Responding to Safeguarding Concerns: A Guide for Yoga Teachers

This guide is designed to help yoga teachers think through situations in which a safeguarding concern, disclosure, or a worrying observation arises. It does not make you responsible for investigating concerns or determining outcomes. Instead, it offers a structured way to approach situations professionally, calmly and within your role. Safeguarding situations can feel uncertain. There is rarely a perfect response. The aim is to support informed, thoughtful decision-making while staying within your scope of practice as a yoga teacher.

When to use this guide

Use this guide whenever you’re teaching yoga independently and notice signs of abuse, harm, or neglect, or if someone shares a safeguarding concern with you. It’s designed to help you respond confidently and appropriately, even if you don’t have a manager or team to report to.

Disclosures

A disclosure is when someone chooses to share personal or sensitive information with you.

In a yoga setting, this may happen during or after class, in one-to-one sessions, or informally in conversation.

It is important to remember:

You are not expected to investigate what has been said.
You do not need to verify or interpret the information.
Your role is to respond appropriately in the moment and maintain professionalism.

When someone discloses information, the focus is on being present, calm and respectful.

A helpful principle is to avoid making assumptions or offering advice outside your role. Often, the most appropriate response is to listen without judgement and remain within your professional boundaries.

Record Keeping

If a safeguarding-related concern or disclosure arises, keeping a factual record may be appropriate.

Good record keeping is:

Objective
Clear
Based on what was seen or heard, not interpretation
Written as soon as reasonably possible after the event

It is important to distinguish between fact and opinion.

For example:

“Student said they are not sleeping and feel unsafe at home” is factual.
“Student is distressed and in danger” is interpretive and should be avoided unless professionally verified.

Records should be treated with care and stored securely in line with your general data protection responsibilities.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is important in yoga teaching, but it is not absolute.

Students should feel confident that personal information is treated respectfully and shared only where appropriate.

However, there may be situations where information needs to be shared with relevant services or professionals, particularly when someone is at risk.

As a general principle:

Do not promise to keep disclosures secret.
Be clear that you may need to seek advice or support if you are concerned.
Share information only on a need-to-know basis and with appropriate channels.

Maintaining trust and acting responsibly both matter.

Decision Making

Safeguarding situations can feel unclear, and it is not always obvious what the right course of action is.

In many cases, there will not be a perfect or certain answer.

A helpful approach is to slow down your response and consider:

What has actually been observed or said?
Is this within my role and competence as a yoga teacher?
Does this situation require input from someone with specialist expertise?
What action would best support safety and wellbeing within my role?

The aim is not to solve the situation yourself, but to act responsibly within your professional boundaries.

Signposting

Signposting means directing someone towards appropriate support or services rather than trying to provide that support yourself.

In a yoga context, this might include encouraging someone to speak to:

A healthcare professional
A mental health service
A safeguarding or social care service
A trusted support organisation

Signposting is not about diagnosing or advising. It is about recognising when someone may benefit from additional help and ensuring they know where to access it.

It is important to remain neutral, avoid making assumptions, and stay within your scope of practice when suggesting support options.

Scenarios

The following examples are for reflection only. They are not intended as definitive instructions, but as a way to think through how the principles above might apply in practice.

Scenario 1: A student discloses something concerning after class

A student stays behind and shares that they are experiencing difficulties at home and do not feel safe.

In this situation, your role is not to investigate or provide solutions. The focus is on listening appropriately, remaining calm and considering whether further support or signposting may be appropriate.

Scenario 2: You observe worrying behaviour

A regular student appears increasingly withdrawn and distressed over several weeks.

While it is natural to be concerned, avoid making assumptions. The situation should be carefully considered in light of what has actually been observed and whether any professional boundaries or safety considerations need to be reviewed.

Scenario 3: A student asks for advice outside your expertise

A student asks whether yoga can help them manage a specific mental health condition.

This is a reminder of the scope of practice. It may be appropriate to remain within your role as a yoga teacher and avoid giving advice that requires specialist training, while encouraging the student to seek guidance from an appropriate professional.

Safeguarding situations are rarely straightforward, and yoga teachers are not expected to have all the answers.

This guide is designed to support clear thinking, professional boundaries and responsible decision-making.

The key principles are simple:

Stay within your role.
Focus on facts rather than assumptions.
Maintain appropriate boundaries.
Do not investigate or diagnose.
Seek appropriate support when needed.
Signpost rather than solve.

You are not responsible for resolving safeguarding concerns. Your responsibility is to act professionally, respond appropriately within your role, and help ensure individuals are directed to the right support when necessary.