Safeguarding Policy, Procedures & Processes

Safeguarding Policy

Protecting Children & Vulnerable Individuals

Right Conduct for Teachers, Volunteers, Participants & Trustees

Is someone about to be attacked or hurt? Is a crime taking place right now? If yes, call 999 and ask for the police.

By participating in, or being associated with, the Foundation's activities in any capacity, all individuals agree to adhere to this Safeguarding Policy and associated codes of conduct.

Last Review Date:

10 Feb 2026

Next Review Date:

09 Feb 2027

Reviewed by Trustees, Teachers & Volunteers

[ 1 ] Our Safeguarding Commitment

The Sacred Grove Foundation (the Foundation) is committed to creating a safe, respectful, inclusive and dignified environment for all who participate in our programmes and are safeguarded from harm, whether in person or online.

Safeguarding is a core responsibility of the Foundation and applies to all trustees, volunteers, teachers, facilitators, organisers, contractors, and anyone acting on behalf of the Foundation.

We recognise our duty to:

• Protect children and adults at risk from harm, abuse, exploitation, or neglect;

• Create a safe environment for spiritual learning, education, and wellbeing activities;

• Respond appropriately, sensitively, and promptly to safeguarding concerns.

Safeguarding takes precedence over reputational, organisational, or personal considerations.

Please note:

Neither Sri M nor the Foundation endorses, authorises, or supports any behaviour that violates safeguarding principles, ethical conduct, or personal boundaries. Such behaviour is never encouraged, justified, or tolerated in any form.

No one’s length of association with Sri M, the Foundation or any personal or spiritual experiences confers spiritual authority, seniority, or status. These must never be used to influence, manipulate, exploit, or override safeguarding principles, personal boundaries, consent, or individual autonomy.

[ 2 ] What Safeguarding Means

Safeguarding means protecting people’s right to live free from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to:

• Physical harm

• Sexual abuse or exploitation

• Emotional or psychological abuse

• Harassment, bullying, or intimidation

• Grooming, Coercion or manipulation (including spiritual, emotional, or authority-based abuse). Refer #grooming for more details.

• Neglect

• Inappropriate boundaries

• Spiritual, financial, or positional abuse

• Digital or online abuse

[ 3 ] Who This Policy Applies To

This policy applies to:

• All participants

• All teachers

• All volunteers

• All trustees and organisers

• With particular care for:

  • Children and young people

  • Adults at risk, who may be vulnerable due to illness, disability, trauma, grief, emotional distress, or spiritual seeking

This applies across all activities under the Foundation (not limited to):

• In-person activities (Classes, courses, teaching sessions, retreats, workshops, events)

• Online activities (meetings, courses, teaching sessions, livestreams, WhatsApp messages/groups, email, social media, digital platforms)

• One-to-one and group interactions

By participating in, or being associated with, the Foundation's activities in any capacity, all individuals agree to adhere to this Safeguarding Policy and associated codes of conduct.

[ 4 ] Children and Adults at Risk

Children

A child is any person under the age of 18.

The Foundation recognises its duty to safeguard children in accordance with UK legislation and guidance, including:

• Children Act 1989 & 2004

• Working Together to Safeguard Children

Adults at Risk

An adult at risk is a person aged 18 or over who:

• Has care and support needs

• Is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect

• May be unable to protect themselves

This aligns with the Care Act 2014.

[ 4.1 ] Procedures: Children and Adults at Risk

Safeguarding Children (Under 18)

If a safeguarding concern relates to a child, the Foundation will:

• Prioritise the child’s immediate safety

• Report concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead

• Make a referral to local authority children’s services where required

• Contact the police immediately if there is an immediate risk of harm

The Foundation follows relevant UK legislation and guidance, including:

• Children Act 1989 and 2004

• Working Together to Safeguard Children

Safeguarding Adults at Risk

If a safeguarding concern relates to an adult at risk, the Foundation will:

• Respect the adult’s wishes wherever possible, while prioritising safety

• Assess the level of risk and urgency

• Report concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead

• Make a referral to adult social care or other statutory agencies where required

• Contact the police where there is immediate danger or a serious criminal concern

The Foundation follows safeguarding principles set out in the Care Act 2014, including empowerment, protection, proportionality, and accountability.

