TQB Safeguarding & Policies

Purpose

The Quiet Body is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and trauma-informed environment for all participants, particularly those considered vulnerable due to trauma histories, mental distress, disability, social isolation, financial hardship, or other circumstances that may impact their safety or wellbeing.

This policy outlines the TQBs commitment to preventing harm, maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, and responding appropriately to concerns regarding abuse, neglect, exploitation, or risk of harm.

Scope

This policy applies to all facilitators, contractors, volunteers, and practitioners involved in The Quiet Body

TQB currently works primarily with adults, including individuals experiencing PTSD, complex trauma, histories of abuse, recovery challenges, and other forms of vulnerability.

Guiding Principals

The Quiet Body operates according to the following safeguarding principles:

Safety and wellbeing are prioritised at all times
All participants are treated with dignity and respect
Professional boundaries are maintained at all times
Power imbalances are acknowledged and navigated carefully
Participants have the right to choice, autonomy, and informed consent
Concerns regarding harm or abuse are taken seriously and responded to appropriately

Code Of Conduct

Facilitators and practitioners will:

Maintain clear and appropriate professional boundaries
Avoid exploitative, coercive, or dual relationships with participants
Not engage in intimate, sexual, or inappropriate relationships with participants
Respect participant confidentiality and privacy within legal and ethical limits
Use trauma-informed, non-shaming, and respectful communication
Work only within the limits of their qualifications and scope of practice

Private or one-to-one communication with participants will remain professional and related to service delivery. Communication through social media or electronic platforms will be conducted transparently and appropriately.

Safe Recruitment

Where applicable, facilitators, contractors, and volunteers involved in the collective may undergo appropriate screening processes, including:

Reference checks
Verification of qualifications or registrations
New Zealand Police Vetting where required for work involving vulnerable populations

Recognising
& Responding
to concerns

TQB recognises that participants may disclose experiences of abuse, neglect, family violence, self-harm, or other safety concerns.

If a disclosure occurs, facilitators will:

Listen calmly and respectfully
Take the concern seriously
Avoid asking leading or investigative questions
Avoid making promises of secrecy that cannot be kept
Prioritise the participant’s immediate safety and wellbeing

Facilitators will not conduct their own investigations into suspected abuse or harm.

Reporting &
Escalation

Where there are reasonable concerns regarding immediate risk, abuse, neglect, or serious harm, facilitators may:

Encourage the participant to seek appropriate support
Assist with referral to relevant services
Contact emergency services or New Zealand Police where immediate safety is at risk
Follow any applicable legal obligations relating to duty of care or prevention of harm

If concerns fall outside The Quiet Bodys scope, referrals may be made to:

General Practitioners (GPs)
Mental health professionals
Crisis services
Family violence support services
Community support agencies

Confidentiality

Participant privacy is respected at all times.

However, confidentiality may be limited where:

There is a serious risk of harm to the participant or others
Disclosure is required by law
Emergency intervention is necessary to protect safety

Participants will be informed of these limitations where possible.

Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically as The Quiet Body develops and expands its services and practitioner network.