Safeguarding Policy

Practice name: The RelationSHIFT Counsellor
Practitioner: Keeley Matthews
Last reviewed: December 2025
Next review: December 2026

1. Purpose of this policy

This Safeguarding Policy explains how safeguarding concerns are recognised, managed, and responded to within The RelationSHIFT Counsellor.

Safeguarding is about protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from harm, abuse, or neglect, and responding appropriately when concerns arise.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Adult clients receiving counselling services

  • Any contact made through the website, enquiry forms, email, phone, or sessions

  • Situations where safeguarding concerns arise in relation to:

    • Children or young people

    • Vulnerable adults

    • Serious risk of harm to self or others

The RelationSHIFT Counsellor works with adults only. However, safeguarding responsibilities still apply where children or vulnerable adults may be affected.

3. Safeguarding principles

Safeguarding practice is guided by the following principles:

  • Client safety is paramount

  • Respect for autonomy, balanced with duty of care

  • Proportionality – sharing information only when necessary

  • Transparency – explaining safeguarding limits to confidentiality where possible

  • Professional accountability in line with ethical and legal responsibilities

4. Recognising safeguarding concerns

Safeguarding concerns may arise through:

  • Client disclosure during sessions

  • Information shared via enquiry or intake forms

  • Observations that indicate risk of:

    • Abuse or neglect (physical, emotional, sexual, financial)

    • Domestic abuse or coercive control

    • Serious self-harm or suicidal intent

    • Risk of harm to others

    • Exploitation or significant vulnerability

5. Confidentiality and its limits

Client confidentiality is respected and upheld at all times except where:

  • There is a serious risk of harm to the client or another person

  • A child or vulnerable adult is at risk of abuse or neglect

  • Disclosure is required by law or safeguarding duty

Where possible, concerns will be discussed with the client before information is shared. However, consent may be overridden if immediate safety is at risk.

6. Responding to safeguarding concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises, the following steps may be taken:

  1. Assess risk carefully, using professional judgement

  2. Consult with a clinical supervisor promptly

  3. Record concerns clearly and factually

  4. Share information appropriately, only with relevant safeguarding services or authorities where required

  5. Act in the best interests of safety, even when this impacts confidentiality

Referrals may be made to:

  • Local Authority Safeguarding Teams

  • Adult Social Care

  • Children’s Services

  • Emergency services (where there is immediate danger)

7. Record keeping

  • Safeguarding concerns are recorded securely and separately from routine therapy notes where appropriate

  • Records are factual, relevant, and proportionate

  • Information is stored in line with data protection legislation and the practice Privacy Notice

8. Practitioner responsibilities

Keeley Matthews is responsible for:

  • Maintaining up-to-date safeguarding knowledge

  • Working within professional ethical frameworks

  • Attending regular clinical supervision

  • Reviewing this policy annually or when guidance changes

9. Policy review

This policy is reviewed at least annually, or sooner if:

  • There are changes in legislation or professional guidance

  • A safeguarding incident highlights the need for review

10. Contact

If you have questions about safeguarding within this practice, you may contact:

Keeley Matthews
The RelationSHIFT Counsellor
therelationshiftcounsellor@gmail.com