Safeguarding Policy

 

Practice name: Dawn Saxton Counselling 
Practitioner: Dawn Saxton 
Professional body: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

Safeguarding lead: Dawn Saxton 
Effective date: 12.10.2026
Review date: 12.10.2026

 

1. Purpose of this policy

The purpose of this policy is to explain how I recognise, respond to and report safeguarding concerns within my private counselling and psychotherapy practice.

I am committed to providing a safe, respectful and ethical therapeutic environment in which clients are treated with dignity and their wellbeing is prioritised.

I recognise my responsibility to take appropriate action when I become aware that a client or another person may be experiencing, or may be at risk of, abuse, neglect, exploitation or other forms of harm.

This policy is informed by the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance applicable in England.

It should be read alongside my confidentiality policy, crisis and emergency response policy, privacy notice and counselling agreement.

 

2. Scope

This policy applies to my professional activities and to safeguarding concerns involving:

• Children and young people under the age of 18.

• Adults who may be experiencing, or be at risk of, abuse or neglect.

• Clients who disclose abuse, exploitation or harm involving themselves or another person.

• Situations in which I become concerned about the conduct of a practitioner or another person who may pose 

a safeguarding risk. Safeguarding responsibilities may arise during counselling sessions, through information disclosed by clients, or through other information that comes to my attention in the course of my professional work.

 

3. Safeguarding principles

My safeguarding practice is guided by the following principles.

 

3.1 Client welfare and safety

I will take safeguarding concerns seriously and consider the safety and wellbeing of the person who may be at risk.

 

3.2 Respect, dignity and autonomy

I will treat clients with compassion and respect, listen to their concerns and involve them in decisions wherever possible and appropriate.

 

3.3 Confidentiality

I will protect client confidentiality while recognising that safeguarding concerns may, in certain circumstances, justify or require information to be shared.

 

3.4 Proportionate action

I will respond according to the nature and seriousness of the concern, the person's circumstances and the relevant legal and professional requirements.

 

3.5 Professional accountability

I will work within my competence, seek appropriate supervision and advice, maintain accurate records and take responsibility for my safeguarding decisions.

 

4. Recognising abuse, neglect and exploitation

Abuse and neglect can take different forms. I will remain alert to concerns that may indicate that a client or another person is unsafe.

These may include:

• Physical abuse: physical injury, assault or deliberate physical harm.

• Emotional or psychological abuse: intimidation, threats, coercion, humiliation, isolation or controlling behaviour.

• Sexual abuse: sexual assault, exploitation, coercion or sexual activity without valid consent.

• Domestic abuse: abusive or controlling behaviour within intimate or family relationships.

• Financial or material abuse: theft, fraud, coercion or the misuse of money or possessions.

• Neglect: failure to provide necessary care, supervision, medical attention or basic needs.

• Discriminatory abuse: harm, harassment or mistreatment linked to a person's identity or protected characteristics

• Organisational abuse: harmful or neglectful practices within an organisation or care setting.

• Modern slavery and exploitation: trafficking, forced labour or other forms of exploitation.

• Online abuse: grooming, harassment, coercion, sexual exploitation or other harmful online behaviour.

 

I recognise that no single sign necessarily establishes that abuse has occurred. I will consider the information available, the client's circumstances and any relevant indicators without making assumptions or undertaking investigations beyond my professional role.

 

5. Responding to a safeguarding disclosure

If a client discloses abuse, neglect or another safeguarding concern, I will aim to provide a calm, supportive and non-judgemental response.

I will:

1. Listen carefully and take the disclosure seriously.

2. Allow the person to explain their concerns in their own words without pressuring them to provide unnecessary detail.

3. Reassure them that they have been heard and that appropriate support will be considered.

4. Ask only the questions reasonably necessary to understand the immediate safety concern and determine appropriate next steps.

5. Establish whether anyone is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical or emergency assistance.

6. Explain, where appropriate, the limits of confidentiality and any potential need to share information.

7. Consider whether a referral or report to an appropriate safeguarding service is necessary.

8. Record the disclosure and my actions accurately and promptly.

 

I will not promise absolute secrecy, confront an alleged perpetrator, or attempt to conduct a formal investigation myself.

Where possible, I will explain the next steps to the client and involve them in decisions about obtaining support.

 

6. Safeguarding children and young people

I recognise that children and young people may be particularly vulnerable to abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm.

Where I have a safeguarding concern involving a child or young person, I will consider their immediate safety, developmental needs, wishes and feelings, and the relevant safeguarding procedures.

Depending on the circumstances, I may need to:

 

• Contact the local authority children's social care service.

• Seek advice from the relevant safeguarding professionals.

• Contact the police if a crime may have occurred or a child is at immediate risk.

• Make an appropriate referral where there is reasonable cause for concern.

• Share relevant information where necessary and legally justified.

