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Safeguarding Policy

1. Introduction As a professional therapist working with adults and children, I am committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all clients. This policy outlines the principles and procedures I follow to ensure a safe and supportive environment in line with UK safeguarding legislation and best practices.

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2. Legal and Regulatory Framework This policy is informed by relevant UK laws, including but not limited to:

  • The Children Act 1989 & 2004

  • The Care Act 2014

  • The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006

  • The Mental Capacity Act 2005

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018

  • Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023

 

3. Responsibilities As a therapist, I have a duty of care to:

  • Recognise and respond to signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

  • Follow appropriate safeguarding procedures if concerns arise.

  • Maintain confidentiality except where disclosure is necessary for safeguarding purposes.

  • Undertake regular safeguarding training.

 

4. Recognising Abuse and Neglect Abuse can take many forms, including:

  • Physical abuse

  • Emotional abuse

  • Sexual abuse

  • Neglect

  • Financial or material abuse (for adults)

  • Domestic abuse

 

Signs of abuse may include physical injuries, withdrawal, anxiety, changes in behaviour, or disclosure by the individual.

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5. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns If a safeguarding concern arises:

  • I will listen carefully and reassure the individual.

  • I will document concerns factually and securely.

  • I will report concerns to the appropriate authorities, such as Social Services or the police, if necessary.

  • In cases of immediate danger, I will call 999.

 

6. Confidentiality and Information Sharing Confidentiality is essential in therapy; however, if there is a safeguarding concern, I may need to share information with relevant authorities. I follow the principles of:

  • Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.

  • The ‘seven golden rules’ for information sharing from Working Together to Safeguard Children.

 

7. Safeguarding for Online Therapy When providing online therapy, I ensure:

  • Secure and confidential communication platforms.

  • Clear boundaries and safeguarding procedures for remote sessions.

  • Procedures to verify identity and assess risk remotely.

 

8. Training and Supervision I undertake regular safeguarding training and seek supervision to ensure my knowledge and practices remain current and effective.

 

9. Contact Information for Reporting Concerns

  • NSPCC: 0808 800 5000

  • Childline: 0800 1111

  • Local Authority Safeguarding Team

  • Police (for immediate danger): 999

 

10. Policy Review This policy is reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in legislation and best practice.

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For any concerns or further information, please contact me directly through my website or email.

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Date of Last Review: 26th February 2025

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