Safety & Boundaries
Safe, respectful companionship
GoodCompany is built around trust, consistency and genuine human connection.
Our companions are there to spend meaningful time with clients, support everyday independence and help them stay connected to the things they enjoy.
To keep those relationships safe and appropriate, we have clear boundaries around what companions can and cannot do.
What companions can help with
Depending on the client and their plan, companions may:
✓ Spend time chatting, sharing meals or enjoying hobbies together
✓ Go for walks or accompany clients on local outings
✓ Visit cafés, shops, museums or community activities
✓ Prepare simple food together
✓ Encourage hydration or regular meals
✓ Help with light everyday tasks alongside the client
✓ Support routines, interests and social connection
✓ Accompany clients to non-medical appointments or activities
✓ Keep families updated after visits where agreed
GoodCompany is designed to support independence, not replace it.
What companions do not provide
GoodCompany is not a care, nursing or medical service.
Companions do not provide:
✕ Personal care such as washing, dressing or toileting
✕ Medication administration or medical advice
✕ Nursing or clinical care
✕ Manual lifting or transfers
✕ Intimate personal care
✕ Financial management or control of bank accounts
✕ Legal advice or decision-making on a client’s behalf
✕ Emergency response or overnight supervision
✕ Heavy cleaning, gardening or household maintenance
If someone begins to need this kind of support, we will speak with the family about whether GoodCompany is still suitable alongside other services.
Insurance
GoodCompany maintains appropriate business liability insurance covering the companionship services we provide.
Doing things together
Light everyday support should generally be done with the client, rather than for them.
For example, a companion might:
✓ Make lunch together
✓ Tidy up after an activity together
✓ Walk to the local shop together
✓ Help organise something while the client remains involved
The aim is to preserve confidence, routine and independence rather than take over day-to-day life.
Money and purchases
Companions may accompany clients while shopping or taking part in activities.
They should not:
✕ Borrow money from clients
✕ Lend money to clients
✕ Accept large gifts or cash gifts
✕ Use a client’s bank card or PIN for personal purposes
✕ Become involved in financial arrangements, loans or wills
Where a client needs help making a small purchase during a visit, any arrangement should be clear, transparent and agreed in advance where possible.
Receipts should be kept where appropriate.
Gifts
We understand that genuine relationships can develop between clients and companions.
Small tokens, such as a card, flowers or a modest birthday gift, may be accepted where appropriate.
Companions should not accept significant gifts, money, loans or anything that could create a sense of obligation.
Personal relationships and contact
Companions are encouraged to build warm and genuine relationships with clients while maintaining professional boundaries.
Communication outside scheduled visits should remain appropriate and should not replace GoodCompany’s role in coordinating the service.
Companions should not enter into private paid arrangements with GoodCompany clients outside the service.
Transport
Where outings involve transport, arrangements should be agreed beforehand.
Companions should only transport clients in their own vehicle where GoodCompany has specifically agreed that this is appropriate and the necessary insurance and checks are in place.
Otherwise, public transport, taxis or family-arranged transport should be used.
Alcohol
A client may choose to have an alcoholic drink during a social outing or at home.
Companions should use reasonable judgement and must never work while impaired.
They should not purchase or encourage excessive alcohol consumption where there is a safety concern.
Homes and personal property
Companions should treat the client’s home and belongings with care and respect.
They should not:
✕ Remove property without permission
✕ Use a client’s belongings for personal purposes
✕ Invite other people into the home without agreement
✕ Share keys, access codes or private information
Any access arrangements should be agreed through GoodCompany and the family.
Confidentiality and privacy
Information shared by clients and families is treated respectfully and confidentially.
However, confidentiality cannot be absolute where there is a serious concern about someone’s safety or wellbeing.
In those circumstances, GoodCompany may need to contact a family member, emergency contact or appropriate authority.
If we are worried about someone
Companions are expected to raise concerns if they notice something that could affect a client’s safety or wellbeing.
This might include:
a significant change in behaviour or presentation
signs of injury
concerns about neglect or exploitation
unsafe living conditions
serious confusion or distress
concerns about another person’s behaviour towards the client
GoodCompany will consider the situation and take proportionate action.
Emergencies
GoodCompany is not an emergency service.
If a companion believes someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical help, they may contact emergency services first and then notify the nominated family or emergency contact.
Respect for companions
Safety and respect apply in both directions.
Companions should not be subjected to:
threatening or abusive behaviour
harassment
discrimination
sexualised or inappropriate behaviour
unsafe working conditions
If a visit cannot safely continue, the companion may leave and contact GoodCompany.
We will then discuss what needs to happen before further visits take place.
Changing needs
GoodCompany works best for older adults who remain broadly independent.
Needs can change over time.
If a client begins to require more care, supervision or medical support than GoodCompany can safely provide, we will discuss this with the family.
In some cases, GoodCompany may continue alongside a registered care provider. In others, the service may no longer be appropriate.
Our approach
GoodCompany aims to strike a careful balance:
warm enough to feel genuinely personal, with clear enough boundaries to keep everyone safe.
A. Put this in the footer alongside Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy and Changes & Cancellations.
B. I would also link to it from How It Works or the GoodCompany Standard section.
C. Keep the shorter “what we do / don’t do” version on the sales pages, and use this page for the full detail.
D. I would add a separate internal companion code of conduct too, because that can be much more specific than the public-facing version.