Master Policy Handbook - Alberstone Consultancy Limited.

Alberstone Consultancy Limited: Master Policy Handbook

1. Introduction & Mission

1.1 Purpose of the Handbook
This Handbook serves as the definitive guide for all operations within Alberstone Consultancy Limited. Its primary purpose is to ensure that our consultancy services, specifically those supporting neuro-divergent individuals and those experiencing anxiety, are delivered safely, legally, and to the highest professional standard.
Core Objectives
The objectives of this Handbook are:
Consistency of Care: To ensure that every client receives a high-quality, neuro-inclusive, and anxiety-informed experience, regardless of which consultant is delivering the service.
Legal Compliance: To ensure the company meets all statutory obligations, including the SEND Code of Practice, The Care Act 2014, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and UK GDPR.
Safety & Protection: To provide clear, actionable procedures for safeguarding vulnerable children and adults, ensuring that staff know exactly how to respond to concerns.
Operational Clarity: To define the professional boundaries, ethics, and administrative procedures required to maintain the reputation and integrity of Alberstone Consultancy Limited.
Status of the Handbook
This document is not merely a set of suggestions; it is a formal policy and procedure manual. Compliance with the policies outlined herein is a condition of engagement for all employees, associates, and sub-contractors. Failure to adhere to these procedures may result in the termination of consultancy agreements or disciplinary action.
Review Cycle
To remain “best practice” in the ever-evolving SEND landscape, this handbook is a live document. It will be formally reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant changes to UK legislation or Alberstone’s service model.
1.2 Our Values: Neuro-Inclusive & Anxiety-Informed Practice
The Alberstone Approach
Alberstone Consultancy Limited provides a specialised lens to complement existing educational and care frameworks. We believe that by integrating neuro-inclusive and anxiety-informed strategies into standard practice, we achieve better outcomes for the individual and the supporting organisation.
1. Neuro-Inclusive Collaboration
We work alongside schools, families, and professionals to move toward a Neuro-Affirmative model. Our goal is to translate complex neuro-divergent needs into actionable strategies.
Supportive Adaptation: We help organisations move from “fixing the person” to “adapting the environment.”
Processing Profiles: We recognise that every brain works differently; our work focuses on identifying the specific communication and sensory preferences that help an individual thrive.
2. Anxiety-Informed Partnership
High levels of anxiety are often a significant barrier to attendance, engagement, and learning. We provide the expertise to de-escalate these barriers.
Building Predictability: We advocate for “clearer pathways” and better preparation for transitions to reduce the stress often associated with the SEND system.
Empathetic Engagement: We recognise the emotional toll on both the individual and their support network. Our methods prioritise calm, regulated, and sustainable engagement.
Our Commitment
Our role is to add value to the existing SEND landscape. We ensure the person at the centre of the consultancy is understood, while providing the professionals around them with the tools they need to feel confident and successful in their support.
1.3 Scope of Service (Who we support)
1. Children & Young People (0–25)
Our primary focus is on individuals with identified or emerging neuro-divergent profiles, including Autism (ASD), ADHD, AuDHD, PDA, Dyslexia and associated SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) needs. We support them in navigating transitions, managing anxiety, and developing self-advocacy skills.
2. Parents & Carers
We provide a supportive partnership for families, helping them understand their child’s unique neuro-type. This includes creating bespoke emotional regulation toolkits for the home, providing advocacy during statutory processes, and supporting parent wellbeing to ensure sustainable care.
3. The Team Around the Child (TAC)
We offer specialist consultancy and collaborative support to the wider professional network. This includes, but is not limited to:
Educational Establishments: Mainstream and special schools, colleges, and alternative provisions.
Local Authorities & Social Care: Social workers, Family Hub teams, Early Help services, and SEND locality leads.
Health & Wellbeing Partners: Collaborating with CAMHS, therapy services (SaLT/OT), and paediatric teams to ensure a joined-up approach to support.
Service Contexts
Multi-Agency Collaboration: We actively contribute to TAC/TAF meetings, ensuring neuro-inclusive strategies are integrated into official support plans.
Professional Training & Advisory: We provide wider establishments with the specialist insight needed to adapt their environments and practices for neuro-divergent individuals.

