lone working and home visit policy

For Self-Employed Mentors and Tutors
Purpose Driven Youth
Date of Issue: September 2025
Review Date: September 2026

1. Purpose and Scope

This policy outlines procedures and expectations for self-employed mentors and tutors who may be required to work alone or carry out home visits as part of their role with Purpose Driven Youth.

The safety and wellbeing of all staff and young people is paramount. This policy applies to all one-to-one work in any setting, including:

  • Sessions conducted in students’ homes

  • Community-based lone working (e.g. libraries, cafés, centres)

  • Online one-to-one sessions

  • Travel to and from lone-working locations

It must be read in conjunction with Purpose Driven Youth’s Safeguarding, Health & Safety, and Code of Conduct policies.

2. Definition of Lone Working

Lone working refers to situations where a mentor or tutor is working without immediate support or supervision from another adult, whether in-person or online. Examples include:

  • One-to-one sessions in a student’s home

  • Travelling alone to and from session venues

  • Remote online sessions where no other staff or responsible adult is present

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Purpose Driven Youth will:

  • Provide clear risk assessments and guidance for lone working

  • Offer training and support to help manage risks

  • Maintain records of session schedules and emergency contacts

  • Respond appropriately to concerns or incidents raised by staff

3.2 Self-Employed Mentors and Tutors must:

  • Take reasonable care of their own safety and that of the young person

  • Follow all procedures outlined in this policy

  • Inform a named contact of their session schedule (check-in/check-out)

  • Report any incidents, concerns or hazards immediately

  • Maintain professional boundaries at all times

4. Risk Management and Preparation

Before conducting any lone session or home visit, the following must be in place:

  • Session details logged with a supervisor or coordinator (time, location, who is present)

  • Emergency contact details for both the staff member and the student’s household

  • Confirmation that a parent/carer will be present during home visits (unless approved as a supervised lone session)

  • A risk assessment completed or reviewed for the location/activity

  • Knowledge of the nearest emergency exits, first aid, and phone signal availability

5. Home Visits

Do:

  • Ensure the visit is pre-arranged and confirmed with the family and Purpose Driven Youth

  • Confirm that a parent/carer will be present in the home (or approved alternative supervision)

  • Arrive and leave at the agreed times

  • Dress appropriately and maintain a professional tone

  • Keep mobile phone charged and accessible

  • Sit in a communal area, preferably with doors open and in sight of others

  • Keep a record of who was present at the session

Do Not:

  • Enter a home if you feel unsafe or something seems unusual — contact your supervisor or leave

  • Use the session to address personal matters or make unplanned changes

  • Accept food, gifts or inappropriate hospitality

  • Stay behind alone with a young person after a parent has left

  • Use personal devices or messaging apps for communication with students

6. Online Lone Working

When conducting online one-to-one sessions:

  • Only use approved platforms

  • Ensure your background is neutral and your setting is quiet and safe

  • Have a parent/carer nearby where appropriate (particularly for under-16s)

  • Report any safeguarding concerns or technical breaches

  • Keep your calendar and contact details up to date with Purpose Driven Youth

7. Communication and Check-Ins

Mentors and tutors working alone must:

  • Share their session plan and location with a nominated person (e.g. staff contact, colleague, or family member)

  • Check-in before and check-out after the session

  • Use a simple system such as a text, call, or app check-in

  • Notify Purpose Driven Youth immediately if there are delays, no-shows, or safety concerns

8. Emergency Procedures

If you feel unsafe or are involved in an incident during a lone session:

  1. Remove yourself from the situation if possible

  2. Call 999 in an emergency

  3. Contact Purpose Driven Youth’s Designated Safeguarding Lead or your supervisor as soon as safe to do so

  4. Complete an incident report form within 24 hours

  5. Seek support or debrief if needed

9. Personal Safety Tips

  • Keep your mobile phone charged and with you

  • Plan your travel in advance, especially in unfamiliar areas

  • Trust your instincts — if something feels off, report it

  • Avoid disclosing personal details (e.g. home address, social media, phone number)

  • Don’t carry large amounts of cash or valuables

10. Reporting and Support

All lone workers are encouraged to report:

  • Any situation that made you feel unsafe or uncomfortable

  • Any breach of procedure (accidental or otherwise)

  • Any safeguarding concerns or disclosures

We are committed to supporting staff wellbeing and will not tolerate retaliation or dismissal of genuine safety concerns.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required due to operational changes or after a significant incident.

12. Declaration

All self-employed mentors and tutors are required to read and sign this policy before commencing any lone work or home visits.

I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to follow the Lone Working and Home Visit Policy of Purpose Driven Youth.

Full Name: _________________________
Signature: __________________________
Date: ______________________________

Key Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: Michael Olarewaju
Email: dsl@purposedrivenyouth.co.uk
Phone: 073 5959 9827

Emergency Contact for Lone Working Sessions

Name: Emergency Contact Line
Phone: 073 5959 9827