Terms and Conditions – Sophie James Neurodivergent Mentoring Services

Effective Date: 30/12/2025

“Mentoring is a collaborative process focused on reflection, understanding, and practical strategies based on valuable, lived experience. Outcomes are not guaranteed and vary by individual.”

1. Nature of Services

1.1 Not Therapy or Medical Advice
The mentoring services provided by Sophie James at Sophie James Neurodivergent Mentoring are not therapy, counselling, medical advice, or a substitute for professional psychological, psychiatric, or medical treatment. Sophie James is not a licensed therapist, counsellor, psychologist, or healthcare professional.

1.2 Experience-Based Support
Mentoring is based on Sophie James’s personal experience as a neurodivergent individual. Guidance, tools, and strategies are offered for informational and support purposes only and reflect lived experience.

1.3 Personal Responsibility
Clients are fully responsible for their interpretation and application of any information, strategies, or support provided. Sophie James Neurodivergent Mentoring is not liable for any outcomes, decisions, or actions resulting from participation in mentoring sessions.

1.4 Human Fallibility
Clients acknowledge that mentoring may involve human error, and Sophie James does not claim to have all the answers or solutions.

1.5 Encouraged to Seek Professional Help
Clients experiencing mental health challenges or in need of diagnosis or treatment are encouraged to seek support from a licensed professional or qualified medical provider.

2. Client Conduct and Boundaries

2.1 Professional Boundaries
All mentoring sessions must remain respectful, appropriate, and focused on personal growth. Discussions of a sexual, explicit, or otherwise inappropriate nature are strictly prohibited.

2.2 Right to Terminate Sessions
Sophie James reserves the right to end any session or mentoring relationship immediately if boundaries are violated or behaviour compromises the safety, dignity, or well-being of any participant. In this case, a refund will not be received.

2.3 Confidentiality and Safeguarding
While confidentiality is respected, if the Client is believed to be at risk of harm to themselves or others, Sophie James Neurodivergent Mentoring has a duty of care and follows safeguarding principles consistent with UK guidance

3. Services for Minors

3.1 Parental/Guardian Consent
Clients under 18 must have informed consent from a parent or legal guardian.

3.2 Privacy with Oversight
Parents or guardians may request check-ins regarding general progress while respecting the minor’s privacy and autonomy within the mentoring relationship.

3.3 Location of Sessions
For the safety and wellbeing of all parties, mentoring sessions with children and young people under 18 must take place in a private but supervised environment within the home.

3.4 Parental Oversight and Secure Communication

  • Parental Proximity: Parents or carers should be able to hear the session and present in the home for the duration of the session.

  • Secure Communication: Communication with the young person should be conducted through work email. Personal contact details should be avoided, and personal messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp) should not be used for mentoring sessions with minors.

4. Cancellations, Refunds and Bookings

4.1 No Refunds
All mentoring sessions are non-refundable once delivered. Refunds may be provided where required by UK consumer law.. By booking a session, Clients acknowledge and agree to this policy.

4.2 Cancellation Policy
Clients must provide at least [24 hours] notice to cancel or reschedule a session. Late cancellations or missed sessions are non-refundable.

4.3 Rescheduling
Rescheduling requests are subject to availability and must comply with the notice period outlined above.

5. Payment Terms

5.1 All fees must be paid in full before mentoring sessions commence, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

5.2 Sophie James Neurodivergent Mentoring reserves the right to suspend or terminate services if payments are not received as agreed.

6. Limitation of Liability

6.1 No Liability for Outcomes
Sophie James Neurodivergent Mentoring and Sophie James are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from participation in mentoring sessions.

6.2 Use at Own Risk
Clients participate in mentoring sessions at their own risk and acknowledge that outcomes may vary depending on individual circumstances.

7. Intellectual Property

All materials and resources provided during mentoring sessions remain the intellectual property of Sophie James Neurodivergent Mentoring. Clients may use them for personal, non-commercial purposes only.

8. Changes to Terms

Sophie James Neurodivergent Mentoring reserves the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. Continued use of services constitutes acceptance of updated terms.

9. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

10. Acknowledgement

By booking or participating in mentoring sessions, Clients acknowledge that they:

  • Have read and understood these Terms and Conditions.

  • Accept full responsibility for their actions and decisions.

  • Agree to comply with professional boundaries and conduct expectations.

  • Understand that mentoring is experience-based support, not therapy or medical advice.

11. Data Protection

Personal information is processed in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). Client data is stored securely and used only for the purpose of providing mentoring services.