2. Safeguarding & Child Protection (The “Core” Section)

2.1 Safeguarding Statement of Intent
Our Commitment
At Alberstone Consultancy Limited, we believe that every child, young person, and vulnerable adult has the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. We recognize our unique responsibility when working with neuro-divergent individuals (including those with ASD, ADHD, AuDHD, PDA, and Dyslexia), who may be at increased risk of harm due to communication barriers or heightened vulnerability.
Core Principles
The Best Interests of the Individual: The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is always our paramount consideration.
A “Whole Team” Responsibility: All consultants and associates working for Alberstone have a duty to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns.
Neuro-Inclusive Safeguarding: We recognize that neuro-divergent individuals may express distress or communicate abuse in non-traditional ways. We commit to an “advocacy-first” approach to ensure their voice is heard and understood in any safeguarding process.
Working in Partnership: We operate in accordance with the statutory guidance “Working Together to Safeguard Children” and the “Care Act 2014”. We work transparently with the Team Around the Child (TAC), including Local Authorities and Social Care, to ensure protection is joined-up and effective.
Zero Tolerance
Alberstone Consultancy Limited maintains a zero-tolerance approach to any behaviour that compromises the safety or dignity of our clients. We are committed to a “safe culture” where staff feel empowered to report concerns about colleagues (Whistleblowing) or external partners without fear of retribution.
Legal Framework
This policy is underpinned by:
The Children Acts 1989 and 2004
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
The SEND Code of Practice 0–25
The Equality Act 2010
2.2 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Contact Details
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is the person within the consultancy responsible for dealing with any safeguarding concerns, providing advice to staff/associates, and managing referrals to statutory services (MASH/LADO).
Primary Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Name: Lisa Marie Carter
Role: Director / Lead Consultant
Email: office@alberstone.co.uk
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Name: In the event of an allegation against a professional, Alberstone Consultancy Limited will contact the LADO for the Local Authority where the child resides.
For our local area (North East Lincolnshire), the contact is: 01472 326118 / lado@nelincs.gov.uk. Phone (Out of Hours/Emergency Duty Team): 01472 326292 (Option 2)
Role of the DSL at Alberstone
The DSL at Alberstone Consultancy Limited is responsible for:
Receiving and recording all safeguarding concerns.
Making formal referrals to Social Care or the Police.
Acting as a source of support and neuro-inclusive expertise for the Team Around the Child (TAC).
Ensuring all Alberstone associates have valid Enhanced DBS checks and up-to-date safeguarding training.
2.3 Recognizing Abuse in SEND Contexts (Specific indicators)
At Alberstone Consultancy Limited, we recognize that neuro-divergent individuals, including those with ASD, ADHD, AuDHD, PDA, and Dyslexia, face unique vulnerabilities. Traditional signs of abuse (such as physical marks or verbal disclosures) may be absent or presented differently. Our staff must remain alert to “atypical” indicators of distress.
1. Communication & Sensory Indicators
Regression in Skills: A sudden loss of previously mastered skills (e.g., loss of speech, return to nappies, or sudden inability to self-regulate).
Changes in Stimming or Sensory Seeking: A significant increase in repetitive movements (stimming) or a sudden, unexplained aversion to sensory inputs (light, touch, sound) they previously tolerated.
Verbatim Disclosures: For those with ASD or Dyslexia, a disclosure might not be a story; it may be a “scripted” phrase, a repetitive word, or a specific drawing that seems out of character.
2. Behavioural Indicators (The “Masking” Barrier)
Extreme “Compliance”: A child who becomes unusually “perfect” or compliant may be experiencing a “fawn” response to trauma, particularly if they have been conditioned to suppress their neuro-divergent traits.
The PDA “Shutdown”: For individuals with a PDA profile, a sudden move from “active avoidance” to “total shutdown” or passive withdrawal can indicate an overwhelming sense of threat or abuse.
Misinterpreted “Challenging” Behaviour: We do not dismiss sudden spikes in aggression, self-harm, or property destruction as “just part of their diagnosis.” These are treated as potential distress signals requiring investigation.
3. Specific Vulnerabilities
Social Naivety: Some individuals may struggle to read social cues, making them more vulnerable to “mate crime” (exploitation by people they believe are friends) or grooming.
Online Risks: Those with ADHD or Dyslexia may be more impulsive or struggle with the nuances of digital text, making them susceptible to online exploitation or cyber-bullying.
Dependency on Care: High levels of dependency for personal care or “emotional regulation” can create power imbalances that may be exploited.
4. The Role of Anxiety
As an Anxiety-Informed practice, we pay close attention to “unexplained” anxiety. If a client’s anxiety spikes specifically around certain locations, people, or activities without a clear sensory trigger, this is flagged as a potential safeguarding concern.
2.4 Procedure: How to Handle a Disclosure
When a child, young person, or vulnerable adult begins to disclose abuse or neglect, the response of the Alberstone consultant is critical. Because we work with individuals who may have communication difficulties, high anxiety, or PDA profiles, our approach must be exceptionally calm, low-demand, and patient.
The “Golden Rules” of Receiving a Disclosure
If a disclosure starts to happen, staff must follow the “TED” principle and the 4 R’s:
1. RECEIVE (Listen without interruption)
Stay Calm: Even if the information is shocking, maintain a regulated emotional state to avoid spiking the client’s anxiety.
Listen Actively: Accept what is being said without judgment.
Communication Needs: If the individual uses AAC (augmentative communication), gestures, or visual aids, allow them to use these tools at their own pace. Do not finish their sentences.
2. REASSURE (Validate their courage)
Be Honest: Reassure them they were right to tell you, but never promise absolute secrecy.
Manage Expectations: Say: “I am glad you told me. To help keep you safe, I need to talk to [DSL Name] so we can figure out the best way to help.”
Do Not Investigate: Do not ask “Why?” or “When exactly?” Your role is to listen, not to be a detective. Use open prompts like: “Tell me more about that” or “Explain that to me.”
