Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding, Child Protection & Adults with Care and Support Needs Policy

Peony Counselling
Registered Counsellor: Louise Frith
Self-Employed Practitioner

Telephone: 07815 565555
Email: louise@peonycounselling.co.uk
Website: www.peonycounselling.co.uk

1. Introduction

Peony Counselling is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults who may have care and support needs.

As a professional counselling service, Peony Counselling recognises its duty of care to protect vulnerable individuals from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. This policy outlines the principles, responsibilities, and procedures that underpin safeguarding practice, in accordance with current UK legislation and ethical standards.

This policy applies to all counselling activities undertaken by Louise Frith, and any associated work with partner organisations, referrers, or agencies.

2. Commitment to Safeguarding

Peony Counselling believes that safeguarding is a continuous process that requires awareness, openness, and accountability.

The practice is committed to:

  • Promoting a culture of vigilance and responsibility.
  • Providing clear guidance on how to identify and report safeguarding concerns.
  • Creating a safe and respectful therapeutic environment.
  • Protecting confidentiality wherever possible, while taking appropriate action when safety concerns arise.
  • Ensuring that safeguarding policies and procedures remain current and effective.

3. Legal and Ethical Framework

This policy is informed by the following legislation and statutory guidance:

  • The Children Act 1989 & 2004 (as amended)
  • The Children and Social Work Act 2017
  • The Care Act 2014
  • The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
  • The Equality Act 2010
  • The Human Rights Act 1998
  • The Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR)

Key statutory guidance includes:

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government, 2023)
  • Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE, 2023)
  • Information Sharing: Advice for Practitioners (HM Government, 2023)

All safeguarding practices at Peony Counselling are also consistent with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework.

4. Scope and Application

This policy applies to all work undertaken by Louise Frith in a counselling capacity. It covers interactions with clients of any age and with external organisations where safeguarding responsibilities may apply.

Where clients reside outside the immediate local area, regional safeguarding procedures will be followed in line with the relevant Local Authority Safeguarding Board.

5. Understanding Safeguarding

Safeguarding means taking proactive measures to protect people’s right to live in safety, free from abuse or neglect. It involves:

  • Promoting well-being, resilience, and autonomy.
  • Preventing abuse or neglect before it occurs.
  • Responding quickly and appropriately to concerns.
  • Ensuring all actions are taken in the best interests of the individual.

Child Protection and Adult Protection refer specifically to the steps taken when there is evidence or suspicion that a child or adult with care and support needs is at risk of, or has experienced, harm.

6. Types of Abuse

Abuse can take many forms. Peony Counselling recognises the following categories:

  • Physical Abuse: Inflicting physical injury or causing pain.
  • Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual contact, exploitation, or exposure.
  • Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Persistent behaviour that damages an individual’s emotional well-being.
  • Neglect: Failure to meet a person’s basic needs or provide appropriate care.
  • Financial or Material Abuse: Theft, coercion, or misuse of money or property.
  • Discriminatory Abuse: Harassment or mistreatment due to race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics.
  • Online or Digital Abuse: Harmful use of technology, such as grooming, cyberbullying, or exploitation.

Counsellors must remain alert to the signs of abuse and respond appropriately when concerns arise.

7. Safeguarding and Reporting Procedures

If Louise Frith becomes aware of, or suspects, abuse or neglect of a child, young person, or adult with care needs, the following steps will be taken:

  1. Record: Details of the concern will be documented clearly and factually using a Safeguarding Concern Record Form.
  2. Report: The concern will be discussed with the relevant Local Authority Safeguarding Team.
  3. Refer: Where necessary, a formal safeguarding referral will be made to the appropriate agency.

In an emergency where there is an immediate risk of harm, contact will be made with emergency services (999) or the local authority’s emergency duty team.

All records will be stored securely in accordance with data protection regulations.

8. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Confidentiality is central to counselling, but it cannot be maintained when withholding information could place a person at risk of serious harm.

Peony Counselling will share relevant information with statutory agencies when:

  • There is a risk of harm to a child or vulnerable adult.
  • There is concern about an individual’s safety or the safety of others.
  • Disclosure is required by law.

Information will always be shared in line with the principles of necessity, proportionality, and the Data Protection Act 2018.

9. Training and Continuing Professional Development

As the sole practitioner, Louise Frith undertakes regular safeguarding training to maintain awareness of current legislation and best practice.

Evidence of completed training will be maintained for professional registration and audit purposes.

10. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):
    Name: Louise Frith
    Role: Owner and Counsellor, Peony Counselling
    Telephone: 07815 565555
    Email: louise@peonycounselling.co.uk

The DSL is responsible for managing safeguarding concerns, making referrals, and ensuring compliance with this policy.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are significant legislative or procedural changes.
Next scheduled review: October 2026

12. Statement of Commitment

Peony Counselling is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of safety, respect, and ethical practice. Through continuous learning, professional accountability, and compassionate care, Louise Frith is committed to ensuring that every client is protected, supported, and treated with dignity at all times.

Signed:
Louise Frith
Owner & Counsellor, Peony Counselling
Date: October 2025