Intimate Care Policy

Statement

Bright World Guardianships recognises that the vast majority of host families and staff act professionally and in the best interests of the students under their care. However, situations involving intimate care may arise that require careful handling to prevent misunderstandings and ensure the safety and dignity of all students.

This policy provides clear guidance on expected behaviour when addressing intimate care needs, reinforcing the professional responsibilities of all host families and staff. The guidelines confirm safe practices, reduce the risk of false accusations or improper conduct, and ensure that students receive appropriate support while maintaining their safety and independence.

To help manage these situations, this policy aligns with the Safer Recruitment Consortium’s ‘Guidance for Safer Working Practice for Those Working with Children and Young People in Education Settings (February 2022).

This guidance defines professional behaviour, outlines unacceptable conduct, and describes safe practices. If a situation arises that is not covered by this guidance, host families and staff should use their professional judgment and report the matter to Bright World Head Office at 01273 835745 (during office hours) or the emergency line at 01273 836060 (out of office hours).

Intimate Care Guidelines

Power and Position of Trust

As caregivers, host families, local coordinator and Head office staff must recognise their position and avoid actions that could be misinterpreted. Intimate care situations involve a clear power dynamic, and adults must ensure that their influence is not used inappropriately. Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries is essential. Any concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Robbie Piper and Lana Foster or in the event of their absence Deputy DSL’s Su Warren and James Foster.

Duty of Care

Host families local coordinators and staff have a duty of care to ensure the well-being and dignity of all students. Any assistance provided must be handled with professionalism and sensitivity, always prioritising the student’s independence. This policy should be followed in conjunction with the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

Providing Support for Intimate Care Needs

Personal Hygiene & Medical Assistance

No Physical Assistance – Host families, local coordinators and staff must not assist students with personal hygiene, including bathing, dressing, or toileting.

Unwell Students – If a student is ill and requires assistance with personal hygiene, the individual should seek medical advice and follow professional guidance rather than providing direct care without consultation. This will be directed from head office for host families.

Medication Support – If a student requires assistance with medication, host families must follow the Bright World directions provided in advance or a medical professional and should not administer medication unless specifically trained. All of which is included in the health care plan we send ahead of each host family stay.

Physical Contact & Comforting Students

Avoid Physical Contact – Even when well-intentioned, physical contact may be misinterpreted, so affectionate gestures such as hugs should be avoided. However, if a student initiates physical contact (e.g., a hug), staff and host families must not neglect them and should respond appropriately while maintaining professional boundaries. The interaction should then be reported to Bright World.

Alternative Comfort Methods – If a student is distressed (e.g., homesickness), support should be given through kind words, active listening, and offering a safe space to talk. Where physical comfort is unavoidable (e.g., a young child who reaches out first), staff should ask for the student’s consent before providing reassurance.

Reporting Physical Contact – Any physical contact that occurs must be recorded and reported to Bright World’s Safeguarding Team to ensure transparency and accountability.

Respecting Students’ Privacy

Entering Bedrooms & Bathrooms – Host families local coordinators and staff should respect a student’s personal space. Bedrooms should only be entered with prior warning and when the student is not present (e.g., for cleaning). Bathrooms must have suitable locks to ensure privacy.

Communication & Social Contact

Appropriate Language – Host families and staff must always use polite, respectful, and professional language when speaking with students. Swearing, inappropriate jokes, or abusive language are strictly prohibited.

Social Media & Personal Contact – Outside of hosting periods, host families should not share their personal contact details (e.g., phone numbers, email addresses, or social media) with students. Any attempts by students or their parents to establish contact outside of the hosting relationship must be reported to Bright World.

Interactions with Parents, Agents & Schools – Host families should maintain professional boundaries when communicating with parents, agents, or school staff. Unless a prior relationship exists, befriending them on social media is discouraged. Any necessary communication should be conducted through Bright World Head Office.

Gifts & Favouritism – Do not give gifts to students. If a student gives you a gift, you must report it to Bright World to ensure transparency and prevent misunderstandings.

Handling Disclosures – If a student tells you they want to share something in secret, avoid making them feel shut down. Instead, use the phrase ‘I may need to seek some advice on this’ to gently indicate that you may need to report it while maintaining trust and openness.

Prohibited Behaviours

Physical Punishment & Behaviour Management

Host families and staff must never use physical punishment under any circumstances. If a student is behaving in a way that endangers themselves or others, reasonable and lawful interventions should be used to ensure safety. Any incident requiring intervention must be reported immediately to Bright World.

Sexual Contact & Inappropriate Behaviour
Any form of sexual behaviour between an adult and a student is strictly prohibited and may result in criminal and/or disciplinary proceedings.
If a student attempts to form an inappropriate relationship with a host family member or Bright World representative, this must be reported immediately to Bright World’s Safeguarding Team.
All adults must maintain professional boundaries at all times.

Reporting & Compliance

Allegations & Low-Level Concerns

Allegations – that a host family member or staff has harmed a child or behaved inappropriately must be reported immediately to Bright World and handled in accordance with the Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

Low-Level Concerns – Any behaviour that does not meet the threshold for a formal allegation but causes unease (e.g., favouritism, over-familiarity, inappropriate jokes) must still be reported. Low level concern policy.

Whistleblowing & Self-Reporting

Whistleblowing – Host families and staff are encouraged to report any safeguarding concerns regarding inappropriate conduct. Bright World has a Whistleblowing Policy to support those raising concerns.

Self-Reporting – If a host family member or staff member finds themselves in a situation that could be misinterpreted, they should proactively report it to Bright World. This demonstrates professional responsibility and helps maintain high safeguarding standards.

Medical Emergencies

In an unplanned medical situation, host families should report the issue to Bright World as soon as possible.
In an emergency, host families must call 999 for urgent medical assistance before notifying Bright World.

For further guidance, refer to the Bright World Guardianships Code of Conduct Policy and Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

Reviewed: March 2025 Robbie Piper, DSL