• Seek appropriate professional supervision or advice.

 

Where a child is in immediate danger, I will contact emergency services.

I will not assume that parental consent is always required before raising a safeguarding concern. Equally, I will not automatically disclose a child's confidential information to a parent or carer without considering the child's circumstances, competence, safety, confidentiality and applicable legal requirements.

Where it is safe and appropriate, I will explain to the child or young person what action may be taken and why.

If I work directly with children and young people, I will ensure that my training, professional competence, contracting arrangements, consent procedures and safeguarding arrangements are appropriate to their age and circumstances.

 

7. Safeguarding adults at risk

I recognise that adults may experience abuse, neglect, coercion or exploitation while retaining the right to make their own decisions.

I will respect an adult's autonomy, dignity, wishes and right to participate in decisions affecting them.

Where an adult safeguarding concern arises, I will consider:

• The nature and seriousness of the concern.

• Whether there is an immediate risk of harm.

• The person's wishes, circumstances and ability to protect themselves.

• Whether the criteria for a safeguarding response under the Care Act 2014 may be met.

• Whether there is a risk to other people, including children.

• Whether information sharing or referral is necessary and proportionate.

• Where appropriate, I will support the adult to contact relevant safeguarding services or other support agencies. If the adult does not wish to involve services, I will consider their wishes carefully alongside any serious risk to them or others, relevant legal duties and professional guidance. I will seek appropriate advice where the decision is complex and will document my reasoning and actions.

 

8. Immediate danger and emergency situations

If I believe that a child, adult or another person is in immediate danger of serious harm, I will take prompt and proportionate action.

This may include contacting the police or emergency services on 999, seeking urgent medical assistance, or contacting the relevant safeguarding service.

I will not delay necessary emergency action while waiting for supervision or routine professional advice.

Where it is safe and practicable, I will explain the action being taken to the person concerned.

 

9. Confidentiality and information sharing

Confidentiality is fundamental to the therapeutic relationship. However, confidentiality is not absolute in every circumstance.

In line with the BACP Ethical Framework, I will carefully consider whether safeguarding concerns justify or require the disclosure of confidential information.

Where appropriate, I will:

• Discuss the concern and proposed information sharing with the client.

• Seek the client's consent where possible and appropriate.

• Explain the reasons for sharing information unless doing so would increase risk or otherwise be inappropriate.

• Share only relevant and necessary information with an appropriate recipient.

• Consider applicable data protection requirements and any legal obligations.

• Record the reasons for the decision, the information shared and the recipient.

• Where consent is not obtained, I will consider whether there is another lawful basis or legal requirement for sharing information and whether disclosure is ethically justified. I will not assume that every safeguarding concern automatically requires a breach of confidentiality. Equally, I will not allow confidentiality to prevent proportionate action where serious harm or a legal duty requires it.

 

10. Recording and storing safeguarding information

I will maintain accurate, factual and proportionate records of safeguarding concerns and the actions taken.

Records may include:

• The date and time the concern arose.

• The nature of the concern and the information received.

• The client's own words where relevant.

• Any observations, clearly distinguished from interpretation.

• An assessment of immediate safety concerns.

• Advice sought and professional consultations undertaken.

• Referrals, reports or disclosures made.

• Decisions taken and the reasons for them.

• Any agreed follow-up arrangements.

• I will store safeguarding records securely and handle personal information in accordance with my privacy notice, record-keeping procedures and applicable UK data protection legislation.

•  I will not alter records in a misleading way or include unsupported assumptions as established facts.

 

11. Allegations or concerns about another practitioner

If I become aware of an allegation or concern that a practitioner may have harmed, exploited or placed a client at risk, I will take the concern seriously.

Depending on the circumstances, I will consider contacting the relevant safeguarding authority, the practitioner's employer or organisation, the professional body, or the police.

Where a child may be at risk, and the concern involves someone working with children, I will consider whether a referral to the relevant local authority designated officer (LADO) is appropriate under local procedures.

I will seek appropriate professional advice where necessary, while ensuring that any immediate risk is addressed without delay.

I will not attempt to suppress a safeguarding concern or allow professional relationships to take precedence over the safety and welfare of those who may be affected.

 

12. Supervision and professional support

I recognise that safeguarding decisions can be complex and emotionally demanding.

I will use clinical supervision to reflect on safeguarding concerns, ethical dilemmas, risk management and the appropriateness of my responses.

Where necessary, I will seek additional guidance from relevant safeguarding professionals, my professional body, insurer or a suitably qualified legal adviser.

Supervision or consultation will not replace the need to take urgent action where someone may be in immediate danger.

Information discussed in supervision will be handled in accordance with confidentiality and data protection requirements.

 

13. Training and professional competence

I will maintain an appropriate level of safeguarding knowledge and competence relevant to my client group and professional responsibilities.

