Legal
Safeguarding policy
Last updated: May 2026. Full policy will be published before launch.
Our commitment
Blip is committed to the safety and welfare of all children and young people who access our services. We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and operate in line with statutory guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) and the Children Act 1989 and 2004.
Designated safeguarding lead
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Registered Manager is Vivien Beni, RMN (Clinical Lead). Vivien is responsible for all safeguarding matters within Blip. Contact: safeguarding@blip.org.uk
What happens when a concern is identified
If a clinician has concerns about the safety or welfare of a child, they will discuss this with the DSL. Where there is reasonable cause to believe a child is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, we will refer to the local authority children's services and, where appropriate, the police. We will always try to discuss concerns with the family first unless doing so would put the child at further risk.
Confidentiality and disclosure
Safeguarding concerns override normal confidentiality. Children and young people are informed of this at the start of their contact with Blip. Clinicians are not able to keep information confidential when it relates to a serious risk of harm to a child or young person, or to another person.
Safer recruitment
All Blip staff and contractors who work with children and young people hold a current enhanced DBS certificate with barred list check. DBS checks are renewed every three years. All clinicians are registered with their relevant professional body (GMC, HCPC, NMC) and are subject to ongoing regulatory oversight.
In a crisis right now?
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
Crisis support lines →