[ 5 ] Code of Conduct & Boundaries

All representatives of the Foundation and all participants must:

• Maintain clear professional and ethical boundaries at all times

• Avoid any behaviour that could be perceived as coercive, grooming, manipulative, exploitative, or inappropriate

• Never use spiritual authority, seniority, experience, or proximity to Sri M nor the Foundation to influence, control, or exploit others

• Respect one's right to say “no” without pressure or consequence

Explicit Prohibitions

• No private or secret one-to-one communication without transparency or safeguarding supervision.

• No solicitation to join private groups, satsangs, or teachings not authorised by the Foundation.

• No financial solicitation, sales, or personal benefit activities.

• No claims of special spiritual rank, authority, or endorsement.

• Volunteers, teachers, and participants must not create, administer, or participate in unofficial online or offline groups in the name of the Foundation, or in any way that implies affiliation with, endorsement by, or representation of The Sacred Grove Foundation or Sri M.

  They must also not participate in any group, forum, or gathering online or offline that involves Foundation participants or activities where the conduct, content, or practices are inconsistent with the Foundation’s safeguarding policies, ethical standards, or codes of conduct.

  This includes, but is not limited to, WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, email lists, social media groups, private meetings, or gatherings formed without explicit written authorisation from the Foundation.

Sri M or the Foundation will never endorse any form of abuse, exploitation, or boundary-violating behaviour.

[ 6 ] Respectful & Harassment-Free Environment

Everyone has the right to participate without fear, pressure, or discomfort.

The following are not permitted:

• Sexual or romantic advances

• Inappropriate comments about body, appearance, or personal life

• Flirtation, suggestive behaviour, or sexualised language

• Discrimination, humiliation, or ridicule

• Intimidation, manipulation, or coercion

This includes behaviour through (but is not limited to):

• Speech

• Body language

• Any digital media, messages, emails, WhatsApp, Zoom chat, social media or anyother online/offline platforms

Zero tolerance applies to serious misconduct.

[ 7 ] Professional, Ethical & Spiritual Boundaries

Teachers, volunteers, organisers and participants must:

• Maintain clear professional and ethical boundaries

• Never create emotional, sexual, or financial dependency

• Never request secrecy, private intimacy, or special loyalty

• Never exploit vulnerability or spiritual seeking

Spiritual teachings must never be used to justify inappropriate behaviour or override personal boundaries.

[ 8 ] Grooming and Manipulative Behaviour

The Sacred Grove Foundation recognises that grooming is a deliberate process through which an individual builds trust, emotional connection, or perceived authority in order to manipulate, exploit, or abuse another person.

Grooming may occur:

• Online or in person

• Gradually over time or rapidly

• Towards children or adults at risk

• Under the guise of care, guidance, mentoring, healing, or spiritual support

Examples of grooming behaviours include, but are not limited to:

• Excessive personal attention or contact

• Attempts to isolate an individual from friends, family, or group settings

• Gradual boundary violations presented as care, concern, or spiritual necessity

• Private or secret communication

• Use of spiritual language, authority, or seniority to override consent or resistance

• reframing discomfort or refusal as a lack of trust, faith, or spiritual readiness

The Foundation has ZERO tolerance for grooming or grooming-like behaviours.

Any concerns or suspicions of grooming must be treated as safeguarding concerns and reported immediately in accordance with this policy, even if no explicit abuse has occurred.

[ 9 ] Safeguarding Against Misuse of Sri M’s Name, Teachings, and Authority

No individual is authorised to:

• Speak on behalf of Sri M, except through direct and official communications issued by The Sacred Grove Foundation

• Interpret or present Sri M’s teachings as a source of personal authority

• Claim special spiritual status, blessings, proximity, endorsement, or exclusive access to Sri M

• Promote, persuade, or direct participants toward unauthorised teachers, teachings, practices, or groups

Volunteers, teachers, organisers, or participants must never use:

• Their role or position

• Their access

• The name, teachings, or reputation of Sri M

to gain influence, control, financial benefit, personal benefit, or any form of emotional, spiritual, or relational advantage.

