Policies

Accessibility & Reasonable
Adjustments Policy

Purpose:
To ensure equitable access for disabled and
neurodivergent individuals.
Policy:

  • We will make reasonable adjustments to services,
    communication, and venues.
  • Sensory-friendly and mobility-accessible options are
    prioritized.
  • Feedback on access needs is actively encouraged and
    responded to.
    Assistance Dog Support & Ethics

Policy

Purpose:
To guide clients ethically in training assistance dogs.
Policy:

  • Support is ongoing and relationship-based.
  • No guarantee of accreditation.
  • Dogs must meet welfare and suitability standards.

Canine Welfare Policy

Purpose:
To ensure compassionate, force-free treatment of all dogs.
Policy:

  • No aversive tools or punishment.
  • Dogs must live with guardians and be consent-focused.
  • Welfare is monitored regularly.

Complaints Policy

Purpose:
To respond to concerns fairly and use them to improve.
Policy:

  • Informal resolution encouraged.
  • Formal complaints reviewed within 14 days.
  • Appeals handled by a neutral third party.
    Conflict of Interest Policy
    Purpose:
    To maintain trust and transparency in decision-making.
    Policy:
  • All staff must declare personal or financial interests
    relevant to the organization.
  • Conflicted individuals must abstain from related
    decisions.
  • Records of declarations are maintained securely.
    Data Protection and
    Confidentiality Policy

Purpose:
To protect private data and comply with GDPR.
Policy:

  • Data stored securely.
  • Shared only with consent or legal requirement.
  • Clients may access or amend their data.
    Digital & Social Media Policy
    Purpose:
    To represent the organization positively and safely online.
    Policy:
  • Consent must be obtained before sharing images or
    quotes.
  • Online content must align with the values of inclusion,
    respect, and positivity.
  • No identifiable client info will be shared without written
    consent.

Environmental Sustainability

Policy

Purpose:
To minimize our ecological footprint in operations and
outreach.

Policy:

  • We aim to reduce waste, travel emissions, and paper use.
  • Materials and merchandise will be sourced sustainably
    where possible.
  • Dog welfare remains primary—green practices will not
    compromise animal safety.
    Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Policy

Purpose:
To provide an inclusive, affirming, and accessible
environment.

Policy:

  • LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent inclusion is core.
  • Misgendering, ableism, and discrimination will not be
    tolerated.
  • Adjustments are made to accommodate varied needs.
    Finance & Expenses Policy

Purpose:
To ensure ethical, transparent use of funds.
Policy:

  • Records kept and reviewed quarterly.
  • Reimbursements require receipts.
  • Surpluses reinvested into services.

Health & Safety Policy

Purpose:
To provide a safe environment for clients, staff, volunteers,
and dogs.
Policy:

  • Risk assessments are conducted for venues, events, and
    activities.
  • First aid kits and emergency procedures are in place.
  • Incidents are recorded and reviewed for prevention.
  • Dogs must be under control and not in distress or poor
    health.

Lone Working Policy

Purpose:
To protect staff and volunteers working alone or in remote
settings.

Policy:

  • Lone workers must inform a designated contact of
    location and duration.
  • Carry a charged phone and emergency contact info.
  • Avoid lone in-person work with vulnerable clients unless
    risk assessed.
  • Check-ins at agreed intervals are required.
    Safeguarding Policy

Purpose:
To protect disabled participants, neurodivergent
individuals, and others from harm.

Policy:

  • Staff and volunteers undergo DBS checks.
  • All safeguarding concerns go to the Designated
    Safeguarding Lead.
  • Respect autonomy and dignity of clients at all times.
    Training & Supervision Policy
    Purpose:
    To support the development and wellbeing of staff and
    volunteers.

Policy:

  • Training on safeguarding, dog welfare, inclusion, and
    disability rights is provided.
  • Regular supervision sessions are scheduled to reflect and
    resolve challenges.
  • Feedback is welcomed and used to improve practices.

Volunteer Policy

Purpose:
To ensure all volunteers are valued, supported, and
understand their roles.

Policy:

  • Volunteers will receive induction and ongoing
    supervision.
  • Roles are matched to each volunteer’s strengths,
    interests, and access needs.
  • Volunteers are expected to uphold the values and code of
    conduct of the organization.
  • Expenses may be reimbursed with prior agreement and
    receipts.