Safeguarding Policy: Upholding Professional Ethical Standards
Helen Collins
Beyond Belief Emotional Coaching
Effective Date: 01/01/
1. Policy Statement
At Beyond Belief Emotional Coaching, safeguarding the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults is a fundamental priority.
I am committed to creating a safe therapeutic environment where clients' wellbeing is protected, respected, and promoted.
This policy outlines my responsibilities and the steps I will take to respond to safeguarding concerns in line with UK legislation and professional ethical standards. Beyond Belief Emotional Coaching is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for all clients. Our safeguarding policy adheres to professional ethical standards, ensuring the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. By integrating professional ethical standards into our practices, we strive to maintain trust and uphold the highest level of integrity in emotional coaching services.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all services provided to:
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Children (under 18 years old)
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Vulnerable adults (adults who may be unable to protect themselves from abuse, harm, or exploitation)
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3. Legal and Regulatory Framework
This policy is based on key UK safeguarding laws and guidance, including:
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Children Act 1989 and 2004
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Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)
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Care Act 2014
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Keeping Children Safe in Education (if applicable)
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GDPR (Data Protection Act 2018)
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Ethical standards of [your professional body, e.g., BACP, UKCP, HCPC]
4. Definitions of Abuse
I recognise that abuse can take many forms, including but not limited to:
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Physical abuse
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Emotional/psychological abuse
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Sexual abuse
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Neglect
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Financial abuse (particularly with vulnerable adults)
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Discriminatory abuse
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Organisational abuse
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Domestic abuse
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5. Responsibilities
As a sole practitioner, I have a responsibility to:
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Take all safeguarding concerns seriously.
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Recognise signs and indicators of abuse.
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Respond appropriately to disclosures of abuse.
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Report safeguarding concerns to the appropriate statutory agencies without delay.
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Keep clear, confidential, and secure records of concerns and actions taken.
6. Confidentiality and Information Sharing
While I respect client confidentiality, safeguarding takes precedence where:
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A child or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm.
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Others may be at risk of harm.
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Disclosure is required by law.
Wherever possible, I will discuss my intention to share information with the client (and/or their parent/guardian if appropriate) unless doing so would increase risk.
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7. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
If I become aware of a safeguarding concern:
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Listen carefully and reassure the client that they are being taken seriously.
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Record accurately what has been disclosed or observed (time, date, details, exact words where possible).
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Act promptly:
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In cases involving immediate danger, contact emergency services (999).
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In non-emergency cases, contact the relevant local authority safeguarding team (children’s or adult social care).
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Key contacts should be kept up-to-date — I maintain a list of local safeguarding contacts including MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) and LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) details.
8. Training and Awareness
I commit to:
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Keeping my safeguarding knowledge current through regular training (at least every 2–3 years).
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Staying informed about updates to legislation and best practice.
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Reflecting on safeguarding issues in supervision.
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9. Supervision
All safeguarding issues and concerns will be discussed in professional supervision to ensure best practice is followed.
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10. Policy Review
This Safeguarding Policy will be reviewed annually or in response to significant changes in legislation, guidance, or practice standards.
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11. Contact Information
Safeguarding Lead: Helen Collins
Contact Phone: +447877418494
Email: helen@beyondbeliefec.com
Emergency Contacts:
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Police: 999 (immediate danger)
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NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
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Warwickshire Family Connect: 01926 414144
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Warwickshire Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO): 01926 745376.