3. RECORD (The “Verbatim” Rule)
Use Their Words: Write down exactly what was said, including any slang, “scripted” phrases, or non-verbal cues. If a child with Dyslexia struggles with word-finding, note the effort and the specific words they eventually chose.
Fact vs. Opinion: Note only what you saw and heard. Do not include your own professional interpretations (e.g., write “The child was crying and shaking,” not “The child was terrified”).
Body Maps: When a physical concern is spotted, our priority is the child’s comfort and privacy. Do not take photos. Use the Body Map in Appendix B to note the location of the mark. This is the safest way to record evidence while maintaining professional safeguarding standards.
4. REPORT (Immediate Action)
Timeline: Contact the Primary DSL (or the LADO/MASH if the DSL is unavailable) immediately. A verbal report should be made instantly, followed by the written Safeguarding Incident Form within 24 hours.
Specific Considerations for Alberstone Clients
Anxiety Peaks: If the disclosure causes the individual to become highly dysregulated or enter a “shutdown” state, prioritize their emotional safety first. Stop the questioning and ensure they are in a safe, quiet space before proceeding with the reporting steps.
Processing Time: Give double the usual “processing time” for the individual to respond to your reassurance. Silence is okay.
2.5 Procedure: Reporting & Referral Steps (Internal vs. External)
Step 1: Internal Reporting (The Immediate Response)
As soon as a concern is identified or a disclosure is received:
The “24-Hour Rule”: A written Safeguarding Incident Form must be completed by the person who witnessed the concern and sent to the Primary DSL (office@alberstone.co.uk) within 24 hours.
Consultation: The consultant should verbally notify the DSL as soon as is safely possible (ideally within 1 hour).
Confidentiality: Concerns must only be discussed with the DSL. Do not discuss the matter with other colleagues, the “Team Around the Child,” or the parents until the DSL has provided a clear instruction to do so.
Step 2: DSL Assessment
The DSL (or DDSL if required) will review the report and decide on the next course of action:
Level 1 (Low Level): No immediate risk of harm. The DSL will monitor the situation, keep a “Chronology of Concern,” and may discuss it with the family or the school as part of general support.
Level 2 (Early Help): The child’s needs are not being met, but there is no “significant harm.” The DSL may recommend a referral to the Family Hub or Early Help team.
Level 3 (Statutory Referral): There is a suspicion of “significant harm” (abuse or neglect). The DSL will make a formal referral to the local MASH/Integrated Front Door.
Step 3: External Referral (The Formal Pathway)
If the DSL determines a statutory referral is necessary:
Contacting the Authorities: For North East Lincolnshire, the DSL will call the Integrated Front Door (IFD) on 01472 326292 (Option 2).
Formal Submission: A verbal referral must be followed up in writing via the local authority’s secure portal or referral form within 48 hours.
Allegations against Professionals: If the concern involves a professional (including Alberstone staff), the DSL must contact the LADO (01472 326118) directly.
Step 4: Feedback and Closing the Loop
The DSL will keep a record of the referral outcome.
Alberstone will continue to work as part of the Team Around the Child (TAC) to support the individual’s neuro-inclusive and anxiety-informed needs throughout the investigation process.
2.6 Allegations Against Staff & Low-Level Concerns
1. Managing Allegations
Alberstone Consultancy Limited takes all allegations against staff or associates with the utmost seriousness. An allegation is defined as information that suggests a person working with children has:
Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child.
Possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child.
Behaved towards a child in a way that indicates they may pose a risk of harm.
Procedure for Allegations:
Do Not Investigate Internally: If an allegation is made against a consultant, the DSL (or the person receiving the complaint) must not attempt to “clear” the staff member or interview the child.
Immediate Notification: The DSL must contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) for North East Lincolnshire (01472 326118) within one working day.
Suspension: The staff member involved may be suspended on full pay (or their consultancy agreement paused) as a neutral act while the LADO and/or Police investigate.
2. Low-Level Concerns
We recognise that not all inappropriate behaviour meets the threshold of “significant harm.” A “Low-Level Concern” is any behaviour that is inconsistent with our Staff Code of Conduct (Section 3.1) but does not meet the allegation threshold.
Examples include:
Being over-friendly with a child or parent.
Having “favourites” or giving unauthorized gifts.
Engaging in “one-to-one” communication outside of agreed professional channels.
Procedure for Low-Level Concerns:
Self-Reporting: Staff are encouraged to self-report “slips” in professional boundaries to ensure transparency and safety.
Recording: All low-level concerns are recorded by the DSL in a secure, central file.
Review: These records are reviewed periodically to identify any patterns of behaviour that might suggest a developing risk.
3. Maintaining a Safe Culture
At Alberstone, we foster an environment where staff feel safe to challenge “the norm.” We believe that an Anxiety-Informed workplace must also be a transparent one. If something “doesn’t feel right” about a colleague’s interaction with a neuro-divergent client, it must be reported to the DSL immediately.
2.7 Whistleblowing Policy
Statement of Intent
At Alberstone Consultancy Limited, we maintain a culture of total transparency. We recognize that even in a small consultancy, there must be a clear pathway for concerns to be raised externally if the internal leadership is the subject of the concern.
External Reporting Pathway
As Alberstone Consultancy Limited is currently led by a sole Director, any individual (including associates, clients, or partners) who believes that a safeguarding risk is being ignored, or that malpractice is occurring, should bypass internal channels and report directly to:
The North East Lincolnshire LADO: 01472 326118 (For professional conduct concerns).
The NSPCC Whistleblowing Helpline: 0800 028 0285 (For general safeguarding failures).
Protect (Formerly Public Concern at Work): 020 3117 2520 (For free, confidential legal advice on whistleblowing).
Our Guarantee
We welcome external scrutiny as a tool for maintaining the highest neuro-inclusive standards. No client or partner will ever be penalized for raising a genuine concern through these official channels.

