Safeguarding – Raising standards in every clinic
Safeguarding should be embedded into every stage of care– from patient selection and chaperone policies to managing data, protecting vulnerable groups, and handling complaints.
Safeguarding is the foundation of safe, ethical aesthetic practice. In a sector where patients place their trust in practitioners for procedures that affect both appearance and wellbeing, safeguarding provides protection for patients, staff, and practitioners alike.
It means preventing harm, exploitation, or neglect and in aesthetics, this extends to emotional and psychological safety as well as clinical care.
As Eddie Hooker, CEO of Hamilton Fraser, explains: “Safeguarding isn’t just about ticking regulatory boxes. It’s about demonstrating professionalism, earning trust, and protecting both your patients and your practice.”
With licensing frameworks now on the horizon, safeguarding is expected to become a central requirement for both practitioners and premises.
The growth of menopause support and intimate health treatments has brought new safeguarding challenges. Patients may be experiencing trauma, anxiety, or hormonal changes that impact mental health. In such circumstances, safeguarding becomes both clinical and ethical.
Practices should:
Provide comprehensive consultations and clearly document consent
Offer chaperones for all intimate procedures
Make sure practitioners work within their scope of practice and qualifications
Maintain referral pathways for patients needing additional support
Hamilton Fraser’s menopause insurance policy extension reflects these requirements, covering:
Menopause advice and consultations
Prescriptions (excluding direct treatments)
Services provided by qualified doctors and nurses
Chaperones safeguard both patients and practitioners during intimate or invasive treatments. Their presence reduces misunderstandings and protects against allegations.
Our safeguarding survey findings show:
71% of practitioners always offer chaperones
19% use them inconsistently
10% never use them at all
77.41% of respondents believe chaperones significantly enhance safeguarding, but some clinics still lack formal chaperone policies
Documenting whether a chaperone was offered and accepted (or declined) is essential and may affect the outcome of insurance claims.
Patient data and photographs are integral to treatment documentation but also carry safeguarding risks if mishandled. Compliance with data protection laws, such as GDPR, is critical when storing patient photos.
This is particularly relevant to those offering intimate health treatments.
Failing to properly and securely store images could be breaching patient confidentiality and could be a safeguarding issue if, for example, images are of intimate areas, a real concern with more and more clinics offering treatments for intimate health.
Storing images on encrypted, secure systems
Restricting access to authorised staff only
Obtaining explicit consent for any use of images beyond clinical records
Keeping intimate photographs strictly separated from other patient files
Breaches of confidentiality not only undermine trust but can also invalidate insurance cover and expose practitioners to legal action.
With the rise of social media, younger audiences are increasingly influenced by unrealistic beauty ideals and unnecessary “anti-ageing” routines. Laws already ban injectables in under-18s and restrict advertising of cosmetic procedures to this age group, but practitioners must remain vigilant.
Robust age verification processes
Avoiding marketing content likely to appeal to under-18s
Educating young people and parents about appropriate skincare and safe timelines for treatments
Respect and inclusion are critical aspects of safeguarding. Clinics should make sure transgender and gender-diverse patients are supported with:
Use of preferred names and pronouns
Staff training in gender sensitivity
Confidential handling of medical records
Referral pathways for psychological or medical support
A culture of inclusion fosters trust and makes sure every patient receives equitable care.
Conditions such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) present particular safeguarding challenges. Practitioners should be confident in identifying red flags and declining treatment where appropriate.
Screening for signs of BDD or distress during consultation
Exploring patient motivations and expectations
Referring patients to appropriate support services when necessary
Insurance and safeguarding are interlinked. Policies require practitioners to demonstrate safe practice, including:
Robust record-keeping
Informed consent processes
Chaperone documentation
Use of licensed products
Without these measures, insurance cover may be compromised, leaving both patients and practitioners exposed.
✔ I have a written safeguarding policy, updated regularly✔ My clinic has a designated safeguarding lead✔ Chaperones are offered and documented for intimate or invasive treatments✔ All patient imagery and records are securely stored, and consent is obtained✔ Staff are trained in safeguarding, including mental health awareness✔ Policies cover menopause and intimate health treatments✔ Age verification and ethical marketing protocols are in place✔ Referral pathways exist for mental health, safeguarding, or specialist support
Embedding these measures builds a culture of safety, reduces complaints, and strengthens patient trust.
