At First Step Therapy Dorset, the safety, well-being, and protection of our clients and members of the community are at the heart of everything we do. This policy outlines my commitment to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and explains the steps we take if I we have concerned about anyone’s safety.

1. Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that as a practitioner, I am equipped to recognise, respond to, and report any concerns regarding abuse, neglect, or significant harm.

This policy applies to all clients I work with directly, as well as any individuals who may be impacted by disclosures made during our therapeutic work (such as a client’s children or family members).

2. Core Principles

The Individual's Welfare is Paramount: Every person, regardless of age, gender, ability, race, religion, or background, has the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.

Empowerment and Autonomy: Wherever possible and safe, we will work collaboratively with clients, supporting them to make choices and retain control over their own lives.

Proportionality and Partnership: Any safeguarding intervention will be appropriate to the level of risk, and we will work alongside relevant professional partners to ensure the best outcome.

3. Definitions and Types of Harm

Safeguarding concerns generally fall into categories involving children (under 18) or adults at risk (vulnerable adults). Harm and abuse can take many forms, including but not limited to:

Physical Abuse: Hitting, shaking, or inflicting physical injury.

Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Bullying, intimidation, humiliation, or controlling behaviour (including coercive control).

Sexual Abuse: Exploitation, non-consensual sexual activity, or grooming.

Neglect: A failure to provide basic physical, emotional, or medical care.

Financial/Material Abuse: Unauthorised use of an adult’s money, property, or assets.

Self-Neglect or Self-Harm: Situations where an individual's behavior threatens their own personal safety or health.

4. Confidentiality and its Limits

Confidentiality is fundamental to a trusting therapeutic relationship, and what we discuss in our sessions stays between us. However, safeguarding is a strict legal and ethical exception to absolute confidentiality.

I am required to break confidentiality and contact relevant outside authorities if:

I believe a child or vulnerable adult is currently experiencing, or is at risk of, significant harm or abuse.
A client discloses an immediate intent to end their own life or cause severe, irreversible harm to themselves or another person.
We are legally compelled to do so (such as under UK counter-terrorism legislation).

5. Procedure for Handling a Safeguarding Concern

If a safeguarding issue arises or a disclosure is made during a session, I will follow a clear, professional process:

Step 1: Ensure Immediate Safety

If an individual is in immediate danger of physical harm, I will contact emergency services (999) without delay.

Step 2: Explore and Validate

I will listen to the disclosure calmly, non-judgmentally, and compassionately, prioritizing the client's emotional safety. I will not investigate or act as a detective; my role is to support and document.

Step 3: Consult Professional Supervision

Unless the danger is immediate, my first step outside of the session is to consult with my qualified Professional Supervisor to discuss the situation anonymously, ensuring objective, ethical guidance.

Step 4: Informing the Client

Whenever it is safe and possible to do so, I will discuss my concerns openly with the client and explain that a safeguarding report needs to be made. I will seek their consent and involvement in the process.

Note: I will only bypass informing the client if doing so would place them, a child, or myself in immediate, increased danger.

Step 5: Making a Referral

If a referral is necessary, I will contact the relevant local authorities:

For Children: Dorset Council Children's Services / Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).

For Adults: Dorset Council Adult Safeguarding Team.

For Immediate Emergencies: The Police (999).

6. Record Keeping

I maintain strict, confidential, and accurate records of any safeguarding concerns, disclosures, or actions taken. These records are kept completely separate from general session notes, are password-protected/encrypted, and are handled in full compliance with my Privacy Policy and UK GDPR.

7. Professional Commitment and Accountability

To ensure my practice remains safe and compliant, I commit to:

Undergoing regular, up-to-date safeguarding training for both children and adults.

Maintaining active registration with a professional counselling body (e.g., BACP / NCPS) and adhering to their ethical frameworks.

Discussing my caseload regularly in clinical supervision.

Holding appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Policy Owner: Thomas Harrison, First Step Therapy Dorset

Last Updated: 10/06/2026

Review Date: 10/06/2027

Safegaurding Policy