3. Professional Conduct & Ethics

3.1 Staff Code of Conduct
All consultants and associates representing Alberstone Consultancy Limited are expected to:
Act with Integrity: Be honest, transparent, and reliable in all dealings with the Team Around the Child (TAC).
Prioritise the Individual: Ensure that the voice of the neuro-divergent person is at the heart of every decision.
Maintain Professional Competence: Only provide advice within your areas of expertise (ASD, ADHD, PDA, Dyslexia, etc.) and commit to ongoing professional development.
3.2 Professional Boundaries
To maintain a safe and professional environment, the following boundaries must be adhered to:
Social Media: Staff must not “friend” or follow current or past clients (parents or children) on personal social media accounts. All digital communication must be through official Alberstone channels.
Gifts & Hospitality: To avoid a “conflict of interest,” staff should not accept personal gifts from clients or families, other than small tokens of appreciation (e.g., a card or a box of chocolates) at the end of a contract.
Personal Relationships: Staff must not engage in personal or romantic relationships with clients or members of the client’s immediate family.
Physical Contact: As a neuro-inclusive practice, we respect sensory boundaries. Physical contact should be avoided unless it is necessary for safety or is a brief, culturally/socially appropriate gesture (like a handshake) initiated by the client.
3.3 Conflict of Interest Policy
A conflict of interest occurs when a consultant’s personal interests or other professional roles interfere with their duties at Alberstone.
Disclosure: Any potential conflict (e.g., working for a Local Authority that is currently being challenged by an Alberstone client) must be disclosed to the Director immediately.
Mitigation: If a conflict is identified, the consultant may be removed from that specific case to ensure the advice remains impartial.
3.4 Safer Recruitment & DBS Requirements
Vetting: All individuals working for or with Alberstone must hold an Enhanced DBS certificate that is less than 3 years old (or registered on the Update Service).
Verification: Original ID and qualification certificates must be sighted by the Director before any consultancy work commences.

