy is implemented, and acting as the first point of contact for any concerns raised internally or by participants.

What we mean by safeguarding

In the context of RIZE, safeguarding means protecting participants from situations that could cause them serious harm. This includes but is not limited to:

• A participant disclosing that they are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts
• A participant indicating they are being abused, exploited, or are at risk of harm from another person
• A participant showing signs of significant emotional distress that suggest they need professional support
• A participant disclosing that they are in a situation of financial exploitation or modern slavery

Because RIZE operates online and does not have face-to-face contact with participants as standard, most safeguarding concerns will arise through written communications: messages sent to our contact address or content shared through the platform.

How we respond to a concern

If a participant contacts us

If someone contacts us and discloses a safeguarding concern, about themselves or someone else, we will:

• Acknowledge the message promptly and with care
• Not dismiss or minimise what has been shared
• Provide immediate signposting to emergency services or specialist helplines as appropriate
• Refer the matter to the Designated Safeguarding Lead within 24 hours
• Keep a confidential record of the concern and the action taken

Confidentiality and disclosure

We handle all safeguarding concerns in confidence. However, confidentiality is not absolute. Where we believe there is a serious and immediate risk to the life of a participant or another person, we may share information with emergency services or statutory authorities without the participant's consent. We will always tell the participant if we intend to share information about them, unless doing so would put them or someone else at greater risk.

Referral to statutory services

Where a concern meets the threshold for a statutory referral (for example, where there is evidence of abuse, neglect, or serious risk of harm), the Designated Safeguarding Lead will contact the relevant local authority adult safeguarding team or, where there is immediate risk, the police.

Support and resources

If you are struggling, please reach out to one of the following services. All are free and confidential.

Staff and coach responsibilities

All coaches, staff, and contractors working with RIZE are expected to:

• Be aware of this policy and act in accordance with it
• Report any safeguarding concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately
• Never attempt to handle a serious safeguarding concern alone
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with participants at all times
• Not share personal contact details with participants outside of official RIZE channels

Data protection

Information relating to safeguarding concerns is handled in accordance with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy. Safeguarding records are kept securely, accessed only by those with a legitimate need, and retained for a minimum of six years from the date of the concern. The lawful basis for processing this information is compliance with a legal obligation and, where applicable, protection of vital interests.

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there is a significant change in legislation, guidance, or the nature of the programme. The next scheduled review is July 2027.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us at hello@athenaveritas.ai.