Safeguarding Policy: Children, Young People & Adults at Risk

Effective Date: January 2026

Last Reviewed: July 2026

Clinical Leads & Governing Bodies: HCPC (Health & Care Professions Council) | GOsC (General Osteopathic Council)

1. Our Commitment to Safeguarding

At The Film Physios, we believe that everyone—regardless of age, gender, ability, background, or status on set—has an equal right to safety, dignity, and protection from harm, abuse, and neglect.

As a specialised medical and performance team operating within studio clinics (including Pinewood Studios and Sky Studios Elstree), location shoots, and soundstages, we are dedicated to maintaining the highest clinical and safeguarding standards aligned with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) principles, the HCPC Standards of Conduct, the GOsC Standards of Conduct and the Children Act 1989/2004 & Care Act 2014.

2. Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all practitioners, physiotherapists, osteopaths, soft-tissue therapists, administrative staff, and contractors working under or representing The Film Physios, across:

  • Physical studio clinics and hubs.

  • Mobile units, trailers, and soundstage environments.

  • On-set call-outs and location shoots.

  • Cast, crew, stunt performers, background talent, and child actors (chaperoned minors).

3. Key Safeguarding Principles

  1. Prevention & Vigilance: We proactively assess risks associated with physical treatment environments, particularly in fast-paced or secluded filming locations.

  2. Patient Centeredness & Consent: Informed consent is mandatory before any physical assessment, manual therapy, or intervention.

  3. Chaperone Policy:

    • Children & Young People (Under 18): Minors will never undergo physical assessment or treatment without an authorised parent, legal guardian, or licensed studio chaperone present in the room.

    • Adults: Any adult patient may request a professional chaperone (or bring a colleague/representative) during their consultation.

  4. Professional Boundaries: Practitioners strictly maintain clinical boundaries. Treatments conducted in trailers, dressing rooms, or temporary set spaces must adhere to the same professional privacy and dignity standards as a fixed hospital clinic.

4. Identifying & Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

Types of Concerns We Screen For:

  • Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse/harassment on or off set.

  • Neglect or extreme physical exposure beyond reasonable production demands.

  • Bullying, coercive behavior, or unsafe working environments impacting vulnerable adults or minors.

  • Domestic abuse or self-harm disclosures during private clinical consultations.

Reporting & Escalation Protocol

If a member of The Film Physios identifies a safeguarding concern, receives a disclosure, or suspects a child or adult is at risk of harm:

[ Step 1: Immediate Safety ] 
Ensure the individual is in an immediate position of safety.

[ Step 2: Record ] 
Log clear, objective, factual details of the concern/disclosure within 24 hours.

[ Step 3: Clinical & Lead Escalation ]
Report internally to The Film Physios Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

[ Step 4: Production & External Liaison ]
Coordinate with the Production Safeguarding Officer / Unit Production Manager (UPM) 
and, where appropriate, local authority Social Care or emergency services.

5. Staff Vetting & Training Standard

To ensure ongoing safety and clinical accountability across film lots:

  • All practitioners hold current Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks.

  • All clinical personnel undergo mandatory Level 2/3 Safeguarding Training (Children & Adults).

  • All staff are bound by professional healthcare confidentiality (HCPC/GOsC), overridden only when non-disclosure presents a risk of serious harm or death.

6. Safeguarding Enquiries & Contacts

If you have a safeguarding concern, require a copy of our full operational safeguarding procedures, or wish to raise a confidential query regarding care on set, please contact our clinical team:

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Clinical Director / Lead Physiotherapist

  • Safeguarding Email: safeguarding@thefilmphysios.com

  • Emergency On-Set Line: 07884247373

  • Local Safeguarding Authority: South Bucks & Hertfordshire Local Safeguarding Children Partnerships (LSCP) / Adult Social Care (for Pinewood & Sky Studios Elstree catchment areas).