Participants are encouraged to rely solely on Sri M’s direct teachings, authorised programmes, and official communications issued by The Sacred Grove Foundation. The Foundation does not recognise or support interpretations, representations, or claims made by individuals outside these authorised channels.

To maintain a safe, transparent, and respectful environment, participants should engage only in WhatsApp groups or other online or offline groups that are officially organised, authorised, and moderated by The Sacred Grove Foundation. Participation in unauthorised groups is discouraged, as such spaces fall outside the Foundation’s safeguarding supervision.

Any breach of this section by volunteers, teachers, organisers, or participants will be treated as a safeguarding concern.

Such breaches may result in:

• Immediate safeguarding review

• Removal from programmes, events, or online spaces

• Suspension or permanent exclusion from participation or roles within the Foundation

• Revocation of volunteer or teaching status (where applicable)

• Escalation to trustees and, where required, referral to relevant statutory or regulatory authorities

• In cases of serious misconduct, relevant details may be shared, on a need-to-know basis, with other centres associated with Sri M to safeguard participants and prevent further harm.

This applies equally to behaviour intended to influence, manipulate, exploit, coerce, or mislead other participants, whether directly or indirectly, online or offline.

[ 10 ] Volunteer Conduct & Prevention of Abuse of Power

Volunteering is a selfless service — not a spiritual rank, entitlement, or authority. Volunteers serve only in administrative and service roles.

They must never:

• Seek personal loyalty, admiration, or dependence

• Initiate private emotional or intimate relationships

• Request money, gifts, or favours

• Use insider access or information for advantage

• Exploit spiritual trust

• Give misleading, distorted, or unauthorised interpretations of Sri M’s teachings

• Claim or imply special closeness, authority, or endorsement from Sri M in order to influence, pressure, or override the boundaries of any participant

• No networking or solicitation to join private groups, satsangs, teachings, or activities outside those officially authorised by the Foundation.

• No promotion or persuasion toward unauthorised teachers or teachings

• No selling, marketing, or promotion of personal or commercial offerings

Please note:

Neither Sri M nor the Foundation endorses, authorises, or supports any behaviour that violates safeguarding principles, ethical conduct, or personal boundaries. Such behaviour is never encouraged, justified, or tolerated in any form.

No one’s length of association with Sri M, the Foundation, or any personal or spiritual experiences confers spiritual authority, seniority, or status. These must never be used to influence, manipulate, exploit, or override safeguarding principles, personal boundaries, consent, or individual autonomy.

[ 11 ] Safeguarding Rights of Teachers

Teachers have the right to:

• Teach in a safe and respectful environment

• Be protected from harassment, false allegations, or inappropriate behaviour

• Set and maintain clear professional boundaries

• Receive support from the Foundation if concerns arise

Teachers must also:

• Follow safeguarding and boundary guidelines

• Avoid one-to-one private relationships without transparency

• Report concerns promptly

Safeguarding protects teachers as well as participants.

[ 12 ] In-person, Online & Digital Safety

The same standards apply online as in person.

This includes (but is not limited to):

• No secret or inappropriate private messaging

• No misuse of recordings, screenshots, or images

• No sexualised or intrusive behaviour

• No networking or solicitation to join private groups, satsangs, teachings, or activities outside those officially authorised by the Foundation.

• No promotion or persuasion toward unauthorised teachers or teachings

• No selling, marketing, or promotion of personal or commercial offerings

• Private one-to-one messaging between volunteers/teachers and participants, especially children or adults at risk, should be strictly limited to essential logistical communication. It should be professional in tone, avoid private topics, and where possible, another volunteer or the Safeguarding Lead should be copied in or made aware

• Volunteers, teachers, and participants must not create, administer, or participate in unofficial online or offline groups in the name of the Foundation, or in any way that implies affiliation with, endorsement by, or representation of The Sacred Grove Foundation

  They must also not participate in any group, forum, or gathering—online or offline—that involves Foundation participants or activities where the conduct, content, or practices are inconsistent with the Foundation’s safeguarding policies, ethical standards, or codes of conduct.

