Safeguarding Policy (Children and Vulnerable Adults)

1. Purpose

This policy explains how safeguarding concerns are identified, managed, recorded and, where necessary, shared when I (Dr Russell Woodhead) provide psychological therapy to young people and adults aged 13–25. Safeguarding means protecting a person’s right to live safely and free from abuse or neglect, and taking appropriate action when there are concerns about welfare or safety.

This policy should be read alongside the Confidentiality Policy, which explains how personal information is normally kept private and the circumstances in which information may need to be shared to protect someone from harm.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Children and young people under 18, including those aged 13–17.

  • Adults aged 18–25 who may be considered vulnerable, including adults with care and support needs, adults who may lack capacity for specific decisions, or adults experiencing abuse, exploitation, coercive control, or serious mental health risk.

It applies to all aspects of clinical work, including in-person sessions, online therapy, telephone contact, written communications, and liaison with other professionals.

3. Core principles

Safeguarding practice is guided by the following principles, which align with HCPC and BPS standards and are consistent with the Confidentiality Policy:

  • Safety comes first. Where there is a risk of serious harm, protecting life and wellbeing takes priority over confidentiality.

  • Transparency. Clients are informed at the outset, and reminded as needed, about confidentiality and its limits.

  • Proportionate information sharing. Any sharing of information is limited to what is necessary to reduce risk, in line with data protection law and safeguarding guidance.

  • Accountability and professional judgement. Decisions are made carefully, recorded clearly, and open to professional scrutiny.

4. Legal and professional framework

This policy is informed by:

  • HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics

  • BPS Code of Ethics and Conduct

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children

  • Care Act 2014 (adult safeguarding)

  • Local safeguarding arrangements for Kent and East Sussex

5. Roles and responsibilities

As an independent practitioner, I am the Safeguarding Lead for my practice. I am responsible for:

  • Recognising safeguarding concerns

  • Making decisions about escalation and referral

  • Recording safeguarding actions and rationales

  • Seeking supervision or consultation where appropriate

Safeguarding concerns will not be delayed by supervision if immediate action is required.

6. Confidentiality and safeguarding

Confidentiality is a central part of therapy and is explained fully in the Confidentiality Policy. In summary:

  • Information shared in therapy is kept confidential wherever possible.

  • Confidentiality may be breached without consent if there is a belief that:

    • A child or vulnerable adult is at risk of significant harm

    • The client or another person is at serious risk of harm

    • There is a legal requirement to share information

Any decision to share information is made in line with the Confidentiality Policy and will consider:

  • Whether sharing is necessary to prevent harm

  • Whether seeking consent is safe and appropriate

  • What information needs to be shared, and with whom

Where possible, clients will be informed about what is being shared and why.

7. Recognising safeguarding concerns

Safeguarding concerns may arise through:

  • Direct disclosure by a client

  • Information from parents, carers, schools, GPs, or other professionals

  • Clinical observation (for example, fearfulness, injuries, controlling relationships, signs of exploitation)

Types of harm may include physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect, domestic abuse, exploitation, online harm, self-neglect (in adults), financial abuse, or modern slavery.

8. Responding to safeguarding concerns

When a safeguarding concern arises, I will:

  1. Prioritise immediate safety

    • Contact emergency services if there is immediate danger.

  2. Listen and clarify

    • Take the concern seriously and avoid investigation or leading questions.

  3. Explain next steps

    • Reiterate confidentiality limits, consistent with the Confidentiality Policy.

  4. Assess risk

    • Consider who is at risk, the nature and immediacy of harm, and protective factors.

  5. Seek supervision or consultation if appropriate

    • Without delaying urgent action.

  6. Take appropriate action

    • This may include referral to statutory services.

  7. Record decisions and actions

    • Clearly and contemporaneously.

9. Local safeguarding referral routes (Kent and East Sussex)

Because I practise predominantly within Kent and East Sussex, I will refer to the correct local authority based on the person’s home address and/or where the risk is occurring.

Details of referral routes for each local authority can be found at the following links:

Children and young people

Adults (including vulnerable adults)

  • Kent & Medway Safeguarding Adults Board https://www.kmsab.org.uk

  • East Sussex Safeguarding Adults https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/social-care/adults/safeguarding

These websites provide up-to-date guidance on thresholds, consultation, and referral processes.

10. Recording and information management

All safeguarding concerns and actions are recorded accurately and securely. Records will include:

  • What the concern was and how it arose

  • Risk considerations and professional judgement

  • Actions taken and referrals made

  • What information was shared, with whom, and why

Record-keeping and information sharing are consistent with the Confidentiality Policy and data protection requirements.

11. Safer clinical practice

Safeguarding is supported through:

  • Clear boundaries and professional conduct

  • Risk-aware online therapy arrangements

  • Agreed crisis and escalation plans

  • Careful consideration before contacting parents or carers where this could increase risk

12. Review and governance

This policy is reviewed at least annually, and sooner if safeguarding legislation, professional guidance, or local procedures change. Safeguarding training and supervision are maintained as part of ongoing professional development.