Ethical Practice

As someone currently working in the sports world, including with young people, I hold a number of certifications and assurances to ensure I am safeguarding myself and my athletes through best practices. It is important to me that I act with integrity in all areas of my practice.

Insurance

I currently hold an insurance policy for professional indemnity, public liability, and medical malpractice as a Sports and Exercise Nutritional Advisor through Westminster Insurance. This is an annual policy that renews automatically and which I continue to pay the premium to maintain. Upon graduation I will assess the type and amount of cover to ensure it remains applicable to my business needs and, if necessary, upgrade the cover and/or service. As a sole business owner holding my own insurance policy helps protect myself and my business, should something unfortunate and unforeseen occur.

Data Protection and Policies

Currently all clients provide signed consent before I engage with them in any sort of nutrition coaching. And, in the case of those under 18, I require the consent of both the young person and their legal guardian before I provide any nutrition coaching.

All client records and information are held in the strictest confidence and using professional best practices (SENR and AfN) to ensure security and following GDPR standards. Additionally, I will seek to expand my current policies to comply with all AfN requirements such as the implementation of a complaints policy as a sole practitioner. Currently I am not registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), however I will seek to do so as a Tier 1 organisation early in 2023. This will be especially important as I look to expand my outbound communication through a newsletter as part of my ongoing marketing strategy.

Safeguarding

Every two years I recertify with the NSPCC (National Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Children) for Child Protection in Sport and Physical Activity. This is considered best practice when working with young people and assures all those who work with me that I take the responsibility of working with young people seriously. This training helps me to keep up to date with the current pathways for safeguarding young people with whom I have contact. I am currently certified through 2023.

DBS Check (Disclosure and Barring Service)

As part of my involvement with young people through British Cycling, I regularly receive a DBS Enhanced Criminal Record Certificate to confirm I have no convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. My most current DBS check was completed in Autumn 2022. This is a requirement for British Cycling when working with young people and acts as a reassurance to all those with whom I work.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

I currently hold a certificate in youth mental health first aid from Mental Health First Aid England. This means I am able to spot the triggers for mental health issues, know how to address a young person experiencing distress or a mental health crisis, and where to ensure further support for young people in maintaining their mental health. As I have both lived experience of mental health crises and I spend a significant amount of contact time with young people in a position of trust, I am well placed to alert early signs of mental health distress and initiate help at an early stage. I plan to recertify in 2025 when my current certificate expires.

First Aid

As I am regularly present at cycling coaching sessions, competitive cycling events, and recreational cycling rides, being able to assist in the event of a medical emergency is important to me. I take this responsibility seriously and my current certificate from Green Box First Aid Training is valid through 2025.

Rise Up Certification

I have completed my training with the Rise Up Programme, an intensive programme for front line youth practitioners who work with young people affected by violence. This is a programme presented by London Youth, supported by the Mayor’s Violence Reduction Unit and has provided me with advanced skills in working with young people.

Supporting Young People at Risk

Early this year I completed training presented by St Giles Trust in working with young people at risk of abuse and exploitation. This included effective communication strategies, challenging situations, support services, responsibilities, boundaries, and the role of muti-agency working to protect young people from criminal and sexual exploitation.

Precision Nutrition

I currently hold a Level 1 Certificate in Nutrition and Coaching from Precision Nutrition. My current course of study in an MSc in Sport and Exercise Nutrition will supersede this qualification, however, maintenance of the qualification is low-cost and allows me to remain in the directory of coaches. As I am not due to renew until 2024, I have time to determine if it is worthwhile maintaining this certificate.

Scope of Practice

Where a situation presents itself which is outside of my scope of practice currently as a nutrition coach and, later, as a sports and exercise nutritionist, I am well-equipped to both signpost and refer my clients out to appropriate services and providers for additional support.

Such support could include registered dieticians, mental health professionals, specialist medical practitioners, and other registered professionals who work in evidence-based approaches.

Being able to work within a team for the betterment of a client is important for me as a practitioner and ensures we uncover the best possible route, as a team, for clients who require additional support.