  This includes, but is not limited to, WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, email lists, social media groups, private meetings, or gatherings formed without explicit written authorisation from the Foundation.

• No audio or video recordings may be made of any Foundation activity without explicit, informed consent, obtained in advance through registration forms or other clearly documented means, where applicable. Participants are under no obligation to keep their cameras switched on. Anyone who does not wish to appear on camera may keep their camera off at any time, and this choice must be respected without question or pressure.

• Participants must not take photographs, record audio or video, use AI tools, or request others to do so during any Foundation activity (online or in person) unless explicit written permission has been granted by the Foundation in advance.

[ 13 ] Health, Wellbeing & Personal Responsibility

Our programmes support wellbeing but do not replace medical or psychological care.

Participants are responsible for practising within their own physical and emotional limits and seeking professional advice when needed.

Individuals with significant mental health conditions, a history of severe trauma, or who are in acute emotional crisis are strongly advised to seek support from qualified healthcare professionals before participating in intensive practices (e.g., retreats). Teachers and volunteers are not qualified to diagnose or treat medical or psychological conditions.

[ 14 ] Safer Recruitment & DBS

The Foundation is committed to safer recruitment practices, including:

• Role-appropriate DBS checks where required

• References for key roles

• Safeguarding awareness as part of induction

[ 15 ] Training & Awareness

The Sacred Grove Foundation is committed to ensuring that all individuals acting on its behalf understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

Safeguarding training is mandatory and proportionate to role.

• Trustees:
  Trustees will receive safeguarding awareness training appropriate to their governance responsibilities and will ensure safeguarding is appropriately embedded and reviewed across the charity.

• Safeguarding Leads:
  Designated Safeguarding Leads will receive enhanced safeguarding training relevant to their role, including responding to disclosures, decision-making, record-keeping, and referral to statutory agencies.

• Volunteers, teachers, and facilitators:
  All volunteers, teachers, and facilitators will receive safeguarding awareness training as part of induction and refresher training at regular intervals.

• Participants:

  All participants will be provided with access to the Foundation’s Safeguarding Policy so they are aware of expected standards of conduct, their rights, and the safeguarding principles that apply during all Foundation-organised events and interactions.

Training will include:

• Recognising signs of abuse, grooming, and boundary violations

• Understanding power imbalance and vulnerability

• How to respond to and report safeguarding concerns

• Online and digital safeguarding

• Maintaining appropriate boundaries

Records of safeguarding training will be maintained by the Foundation.

[ 16 ] Confidentiality & Data Protection

All safeguarding information is handled with care.

• Personal data is stored securely

• Information is shared only when necessary to prevent harm

• Safeguarding records are kept confidential

[ 17 ] Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Anyone who experiences, witnesses, or has concerns about inappropriate behaviour connected with The Sacred Grove Foundation may report it confidentially by completing the safeguarding form below and reaching out to our Safeguarding Leads/Trustees*:

👉 Safeguarding Concern Report Form:

https://forms.gle/HkWXyPRhMagRiMNBA

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Reena

Email: safeguarding@sacredgrove-foundation.org.uk

Mobile: +44 (0) 7539 152725

Trustee Safeguarding Lead / Secretary: Jay

Email: secretary@sacredgrove-foundation.org.uk

Mobile: +44 (0) 7775 617205 (No Whatsapp, only normal mobile calls)

Trustee - Joint Secretary: Brahma

Email: office@sacredgrove-foundation.org.uk

Mobile: +44 (0) 7838 231137

Trustee - Treasurer: Karthik

Email: treasurer@sacredgrove-foundation.org.uk

Mobile: +44 (0) 7404 945499

The Foundation’s Safeguarding Lead and/or Trustees (Jay, Brahma, and Karthik) may contact you if further information or clarification is required, subject to the consent you provide.

*If your concern relates to one of the Safeguarding Leads listed, please report directly to the other lead or to a trustee.

