Introduction and Commitment

Genspect is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all individuals we work with. Although we provide services exclusively to adults, we recognise that safeguarding best practices apply in all professional contexts. This policy outlines our safeguarding commitments, responsibilities, and procedures, and applies across all Genspect programmes and initiatives, including Beyond Trans.

1. Purpose and Scope

This Safeguarding Policy affirms Genspect’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of protection for vulnerable individuals. We commit to operating in compliance with safeguarding laws and regulations in all jurisdictions where our services are delivered. Our internal policies reflect international best practice.

2. Compliance

Genspect commits to:

  • Complying with safeguarding policies and procedures relevant to any organisation we engage with
  • Adhering to applicable laws in each country where our services and programmes operate
  • Applying our internal safeguarding standards globally, even where local regulations are less comprehensive

3. Safeguarding Guidelines

Genspect team members:

  • Shall not assume the role of in loco parentis (i.e. act in place of a parent or legal guardian)
  • Shall never be left unaccompanied with a child during any programme or activity
  • Shall avoid all behaviour that could be considered abusive, exploitative, or inappropriate in contact with vulnerable adults
  • Shall defer to the policies of relevant organisations when delivering services on their behalf, provided these do not compromise the safeguards listed above

4. Handling Allegations of Harm

If an allegation of harm arises involving a child or vulnerable adult, Genspect will:

  • Notify Genspect leadership and relevant team members immediately
  • Inform the leadership of the organisation involved and ensure their safeguarding team is notified
  • Report the allegation to relevant statutory authorities (e.g. police, social services) in accordance with local law
  • Cooperate fully with investigations and share all necessary information with authorised parties
  • Take proportionate and fair steps in response, including removing the team member from relevant duties if necessary
  • Uphold due process and protect against vexatious or malicious claims

5. Safeguarding Lead

Our nominated lead for safeguarding is: Stella O’Malley, Executive Director Email: stella@genspect.org All safeguarding concerns should be reported directly to Stella, who will manage information in line with our GDPR-compliant Privacy Policy.

6. Ongoing Commitment

Safeguarding is an evolving area of responsibility. Genspect commits to:

  • Reviewing this policy at least annually or as needed based on changes to legislation or feedback
  • Maintaining safeguarding training and awareness for all relevant team members
  • Implementing updates across all programmes and services as required

Beyond Trans: Safeguarding and Professional Standards

Beyond Trans is a Genspect initiative offering psychological support funding and free peer groups for individuals harmed by medical transition. Beyond Trans adheres to Genspect’s core safeguarding standards and adds additional measures specific to its service users.

1. Professional Standards

1.1 Registration and Insurance

All directory therapists must:

  • Hold current professional registration or accreditation in their practising country
  • Be in good standing with their regulator
  • Have up-to-date professional indemnity insurance

1.2 Experience and Clinical Approach

Therapists must:

  • Demonstrate relevant experience supporting detransitioners
  • Reject medicalised approaches (e.g. the WPATH model) in favour of exploratory, non-interventionist care
  • Stay informed of emerging research in detransition care

1.3 Ongoing Quality Assurance

  • Participate in regular case consultations
  • Respond appropriately to concerns or complaints
  • Undergo regular reviews of public materials and user feedback
  • Accept removal from the directory if standards are not maintained

2. Service User Protection

2.1 Secure Registration

All users receive a unique ID number after registering through a secure system. This process includes a vulnerability assessment and review by qualified staff.

2.2 Documentation and Record-Keeping

  • All information is stored securely and access is limited to trained personnel
  • Access logs, modification records, and security audits are regularly maintained
  • Records are structured and retained or disposed of in line with GDPR and privacy principles

2.3 Crisis Response

  • Staff and facilitators are trained in crisis procedures
  • Emergency referrals are made when necessary
  • Up-to-date crisis resource directories are maintained for each user’s region

3. Group Support

3.1 Facilitation

Groups are led by licensed mental health professionals with trauma experience. Facilitators must undergo supervision and maintain professional development.

3.2 Small Group Format and Guidelines

  • Groups are kept intentionally small
  • Clear guidelines are shared with participants, including how to handle distressing content and emergencies
  • All participants receive an orientation before joining

3.3 Online Platform Security

  • Sessions take place on secure video platforms
  • Regular assessments ensure privacy compliance
  • Tech support is available for all sessions

4. Risk and Incident Management

4.1 Incident Documentation

  • All safety concerns are recorded in detail, including actions taken and outcomes
  • Records are time-stamped and tracked

4.2 Emergency Response Protocols

  • Procedures cover mental health crises, platform failures, and data breaches
  • Clear steps guide staff through each type of response

4.3 Policy Review

  • All procedures are reviewed every 6 months
  • Reviews include evaluation of incidents and procedural updates as required

5. Data Protection

5.1 Information Security

  • All data is handled in line with GDPR
  • Encrypted storage and protected communications are in place
  • Security audits are conducted regularly

5.2 Staff Training

  • All personnel must complete data protection training before accessing any data
  • Compliance is monitored and tested regularly

6. Media and Consent

6.1 Informed Consent

  • Users must provide written consent before sharing stories or experiences
  • Consent may be withdrawn at any time

6.2 Content Security and Control

  • All user-submitted content is securely stored
  • Users maintain full ownership and may request edits or removal at any time

Policy Review

This safeguarding policy is reviewed annually or more frequently if required by service changes, legal updates, or user feedback.

Contact Us

If you have questions or safeguarding concerns, please contact us at: info@genspect.org