Our Policies

Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy (Children and Adults)

1. Purpose

This policy sets out how I safeguard children, young people, and adults who engage in my neurodivergent mentoring services. I am committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive, and trauma‑aware service, and to acting appropriately if safeguarding concerns arise. I have completed CPD certified training in Safeguarding and Child Protection with the NSPCC, ensuring my mentoring practice is safe, ethical, and respectful—particularly for neurodivergent individuals.

This policy reflects UK safeguarding legislation and guidance, including:

  • Children Act 1989 & 2004

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children

  • Care Act 2014

2. Scope of Service

  • I provide non‑therapeutic mentoring to:

    • Children and young people under 18

    • Adults aged 18+

  • Clients may be neurodivergent and may have additional vulnerabilities.

  • Mentoring is delivered on a 1:1 basis via online video sessions (Zoom).

  • I do not provide therapy, counselling, diagnosis, medical advice, or crisis intervention.

3. Understanding Safeguarding

Safeguarding means protecting a person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.

Children and Young People

Safeguarding children means:

  • Protecting them from maltreatment

  • Preventing impairment of health or development

  • Ensuring they grow up in safe and effective care

Adults

Adults may be considered at risk due to factors such as neurodivergence, learning disability, mental health difficulties, or reliance on others for support.

Types of abuse may include:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional or psychological abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Financial or material abuse

  • Neglect or acts of omission

  • Discriminatory abuse

  • Online abuse

  • Self‑neglect (adults)

4. My Responsibilities

As a sole trader mentor, I will:

  • Put the safety and wellbeing of clients first

  • Maintain clear professional boundaries

  • Act in a child‑centred and person‑centred way

  • Take all safeguarding concerns seriously

  • Keep accurate, factual records

  • Share information appropriately to protect from harm

I hold a Basic DBS check.

5. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may arise through:

  • A disclosure by a child, young person, or adult

  • Changes in behaviour, mood, or communication

  • Information shared by parents, carers, or professionals

  • Observations during mentoring sessions

6. Responding to a Disclosure

If a safeguarding concern is disclosed, I will:

  • Listen calmly and without judgement

  • Take the concern seriously

  • Not promise confidentiality

  • Use age‑appropriate and accessible language

  • Reassure the person they have done the right thing

  • Record the information factually as soon as possible

7. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Information is treated as confidential unless:

  • A child or adult is at risk of harm

  • There is a safeguarding or criminal concern

  • Disclosure is required by law

Where appropriate and safe, I will inform parents/carers or the adult before sharing information. Safeguarding overrides confidentiality.

8. Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

  • Children: Concerns will be reported to the relevant Local Authority Children’s Services or the NSPCC.

  • Adults: Concerns will be reported to the Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team.

  • If there is immediate risk during an online session, I will contact emergency services and share relevant information to support safeguarding.

9. Record Keeping

Safeguarding records will be:

  • Accurate, factual, and non‑judgemental

  • Stored securely and confidentially

  • Kept separately from general mentoring notes where appropriate

10. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant safeguarding update.

Professional Boundaries Policy

1. Purpose

Clear professional boundaries support safe mentoring relationships and protect children, adults, and the mentor, particularly in online settings.

2. Boundaries in Online Practice

  • All sessions take place via Zoom at agreed times

  • Sessions are 1:1 only unless otherwise agreed in writing

  • Sessions are not recorded without explicit written consent

  • Clients are encouraged to join sessions from a private, safe space

  • I will not communicate with children via social media

  • Professional communication is limited to agreed channels (e.g. email)

  • I do not provide crisis or emergency support

  • Physical contact is not applicable in online work

  • Parents/carers of under‑18s are informed of session arrangements

3. Breaches of Boundaries

If online boundaries are crossed or sessions become unsafe, the session may be paused or ended. Mentoring may be discontinued if boundaries cannot be maintained.

Complaints Policy

1. Purpose

I aim to provide a respectful and high‑quality service. This policy explains how concerns or complaints can be raised.

2. Who Can Complain

  • Adults using the service

  • Parents or carers of children and young people

3. How to Raise a Complaint

Complaints should be made in writing and include:

  • A description of the concern

  • Relevant dates or details

4. Handling Complaints

  • Acknowledgement within 7 days

  • Response within 21 days where possible

  • Complaints handled fairly and respectfully

5. Escalation

If unresolved, external advice or mediation may be sought.

Scope of Practice Statement

I provide mentoring, not therapy. My role is to offer structured, supportive mentoring informed by lived experience and neurodivergent‑affirming practice.

I do not:

  • Diagnose conditions

  • Provide mental health treatment

  • Offer medical or clinical advice

If a child, young person, or adult requires support beyond mentoring, appropriate professional services will be recommended.

Last reviewed: 01/01/2026