All safeguarding reports will be:

• Taken seriously

• Handled sensitively and confidentially

• Reviewed by the Safeguarding Lead and, where necessary, the Trustees

• Escalated to external authorities where required to protect individuals or prevent harm

No one will be penalised for raising a safeguarding concern in good faith.

This form must not be used to make false, malicious, or retaliatory allegations. Knowingly providing false or misleading information may be treated as a breach of the Foundation’s Safeguarding and Conduct policies.

[ 18 ] Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

Immediate Risk

If a person is in immediate danger:

• Contact emergency services (999) immediately.

Receiving a Disclosure

Anyone receiving a safeguarding disclosure must:

• Listen calmly and without judgement

• Not investigate or ask leading questions or promise confidentiality

• Reassure the person they have done the right thing

• Record factual information accurately

• Report the concern immediately to the Safeguarding Lead

[ 19 ] Consequences of Breach of Policy

The Foundation may:

• Issue warnings

• Suspend or remove individuals

• Restrict access

• Removal from programmes, events, or online spaces

• Individuals who breach this policy may be suspended or permanently prohibited from attending any programmes, events, or activities organised by The Sacred Grove Foundation.

• In cases of serious misconduct, relevant details may be shared, on a need-to-know basis, with other centres associated with Sri M, in order to safeguard participants and prevent further harm. This will be done following a risk assessment and where legally permissible under data protection law (UK GDPR), often following advice from legal counsel or a statutory agency

• In cases involving serious safeguarding concerns, illegal activity, or risk of harm, the Foundation reserves the right to refer the matter to appropriate statutory or legal authorities.

All individuals are expected to cooperate with safeguarding reviews or investigations.

[ 20 ] Informing Alleged Perpetrators

• Alleged perpetrators will not be informed of the identity of the person who raised concerns.

• Any communication with alleged perpetrators will be carefully managed, factual, and proportionate.

• No action will be taken that could place a victim at further risk.

This is in line with the Foundation's duty of care to protect those reporting from potential victimisation or harm. Any necessary communication will be handled in accordance with principles of fairness and natural justice, as far as is consistent with protecting the vulnerable.

[ 21 ] External Reporting and Referrals

The Foundation recognises that some safeguarding concerns must be reported to external statutory authorities.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead, in consultation with trustees where appropriate, is responsible for making referrals to:

• Emergency services (999):
  Where there is immediate danger or risk of serious harm.

• Local Authority Children's Services:
  Where a child is at risk of abuse or neglect.

• Local Authority Adult Social Care:
  Where an adult at risk is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect.

• Police:
  Where a criminal offence may have occurred.

Safeguarding concerns will be escalated externally even without the consent of the individual, where there is a legal duty to do so or where others may be at risk.

The Foundation may also seek advice from recognised safeguarding organisations (such as the NSPCC) where appropriate.

The Foundation recognises that safeguarding responsibilities cannot be delegated away and remain an ongoing duty of the trustees.

The Foundation recognises its duty to make a referral to statutory authorities without the consent of the individual at risk if there is a belief that others are at risk, a child is being harmed, or a criminal offence has occurred.

[ 22 ] Allegations Against Staff, Volunteers, or Representatives

The Sacred Grove Foundation takes all allegations or concerns involving staff, volunteers, teachers, facilitators, trustees, or anyone acting on behalf of the Foundation extremely seriously.

Allegations may relate to behaviour that:

• has harmed, or may have harmed, a child or adult at risk;

• may constitute abuse, exploitation, grooming, or serious boundary violations;

• indicates that an individual may pose a risk to others.

All allegations will be handled in a fair, confidential, and proportionate manner, prioritising safety at all times.

Reporting Allegations:

Any allegation or concern involving a member of staff, volunteer, or representative of the Foundation must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

If the allegation involves the DSL, it must be reported directly to a Trustee Safeguarding Lead or other trustees.

