Safeguarding Adults Policy

Practitioner: Laurie Hole
Professional body: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Date of policy: 01 November 2026
Review date: 01 November 2027

1. Purpose

As a counsellor working in private practice with adults, I am committed to promoting the safety, dignity and wellbeing of my clients and to taking appropriate action where there are concerns about abuse, neglect or risk of harm.

This policy reflects my ethical responsibilities under the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions and relevant safeguarding guidance and legislation.

2. Recognising safeguarding concerns

Safeguarding concerns may arise when a client discloses, or I become aware of, possible abuse, neglect, exploitation or other circumstances that place them or another person at risk of harm.

Concerns may include physical, emotional, sexual or financial abuse, domestic abuse, coercive control, neglect, exploitation, or risks associated with self-harm or harm to others.

Although my practice is limited to adults, concerns may also arise about the safety of a child or another adult connected to a client.

3. Responding to concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises, I will:

  • Listen to the client calmly and take their concerns seriously, without making assumptions or conducting my own investigation.

  • Consider the nature and urgency of the risk, including whether anyone is in immediate danger.

  • Discuss the concern with the client where appropriate, respecting their wishes and involving them in decisions wherever possible.

  • Seek guidance from my clinical supervisor and, where appropriate, the relevant local authority safeguarding team or other specialist service.

  • Make a referral or share information with the appropriate agency where justified by the circumstances, relevant law and my professional responsibilities.

  • Contact emergency services where there is an immediate risk of serious harm.

I will take account of the adult's wishes, circumstances, ability to make the relevant decision and any risks to other people. An adult's decision to decline support does not automatically justify overriding their wishes or confidentiality.

4. Confidentiality and information sharing

Confidentiality is central to the therapeutic relationship. At the beginning of counselling, clients are informed that confidentiality may need to be limited in exceptional circumstances, including where disclosure is necessary and justified to protect the client or another person from serious harm, or where disclosure is required or authorised by law.

Where practicable and appropriate, I will discuss any proposed disclosure with the client and seek their consent. If information needs to be shared without consent, I will consider the legal and ethical basis for doing so, seek supervision or appropriate advice where possible, and disclose only information that is necessary and proportionate to the concern.

5. Record-keeping and supervision

I will keep accurate, relevant and secure records of safeguarding concerns, the information available, advice sought, decisions made and actions taken. Records will be factual, proportionate and stored in accordance with my confidentiality and data protection responsibilities.

Safeguarding concerns and decisions will be discussed in clinical supervision, using anonymised information wherever possible. Where a concern is urgent, I will not delay necessary protective action while waiting for supervision.

6. Responsibilities and review

As a sole practitioner working online, I am responsible for maintaining my safeguarding knowledge, working within my competence and seeking appropriate advice when necessary.

I will familiarise myself with relevant safeguarding procedures and referral routes for the areas in which my clients are located. When a safeguarding concern arises, I will identify the appropriate local authority or other relevant service and seek advice or make a referral as appropriate. Where a client is located outside England, I will consider the relevant safeguarding arrangements for their location.

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes to relevant legislation, professional guidance or my working arrangements.