Adult Safeguarding Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to promote the safety, wellbeing and rights of all adult clients receiving counselling. I am committed to providing a safe, respectful and supportive environment and will respond appropriately where there are concerns about abuse, neglect or significant harm.

Scope

This policy applies to all adults (18 years and over) receiving counselling through Alice Gough Counselling.

Definition of an Adult at Risk

Under the Care Act 2014, an adult at risk is someone aged 18 or over who:

  • has care and support needs;
  • is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect; and
  • as a result of those needs is unable to protect themselves.

My Commitment

As a registered member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), I work in accordance with the NCPS Ethical Framework and relevant safeguarding legislation.

I will:

  • Promote the wellbeing and dignity of every client.
  • Take all safeguarding concerns seriously.
  • Respond appropriately to concerns about abuse or neglect.
  • Respect confidentiality wherever possible.
  • Share information only where necessary to protect someone from serious harm or where required by law.
  • Keep clear, factual and secure safeguarding records.
  • Seek guidance through clinical supervision where appropriate while maintaining client anonymity wherever possible.

Types of Abuse

Safeguarding concerns may include, but are not limited to:

  • Physical abuse
  • Emotional or psychological abuse
  • Sexual abuse
  • Financial or material abuse
  • Neglect or acts of omission
  • Domestic abuse
  • Coercive or controlling behaviour
  • Discriminatory abuse
  • Organisational abuse
  • Modern slavery
  • Self-neglect

Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If I become concerned that an adult may be at risk of significant harm, I will:

  • Listen carefully and without judgement.
  • Explain the limits of confidentiality where appropriate.
  • Assess the level of risk.
  • Encourage the client to access appropriate support where possible.
  • Seek consultation through clinical supervision where appropriate.
  • Contact Adult Social Care, emergency services or other appropriate agencies if there is an immediate or significant risk.
  • Inform the client of any information sharing whenever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is central to the counselling relationship.

However, confidentiality may need to be broken where:

  • there is a serious risk of harm to the client or another person;
  • an adult at risk is experiencing abuse or neglect;
  • disclosure is required by law, including a court order.

Only information necessary to safeguard the individual or others will be shared.

Record Keeping

Any safeguarding concerns, decisions and actions taken will be recorded accurately, factually and stored securely in accordance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and professional guidance.

Legal & Professional Framework

This policy is informed by:

  • The Care Act 2014
  • The Mental Capacity Act 2005
  • The Human Rights Act 1998
  • The Data Protection Act 2018
  • UK GDPR
  • The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) Ethical Framework
  • Relevant local authority safeguarding procedures

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation or professional guidance changes.

Policy Owner: Alice Gough