Safeguarding Policy

If anyone is in immediate danger, a crime is in progress, or urgent medical help is needed: call 999 first.

For non-emergency police matters, call 101.

After contacting the relevant authorities (or as soon as it is safe to do so), report the issue to us at safeguarding@juststartingout.co.uk so we can take appropriate platform action.

Just Starting Out is a platform for connection; we do not employ the professionals listed.

Background checks: We do not carry out Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks or individual vetting of Professionals.

Self-declared documents: Professionals may self-declare or upload evidence of background checks (including DBS or equivalent), qualifications, or insurance on their profile. We do not independently verify those documents. Presence of a check or certificate on a profile means the Professional has confirmed it, not that Just Starting Out has vetted it.

User responsibility: Customers may choose to request to see relevant ID or original documents in person (for example, if a service involves work near children or vulnerable adults). You are never obligated to allow entry to anyone if you feel uncomfortable.

This policy applies to Professionals offering services, Customers using the platform, any third party acting on behalf of a user, and anyone interacting via platform features (such as profiles, job posts, reviews, and contact visibility).

Safeguarding means taking proactive steps to help prevent:

• Abuse, exploitation, harassment, intimidation, coercion, or harm (online or in person)
• Unsafe situations during in-home and one-to-one services
• Misuse of the platform for grooming, stalking, fraud, or manipulation

All users must:

• Treat others with respect and professionalism
• Avoid behavior that could be perceived as threatening, abusive, manipulative, coercive, or inappropriate

No Retaliation: You must not threaten, pressure, or retaliate against someone for raising a safeguarding concern

Prohibited behavior includes (but is not limited to): harassment/stalking, threats or intimidation, sexual misconduct, hate incidents, doxxing (sharing private information), coercive or controlling behaviour, scams/fraud/impersonation, and using the platform to facilitate illegal activity.

Many services take place one-to-one and/or in a customer's home. We strongly encourage:

Professionals:

• Share job locations with a trusted contact
• Do not enter a property if you are uncomfortable with the situation
• Leave immediately if you feel unsafe

Customers:

• Set clear expectations in advance regarding timing and access
• Consider having another adult present for first-time visits

Action: If either party feels unsafe, the service should be paused or ended and reported to us as soon as possible.

While our platform is for users aged 18+, services may take place where children are present or individuals are vulnerable. We expect Professionals to be especially mindful when working with:

• Young adults aged 18–21
• Individuals with additional needs, vulnerabilities, or support requirements

Zero Tolerance: Any behaviour involving grooming, sexualised behaviour towards a child, or exploitation will result in immediate removal from the platform and may be reported to the authorities.

If we reasonably believe this policy has been breached, or where we believe a user poses a risk to the community, we may take any of the following actions at our discretion, acting reasonably and proportionately:

• Formal Warning: A written notice regarding conduct
• Content Removal: Removal of profiles, images, job posts, or reviews that violate these standards
• Feature Restriction: Temporary or permanent restriction of account features (for example reduced visibility or restricted contact visibility)
• Account Suspension: A temporary suspension pending the outcome of an investigation
• Permanent Removal: Immediate and permanent banning from the platform
• Referral to Authorities: We may report serious matters to the police and/or relevant safeguarding authorities

We may take precautionary action immediately where safety appears at risk.

Report concerns to: safeguarding@juststartingout.co.uk

What to include (where possible):

• Your name and account email (or phone)
• The other user's name/business name and profile link (if available)
• A factual description of what happened
• Dates/times and location area (if relevant)
• Screenshots of relevant platform content (profiles, job posts, reviews) and any other evidence you wish to share
• Whether authorities have been contacted (and any reference number, if you're comfortable sharing)

Confidentiality: Reports are treated sensitively and as confidential as possible. However, we may share information where required by law, to prevent harm, or to assist law enforcement or safeguarding authorities.

Acknowledgment: Within 2 business days

Prioritization: Urgent safety reports are prioritised as quickly as possible (often same-day)

Update: We aim to provide an update within 10 business days where an investigation is needed

Some cases may take longer (for example, where multiple parties are involved or authorities are engaged). If so, we will provide an update when we can.

This policy is supported by our Complaints & Reporting Procedure, which explains reporting routes, evidence, and enforcement options in more detail.

Right to Appeal: If you believe an account restriction or removal was made in error, you may request a review as outlined in the Complaints & Reporting Procedure. We may decline repeated appeals unless new evidence is provided.

Reporting tools must not be used to harass or unfairly damage others. Knowingly false or malicious reports made in bad faith may result in immediate account restrictions or removal from the platform.

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. By using Just Starting Out, you agree to uphold these standards.

This policy is owned by the Just Starting Out Designated Safeguarding Lead and is reviewed at least annually (and sooner if the platform or risks change).