Invictus Self

Empowering Growth through Wellbeing and Training

Person-centred learning and wellbeing practices, created to support balance and holistic growth

Safeguarding Policy & Procedures

Version: 2.1
Effective Date: 01 September 2023
Last Updated: 10 December 2025
Next Review Due: 10 December 2026
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Andreas Manole

1. Our Commitment & Professional Standards

Invictus Self is committed to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. This commitment is backed by continuous professional development and active training.

Our core team maintains training in Trauma-Informed Practice and Suicide Awareness, ensuring a consistent culture of safety across all our interactions. We continuously update our skills to ensure that our approach and the education we deliver is grounded in current standards of safety, care, and collaboration.

We believe everyone has a right to be protected from harm. This policy outlines how we handle that responsibility for our community, both in the UK and globally.

2. Service Limitations (Important)

To ensure safety, we must be clear about what we can and cannot offer. Managing expectations is a key part of safeguarding.

  • We Are Not a Crisis Service: Invictus Self is an educational and coaching body. We do not have the resources, authority, or clinical setup to manage active mental health crises or emergency situations.
  • Communication Monitoring: Our emails, learning platforms, and community spaces are not monitored 24/7. Messages sent outside of working hours may not be seen immediately.
    • Action: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, do not wait for a response from us. Please access our Support & Crisis Resources page or contact emergency services immediately.

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The primary point of contact for all safeguarding concerns is the Founder:

  • Name: Andreas Manole
  • Contact: contact@invictusself.co.uk
  • Qualifications: As a qualified Mental Health First Aider and First Aider, the DSL is trained to identify signs of distress, provide initial supportive triage, and signpost individuals to appropriate professional care.

The DSL’s Role:

The DSL does not diagnose or treat. The role is to listen, assess immediate risk, and ensure the individual is directed to the right external support services.

4. Procedure for UK-Based Clients

For clients physically located in the United Kingdom, we follow standard safeguarding procedures:

  • Immediate Danger: We will contact 999 if we believe a crime is in progress or there is an immediate threat to life.
  • Welfare Concerns: If we have a concern about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult, we may consult with local authorities (Adult Social Care or Children’s Services) in line with the Care Act 2014.

5. Procedure for International Clients

We care deeply about our global community. While we do not have direct authority in other countries, we will take reasonable and compassionate steps if we believe a client is at risk.

If an international client discloses a risk of serious harm:

  1. Direct Support: We will stay with the client (in the session/call) to support them in contacting their local emergency services.
  2. Emergency Contacts: If the client has provided a Next of Kin or Emergency Contact, and we believe there is an immediate threat to life, we will attempt to contact that person or local authorities if we have the correct details and it is possible to do so.
  3. Signposting: We will direct the client to our Support & Crisis Resources page which lists international directories for mental health support.

6. Reporting a Concern

Safeguarding also means keeping our own house in order.

  • Concerns about a Practitioner/Team Member: Please report these directly to the DSL via email andreas@invictusself.co.uk.
  • Concerns about the DSL: If you have a concern about the Founder/DSL and do not feel comfortable raising it directly, we advise you to contact the relevant local authorities or the police.

7. Jurisdiction & Privacy

Our organisation operates under the jurisdiction of England and Wales. We will handle all personal data and sensitive disclosures in accordance with our Privacy Policy and UK GDPR.

Confidentiality vs. Safety:
We uphold strict confidentiality. However, safeguarding overrides confidentiality. If we believe a life is at risk, we are ethically and legally permitted to share necessary information with emergency services or social care to protect that life.