Last updated: 12 October 2026 · Next review: October 2027
Specialist support is usually one to one. This policy makes sure that working alone is safe for both support workers and students.
Before face-to-face support starts
- We complete a simple risk assessment of the venue and any known risks, and review it if anything changes.
- Sessions are held in public or university spaces with other people nearby, not in private homes (unless agreed in advance and risk-assessed).
On the day
- The support worker's diary (date, time and venue, but no sensitive details) is shared with a named contact, whose details are kept on file. This is normally a professional colleague, or someone at home if the colleague is not available.
- The support worker checks in with that contact after face-to-face sessions, or by an agreed time. If they haven't checked in within 60 minutes, the contact tries to reach them and, if they can't, follows an escalation plan up to calling the police.
- Support workers carry a charged phone, and may end a session at any time if they feel unsafe.
Incidents
Any incident or near miss is recorded and reviewed, and the risk assessment updated. Any safeguarding concern is dealt with under our Safeguarding Policy.
Questions about this policy
Email nmh@neurodivergentminds.com. You can ask for this policy in another format (large print, plain text, or read through together in a session).
← All NMH policies
