POLICY STATEMENT — Be Elite Aesthetics is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all clients, with particular regard to children and young people (under 18), vulnerable adults, and adults at risk of abuse, coercion, or exploitation. We recognise that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and we are committed to ensuring that our practices promote the safety and wellbeing of every individual who uses our services.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK — This policy is informed by and complies with: the Care Act 2014 (duty to safeguard adults at risk); the Children Act 1989 and 2004; the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (assessing capacity to consent); the Equality Act 2010; local safeguarding partnership procedures and guidelines; and the professional standards and guidance issued by the relevant regulatory bodies (GMC, NMC, GPhC).
AGE RESTRICTIONS — We do not provide aesthetic treatments to anyone under the age of 18, except in the following limited circumstances: individuals aged 16 or 17 may receive specific non-invasive treatments (such as skin treatments not involving injectables) only with prior written consent from a parent or legal guardian who must be present during the consultation. We will never administer injectable treatments (including botulinum toxin and dermal fillers) to anyone under the age of 18. We reserve the right to request photographic identification as proof of age.
CAPACITY TO CONSENT — In accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, we assess each client's capacity to consent to treatment. The five statutory principles apply: a person must be assumed to have capacity unless established otherwise; all practicable steps must be taken to help a person make their own decision; an unwise decision does not indicate lack of capacity; any decision made on behalf of a person lacking capacity must be in their best interests; and any intervention must be the least restrictive option. If a practitioner has any doubt about a client's capacity to give informed consent — whether due to intoxication, emotional distress, cognitive impairment, or any other factor — they have a professional and legal duty to pause or refuse treatment and to document their concerns.
RECOGNISING ABUSE AND COERCION — All staff and practitioners receive training in recognising the signs of abuse, neglect, self-harm, coercion, and exploitation. We are alert to situations where: a client appears to be under pressure from another person to undergo a procedure; a client shows signs of domestic abuse, controlling behaviour, or coercive control; a client's requests suggest body dysmorphic disorder or other psychological conditions that may make treatment inappropriate; or a client appears to be a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking. In such circumstances, we will sensitively explore the situation and, if concerns remain, will follow our safeguarding referral procedures.
DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD — Our designated safeguarding lead is responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices, managing referrals, and liaising with external agencies. They can be contacted at hello@beelite.clinic. In their absence, the clinic manager assumes safeguarding responsibilities.
REPORTING AND REFERRAL — Where a safeguarding concern is identified, staff will: ensure the immediate safety of the individual; record the concern in detail using factual, non-judgemental language; report the concern to the designated safeguarding lead without delay; and cooperate with the local authority safeguarding team and, where appropriate, the police. Referrals to the local authority are made in accordance with the Care Act 2014 (Section 42 enquiries for adults) or children's social care where the individual is under 18.
STAFF TRAINING AND VETTING — All staff and practitioners: undergo enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks prior to commencing work; receive safeguarding training as part of their induction and at regular intervals thereafter (at least annually); are trained in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its application to consent; and have read and understood this policy. Agency or locum staff must provide evidence of current DBS clearance and safeguarding training.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND INFORMATION SHARING — Safeguarding concerns may require us to share information with external agencies (such as the local authority, police, or professional regulatory bodies) without the individual's consent if it is necessary to protect them or others from harm. Such disclosures are made in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, which permits processing of personal data where necessary to protect vital interests or for reasons of substantial public interest.
REVIEW — This policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, or best practice. The date of the last review is shown at the top of this document.