Immediate Safeguarding Measures:

Where necessary to protect individuals or prevent further risk, the Foundation may take immediate precautionary actions, which may include:

• Temporary suspension or removal from Foundation activities

• Restriction of access to participants, events, or online platforms

• Other proportionate measures to safeguard those involved

Such actions are neutral and precautionary and do not imply guilt or wrongdoing.

Assessment and Investigation:

The DSL, in consultation with trustees where appropriate, will:

• Assess the nature and seriousness of the allegation

• Determine whether the matter requires referral to statutory authorities (such as the police, local authority children’s services, or adult social care)

• Decide whether any internal enquiries are appropriate, taking care not to compromise any external investigation

The Foundation will not conduct internal investigations where this would interfere with statutory processes.

Confidentiality and Information Sharing:

• Information will be shared strictly on a need-to-know basis

• The identity of the person raising the concern will not be disclosed without consent unless required by law or to protect others from harm

• Records will be kept securely in accordance with data protection requirements

Support and Fair Treatment:

The Foundation recognises that safeguarding situations can be distressing for all parties.

• Appropriate support will be offered to the person raising the concern.

• Individuals who are the subject of allegations will be treated fairly and respectfully, with due regard to confidentiality and natural justice.

Outcomes and Actions:

Following assessment or investigation, outcomes may include:

• No further action

• Additional training or supervision

• Formal warnings or removal from roles

• Permanent exclusion from Foundation activities

• Referral to statutory authorities or professional bodies where required

Governance Supervision:

Trustees will be informed of allegations and outcomes at an appropriate level, ensuring supervision while maintaining confidentiality.

[ 23 ] What Happens When You Report a Safeguarding Concern

1. Receipt

Your safeguarding concern will be received and acknowledged promptly, usually within 24–48 hours.

You will be treated with respect and your concern will be taken seriously.

2. Initial Assessment

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will review the information provided to:

• Assess any immediate risk of harm

• Determine whether external agencies (such as the police, children's services, or adult social care) need to be involved

• Decide on the appropriate next steps in line with safeguarding guidance and legal duties

3. Action

Depending on the nature of the concern, actions may include:

• providing appropriate support to the person raising the concern;

• taking protective or precautionary measures (for example, temporary suspension from activities);

• conducting proportionate internal enquiries (where appropriate);

• making a referral to statutory authorities where required.

Safeguarding actions prioritise safety, wellbeing, and prevention of further harm.

4. Communication

You will be informed that your concern is being addressed.

Where possible and appropriate, you will be updated with a general outcome, for example:

“Your concern has been reviewed and appropriate action has been taken.”

Specific details may not always be shared in order to protect confidentiality and ensure the safety of all involved.

Urgent or Out-of-Hours Concerns

• If a child or adult is in immediate danger, call 999 immediately.

• For urgent safeguarding concerns outside normal hours, you may contact:

  • NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

  • Local Authority Children's Services or Adult Social Care (via your local council)

You do not need permission from the Foundation to contact emergency or safeguarding services if someone is at risk.

[ 24 ] Safeguaring as a Core Policy

Safeguarding within The Sacred Grove Foundation is not a procedural formality nor an external or secular imposition. It is a non-negotiable expression of the spiritual and ethical values that underpin our work.

Our activities are grounded in principles that are universal, timeless, and essential to any authentic spiritual path, including:

Ahimsa (non-harm and compassion):

A commitment to act in ways that prevent physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual harm.

Dharma (right conduct and responsibility):

An understanding that spiritual life demands integrity, accountability, and respect for clear ethical boundaries.

Protection of the vulnerable:

A recognition that safeguarding those who may be vulnerable is a moral and spiritual responsibility, not an optional act of goodwill.

Spiritual learning, guidance, or experience can never justify the erosion of personal boundaries, consent, dignity, or safety. No spiritual role, seniority, personal experience, or perceived authority may be used to override safeguarding principles.

True spiritual practice is inseparable from responsibility, humility, and care for others. Where safeguarding concerns arise, the Foundation affirms that safety, wellbeing, and human dignity always take precedence.

These policies exist to ensure that spiritual, holistic, and wellbeing learning takes place in an atmosphere of:

• safety

• respect

• trust

• ethical integrity