4. Data Protection & Confidentiality (UK GDPR)

4.1 Information Governance (Handling EHCPs and Medical Reports)
Alberstone Consultancy Limited acts as a Data Controller and is formally registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
ICO Registration: We are registered under reference [ZC133485].
Secure Infrastructure: We use Krystal Hosting, a UK-based, ISO 27001-certified provider. All emails and digital files are stored on secure UK-based servers, ensuring full compliance with UK GDPR data sovereignty.
Encrypted Communication: Sensitive documents (e.g., EHCPs, medical reports) are transmitted via Krystal’s encrypted mail servers or via secure, password-protected file-sharing links.
Security Measures: Access to our systems is strictly controlled via Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and enterprise-grade firewalls.
4.2 Data Retention & Secure Disposal
We do not hold personal data longer than is necessary for its original purpose.
Consultancy Records: Comprehensive case files and reports are retained for 6 years after the conclusion of our involvement (aligned with the Limitation Act 1980 for professional liability).
Safeguarding Records: Any records relating to safeguarding concerns are retained until the individual’s 25th birthday, or for 10 years after the last entry (whichever is longer), to meet statutory Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) standards.
Secure Disposal: Digital data is permanently purged from Krystal’s servers and cloud bins. Any physical documents are shredded using a cross-cut shredder.
4.3 Subject Access Requests (SARs)
Individuals have the right to request a copy of the personal data we hold about them.
Procedure: Requests can be made verbally or in writing to office@alberstone.co.uk.
Timeline: We will respond within one calendar month as per ICO guidelines.
Verification: To protect our clients, we will verify the requester’s identity before releasing any neuro-sensitive or medical data.
4.4 Privacy Notice for Clients
A summary of our privacy practices is available at the footer of our official website (or your compliance page).
Lawful Basis: We process personal data under “Legitimate Interests” (running the consultancy) and “Substantial Public Interest” (providing specialist support for disabilities).
Your Rights: You have the right to be informed, the right to rectification, and the right to object to processing.
Escalation: If you have concerns about how your data is handled, you can contact the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) via their website

5. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

5.1 Commitment to Neuro-Inclusion
Alberstone Consultancy Limited is a Neuro-Affirmative practice. We do not just “tolerate” difference; we actively design our services around it. We recognize that the Equality Act 2010 legally protects individuals with disabilities (including neuro-divergent profiles like ASD, ADHD, PDA, and Dyslexia) from discrimination. We aim to go beyond minimum legal compliance to provide true equity of access.
5.2 Reasonable Adjustments Procedure
We do not wait for a client to struggle; we “front-load” accessibility. This is our “Anxiety-Informed” approach in action:
Flexible Communication: We offer meetings via video, phone, or in person, and accommodate preferences for “camera-off” or text-based participation to reduce social pressure.
Information Accessibility: We provide documents in “dyslexia-friendly” formats (e.g., sans-serif fonts, increased line spacing, and clear, literal language).
Processing Time: We build “wait time” into our sessions, allowing neuro-divergent clients the space to process information and formulate responses without feeling rushed.
Sensory Awareness: For in-person work, we assess the environment for sensory triggers (fluorescent lighting, background noise) and adapt our approach accordingly.

