Review Date: May 2027
1. Safeguarding Statement
Mandi Simons Counselling & Psychotherapy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We recognise that safeguarding concerns can arise in any setting, including private therapeutic practice. All therapists working within the practice are expected to remain vigilant, work within professional and ethical frameworks, and place client safety and wellbeing at the centre of decision-making.
This policy is informed by:
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
It covers:
3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Mandi Simons
Deputy DSL (if applicable):
To be appointed
The DSL is responsible for:
4. Types of Harm
Therapists are trained to recognise:
The practice recognises its responsibility to remain alert to concerns regarding radicalisation and extremism and will follow local safeguarding procedures where concerns arise.
The practice also recognises that safeguarding concerns may arise in relation to contextual safeguarding, including risks within peer groups, online environments, educational settings and the wider community.
5. Confidentiality
Confidentiality is respected within therapy. However, safeguarding concerns may override confidentiality.
Children, parents and adult clients are informed that information may need to be shared if:
Where possible, information sharing will be discussed openly and sensitively with the client.
6. Gillick Competence and Consent
We recognise that some children and young people under the age of 16 may be considered Gillick competent.
Therapists will assess whether a young person has sufficient maturity and understanding to:
Parents or carers will usually be involved where appropriate and safe. However, the welfare and rights of the young person remain central.
7. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
If a safeguarding concern arises, therapists must:
The DSL may:
Associates are expected to consult with the Designated Safeguarding Lead regarding safeguarding concerns at the earliest opportunity, whilst recognising that responsibility for immediate safeguarding action remains with the therapist identifying the concern.
If a child or vulnerable adult is believed to be at immediate risk, 999 should be contacted without delay.
8. Vulnerable Adults
The practice recognises that vulnerable adults may be at increased risk of abuse, neglect, exploitation, coercion or self-neglect.
Safeguarding concerns relating to vulnerable adults will be managed in line with local Adult Safeguarding procedures.
Therapists remain alert to:
9. Online Therapy
The practice provides online sessions using secure and appropriate platforms.
Therapists working online must:
Online sessions must never be recorded without the explicit consent of all parties involved.
10. Professional Boundaries and Conduct
Therapists are expected to:
The practice has a zero-tolerance approach to:
11. Allegations Against Staff or Therapists
Any allegation regarding inappropriate behaviour, misconduct or safeguarding concerns involving a therapist, trainee, volunteer or staff member must be reported immediately to the DSL.
Concerns will be:
Protecting children, vulnerable adults and clients remains the priority.
12. Record Keeping
Safeguarding records must:
Safeguarding information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis.
13. Working with Families and Professionals
Where appropriate and with consent, therapists may liaise with:
The practice aims to work collaboratively wherever safe and appropriate.
14. Escalation
If a therapist disagrees with a safeguarding decision, they are expected to escalate concerns appropriately.
Safeguarding decisions must always prioritise the welfare and safety of the child, young person or vulnerable adult.
15. Safer Recruitment and Training
The practice expects therapists working with children and vulnerable adults to:
Students and trainees will receive appropriate supervision and safeguarding support.
16. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, guidance or professional requirements change.
Safeguarding Contact
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Mandi Simons
Telephone: 07711 746260
Email: mandi@mandisimonscounselling.co.uk
In an emergency, where there is an immediate risk of harm, contact 999.
For concerns relating to children, therapists may seek advice from the relevant local authority Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
For concerns relating to vulnerable adults, therapists may seek advice from the relevant local authority Adult Safeguarding Team.