This includes keeping up to date with relevant legislation, statutory guidance, local safeguarding procedures and BACP guidance.

Where my work involves children, young people or adults with specific safeguarding needs, I will ensure that my training and professional experience are appropriate to that work.

I will recognise the limits of my competence and seek additional support or refer clients to a more appropriate service where necessary.

 

14. Safe Working Arrangements.

 

I will maintain appropriate professional boundaries and working arrangements to support client safety.

These may include clear counselling agreements, suitable arrangements for online or telephone work, secure record-keeping, appropriate emergency contact procedures, and clear information about the limits of my service.

When providing remote counselling, I will consider the client's location and the relevant local emergency or safeguarding arrangements if a concern arises during a session.

Clients will be informed that my private practice is not an emergency service and that urgent safeguarding or medical concerns may require contact with other services.

Remote Safety: Because we work online/by phone, I will ask for your current physical location and an emergency contact at the start of our work. If a severe safeguarding emergency occurs during a session and we get disconnected, I may use these details to send emergency support to your location.

 

15. Reporting and reviewing safeguarding concerns

I will respond to safeguarding concerns in a timely and proportionate manner, in line with relevant local procedures.

Where appropriate, I will review significant incidents through supervision and consider whether changes to my practice, procedures or training are needed.

I will cooperate with lawful safeguarding enquiries and other relevant processes while continuing to protect client confidentiality as far as possible.

 

16. Policy review

This policy will be reviewed at least annually, and sooner if there are significant changes to legislation, professional guidance, safeguarding procedures or the nature of my practice.

It will be reviewed alongside the current BACP Ethical Framework and relevant safeguarding guidance for England.

 

17. Commitment to safeguarding

I am committed to treating safeguarding concerns seriously, responding with compassion and taking appropriate action to help protect clients and others from harm.

I recognise that safeguarding is an ongoing professional responsibility requiring careful judgement, appropriate consultation, accurate record-keeping and a commitment to ethical practice.

The safety, dignity and wellbeing of clients remain central to my work.

 

Practitioner signature: Dawn Saxton

Date: 12.10.2026

 

 

Urgent Support & Useful Contacts

I do not offer an emergency or out-of-hours crisis service. If you feel unsafe, overwhelmed, or need urgent support between our sessions, please contact:

• Emergency Services: 999 (or go to your nearest A&E if you are in immediate physical danger)

• NHS Mental Health Crisis Support: 111 (select the mental health option for 24/7 local urgent care)

• Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7 confidential emotional support)

• Shout Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, 24/7 confidential text support)

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (free, 24/7 support)

• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (if you are worried about a child or young person)

• Your own GP: 

 

 

List of Consultations I may liaise with:

1. Clinical and Ethical Support

·        My Clinical Supervisor: To discuss the ethical dilemma and decide on the safest course of action (done anonymously where possible).

·        BACP Ethics Hub / Professional Conduct Advice: For confidential ethical and legal guidance on complex safeguarding situations.

·        My Professional Indemnity Insurer: For legal advice if a situation involves court orders, police requests, or potential complaints.

 

2. Medical & Crisis Support (Immediate Risk to Client) If a client is at immediate risk of serious self-harm, suicide, or a severe mental health crisis:

·        Emergency Services (999): Police, Ambulance, or Fire Service if there is an immediate threat to life.

·        The Client’s GP: To share urgent risk concerns and coordinate medical or mental health care.

·        Local NHS Mental Health Crisis Team / NHS 111: For urgent psychiatric assessment or crisis intervention.

·        The Client’s Nominated Emergency Contact: A trusted person the client named on their intake form.

 

3. Statutory Safeguarding Authorities (Risk to Children or Adults at Risk) If I suspect a child, young person, or vulnerable adult is experiencing or at risk of abuse, neglect, or serious harm:

• Local Authority Children’s Services / MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub): For any safeguarding concerns involving someone under 18.

• Local Authority Adult Social Care / Safeguarding Team: For concerns involving an adult at risk (due to care and support needs, disability, or vulnerability).

• NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000): For advice or to report concerns about a child if you are unsure how to proceed locally.

• Parents or Carers: When working with under-18s who lack Gillick competence, or where sharing with a parent is necessary to keep the young person safe.

 

4. Legal & Regulatory Bodies (Statutory Duties) Where UK law overrides confidentiality:

• The Police: If there is an immediate threat of serious violence, a child abduction, or information relating to terrorism, money laundering, or drug trafficking.

• The Courts: If you are served with a formal court order requiring the release of clinical notes or testimony.

• Prevent / Counter-Terrorism Policing: If you have a statutory concern regarding radicalisation or terrorism.

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5. Continuity of Care (The Therapists Incapacitation)

• My Clinical Executor: My named, BACP-registered colleague who holds my Clinical Will will be contacted if I become suddenly ill, incapacitated, or die.​