6. Health, Safety, and Wellbeing

6.1 Risk Assessment for Community/Home Visits
Alberstone Consultancy Limited often operates in external environments such as family homes or community hubs.
Pre-Visit Screening: Before an initial home visit, a brief “environmental check” is conducted (usually via phone/email) to identify potential hazards, such as aggressive pets, smoking, or volatile household dynamics.
Dynamic Risk Assessment: Upon arrival, the consultant will perform a “dynamic assessment.” If the environment feels unsafe or if the client/family is significantly dysregulated in a way that poses a physical risk, the consultant is authorised to terminate the visit immediately.
Exit Strategy: In any home visit, the consultant will ensure they have a clear path to the exit and keep their mobile phone and car keys easily accessible.
6.2 Lone Working Procedure
As a specialist consultant often working independently, a “Buddy System” is used to ensure personal safety:
The Itinerary: The Director maintains a digital calendar (synced to a trusted professional contact or “Safety Buddy”) detailing the location, start time, and expected end time of every visit.
The Check-In Rule: The consultant must “check in” via text or call with their Safety Buddy within 15 minutes of the scheduled end of a visit.
The Red Alert: If a check-in is missed by more than 30 minutes and the consultant cannot be reached, the Safety Buddy is instructed to attempt to contact the venue/home and, if unsuccessful, escalate to the emergency services.
Identity Verification: When visiting a new professional establishment (e.g., a school or council office), the consultant will always carry and present valid photo ID and their Enhanced DBS certificate.
6.3 Mental Health & Staff Wellbeing Support
Working with high-anxiety profiles and navigating complex SEND advocacy can be emotionally taxing.
Anxiety-Informed Self-Care: We recognise that a regulated consultant is essential for a regulated client. Staff are encouraged to build “buffer time” between sessions to decompress and process emotional interactions.
Reflective Practice: The Director engages in regular reflective practice and peer-supervision within the SEND consultancy community to prevent “compassion fatigue” and burnout.
Sustainable Workloading: To maintain the quality of our neuro-affirming support, Alberstone Consultancy Limited prioritises a sustainable caseload over high-volume turnover, ensuring the wellbeing of the consultant remains a priority.

7. Operations & Quality Assurance

7.1 Onboarding New Clients (Procedure)
To ensure a smooth, anxiety-informed start to our professional relationship, we follow a structured onboarding process:
Initial Enquiry: A brief, no-obligation consultation to ensure Alberstone is the right fit for the client’s specific needs (ASD, ADHD, PDA, Dyslexia, etc.).
Service Agreement: A formal Consultancy Agreement is issued, outlining the scope of work, fees, and data privacy terms. Work only commences once this is signed.
The “Welcome Pack”: For families and individuals, we provide a neuro-inclusive welcome summary, introducing the consultant and explaining exactly what to expect in the first session to reduce “uncertainty-driven” anxiety.
Baseline Assessment: We establish “where we are now” by reviewing existing EHCPs or reports and identifying the client’s personal goals.
7.2 Feedback and Impact Measuring
We are committed to evidence-based practice. To ensure our neuro-affirming support is effective, we monitor impact through:
Outcome Tracking: We review progress against the specific goals set during onboarding (e.g., reduced school-avoidance, increased use of regulation toolkits).
Feedback Loops: At the end of a contract or key milestone, we invite clients and the Team Around the Child (TAC) to provide feedback via a short, accessible survey.
Service Review: The Director reviews all feedback and impact data quarterly to identify areas for professional development or procedural improvement.
7.3 Complaints Procedure
Alberstone Consultancy is committed to providing high-quality, neuro-affirming support. If you have a concern or are unhappy with the service you have received, we encourage you to follow these steps:
Informal Resolution: In the first instance, please contact our Director directly at office@alberstone.co.uk.
Formal Complaint: If the matter is not resolved informally, you may submit a formal complaint. We will acknowledge your complaint within 5 working days and provide a full written response within 21 working days.
Professional Bodies: As an independent consultancy, we aim to resolve all matters internally. However: As stated on our compliance page, we prioritise informal resolution via the Director, with formal escalation to the ICO or LADO if required.

8. Appendices (The “Action” Documents)

Alberstone Consultancy Limited maintains a suite of standardized operational forms to ensure that the procedures outlined in this handbook are implemented with consistency and legal rigor. These “action documents” are stored securely within our encrypted Krystal Hosting environment and are available for immediate use by the Director and associates. Our core operational toolkit includes:
The Safeguarding Incident Reporting Form: A template for recording verbatim disclosures and factual observations within the required 24-hour window.
The Physical Indicator Body Map: A standardized anatomical diagram for the non-intrusive recording of the location and nature of physical marks.
The New Client Intake & Accessibility Checklist: A procedural tool used during onboarding to ensure all neuro-inclusive adjustments, data consents, and “Team Around the Child” (TAC) details are captured.
The Professional Advocacy Log: Used to track engagement with external agencies and local authorities, ensuring a clear audit trail of our impact within the TAC framework.