Safeguarding Policy

EB Unlocked Limited (trading as Unlocked Expertise) is committed to the safety, wellbeing and dignity of everyone who engages with our services. This policy sets out the standards of conduct we expect and the procedures for raising and responding to safeguarding concerns.

The primary context for Unlocked is adult-to-adult business mentoring. However, this policy applies to all interactions facilitated through the platform, including:

• Mentoring sessions between mentors and business users
• Communications through the platform messaging system
• Video sessions
• Funded programmes, including those that may involve younger participants or individuals in vulnerable circumstances

All mentors, business users and programme participants are expected to behave professionally and respectfully. In particular:

• Treat all individuals with dignity and respect regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or any other characteristic
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times
• Not engage in any form of abuse, harassment, exploitation or inappropriate behaviour
• Respect confidentiality while recognising that safeguarding concerns override confidentiality
• Not request or share inappropriate personal contact information outside the platform

We operate a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, harassment, exploitation, discrimination and any behaviour that puts individuals at risk. Any person found to have breached these standards will face immediate investigation, which may result in suspension or permanent removal from the platform and, where appropriate, reporting to relevant authorities.

If you witness, experience or suspect any safeguarding concern, please contact us immediately:

• Email: support@unlockedexpertise.com with the subject line “Safeguarding”

If you or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 999.

When a safeguarding concern is raised, we will:

• Take it seriously and respond promptly
• Record the concern accurately and confidentially
• Assess the immediate risk and take protective action where necessary
• Investigate the concern thoroughly, involving relevant commissioning partners or authorities where appropriate
• Keep the person who raised the concern informed of the outcome, where possible

All safeguarding records are kept securely and treated as confidential, with access limited to those directly involved in managing the concern.

Where a funded programme involves younger participants, vulnerable adults or settings where enhanced safeguarding is required, Unlocked will work with the commissioning organisation to implement appropriate additional measures. These may include:

• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks for participating mentors
• Additional safeguarding training
• Enhanced supervision or monitoring arrangements
• Programme-specific codes of conduct

Standard adult-to-adult business mentoring does not currently require DBS checks.

This policy is reviewed annually and following any safeguarding incident. It will be updated to reflect changes in legislation, best practice or the nature of our services.