top of page

Safeguarding Policy for Plum Psychology (trading name for Good Therapy Ltd)

 

Last updated 10/09/25
 
1. Introduction

This safeguarding policy has been developed to ensure that all clients, particularly vulnerable individuals, such as vulnerable adults and children, who engage with Plum Psychology receive the highest level of care and protection. It aligns with UK legislation and best practices for safeguarding.

​​

​

2. Safeguarding Statement 

Plum Psychology is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its clients. We recognise our responsibility to take all reasonable steps to protect our clients from harm, abuse, and neglect. This policy outlines our approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of clients in our care, in line with UK legislation and best practices. All staff, psychologists, and trainees are expected to adhere to this policy and always prioritise the welfare of its clients.

 

​

3. Legal Framework

This policy is based on the following legislation and guidance:

  • The Children Act 1989 and 2004

  • The Care Act 2014

  • Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018

  • The Mental Capacity Act 2005

  • Human Rights Act 1998

  • Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR

 

​

4. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, volunteers, and associates of Plum Psychology and covers all interactions with clients, whether in-person, online, or over the phone.

 

​

5. Definitions

  • Safeguarding: Protecting individuals from harm, abuse, and neglect.

  • Vulnerable Adults: Individuals aged 18 or over who may need community care services due to disability, age, or illness, and who may be unable to protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.

  • Children: Individuals under the age of 18.

  • Team Members. This includes all employed staff, volunteers and self-employed associates working with Plum Psychology

​​

​

6. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Safeguarding Lead: Dr Claire Plumbly is our safeguarding lead, and is responsible for overseeing safeguarding practices, training staff, and managing any allegations or concerns.

  • All Team Members: Responsible for understanding the safeguarding policy, recognizing signs of abuse, and reporting concerns.

​​

​

7. Recognising Abuse

Team members should be aware of the following forms of abuse:

  • Physical;

  • Emotional;

  • Sexual;

  • Neglect;

  • Financial;

  • Discriminatory; and

  • Institutional.

​​

​

8. Reporting and Responding to Concerns

If a team member suspects a child or vulnerable adult is at risk, they must:

  1. Listen carefully to the child/vulnerable adult, without leading or probing;

  2. Let the child/vulnerable adult know that they may need to share this information with other parties, and will not promise that it will be kept a secret; 

  3. Understand that it is acceptable to seek a second opinion of colleagues and/or the safeguard lead before proceeding further; and 

  4. Record concerns factually and accurately in writing, including dates, times and details of the incident or disclosure.

  5. Report the concern to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) or the relevant local authority immediately.
     

  6. Follow up to ensure appropriate action has been taken, which may include referrals to social services or the police.

​​

​

9. Referrals – Social Services and the Police

If a team member suspects a child is at risk, and the process dictates that a referral must be made to social services, the following process must be followed:

  • Where a team member believes a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of significant harm, they must immediately inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

  • If the DSL is unavailable, the team member must make the referral directly and inform the DSL as soon as possible.

  • Referrals will be made by telephone in the first instance (Somerset Council: 0300 123 2224), followed by completion of the Local Authority’s referral form within 24 hours.

  • All details of the referral (time, date, person spoken to, advice received) will be recorded in the client’s secure WriteUpp file.

​

If a team member suspects a child is at risk, and the process dictates that a referral must be made to the police, the following process must be followed:

  • If there is immediate risk of harm to a child or vulnerable adult, or a crime is suspected (e.g., sexual assault, physical abuse), the police will be contacted immediately by calling 999.

  • For non-emergency safeguarding concerns where police involvement is appropriate, the 101 service will be used.

  • The DSL will be informed of any police referral as soon as possible.

  • A written record of the referral and police reference number will be stored securely in the client’s file.

 

In all cases of referrals, team members will be ready to:

  • provide the child’s / vulnerable adults details and follow advice and guidance provided by the referee;   

  • provide a written record of any formal referral by email to the appropriate referral team by using the relevant referral form within 24 hours and

  • ensure that, where a formal referral has not been agreed, other sources of support for the child/vulnerable adult will be considered in order to promote the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult in need of additional support, even if they are not suffering harm or are at immediate risk.

​​

​

10. Use of Physical Intervention 

In cases where physical intervention is required to prevent harm, we will document all significant incidents where force has been used on a child or vulnerable adult. Such incidents will be reported to the child’s parents, carers or next of king (as applicable) as soon as practicable.

​

A clinician who appropriately uses physical restraint will be considered to have acted lawfully if:

  • The intervention was necessary to prevent (i) immediate harm to any person, (ii) immediate risk to property, or (iii) the commission of a criminal offence.

  • The level of force used was reasonable and proportionate to the situation.

 

Where possible, such incidents will be documented and signed by a witness. We acknowledge that any physical intervention resulting in distress or injury to a child may be subject to child protection or disciplinary procedures.

​​

​

11. Responding to Allegations Against Plum Psychology

If an allegation is made against a team member at Plum Psychology, the following procedure will be followed:

 

Immediate Safety

  • If a client or vulnerable adult is at immediate risk of harm, emergency services will be contacted (999).

  • The individual concerned will be safeguarded as the first priority.

 

Notification of the Safeguarding Lead

  • Any allegation must be reported immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Dr Claire Plumbly.

  • If the allegation concerns the DSL, it must be reported to the Deputy Safeguarding Lead [INSERT NAME/ROLE] or, if unavailable, directly to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

 

Initial Recording

  • The team member receiving the allegation will make a written, factual record as soon as possible, including dates, times, details of the allegation, and names of those present.

  • No attempt will be made to investigate or question the individual beyond clarifying the basic facts.

 

Referral to the LADO / External Authorities

  • The DSL (or Deputy if applicable) will contact the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) within one working day to discuss the allegation.

  • If a criminal offence is suspected, the police will also be notified immediately.

 

Internal Measures

  • The staff member concerned may be suspended on a precautionary basis while the allegation is investigated, in line with HR and regulatory guidance.

  • Support will be offered to both the staff member and the person raising the allegation during the process.

 

Confidentiality

  • All allegations will be treated with strict confidentiality. Information will only be shared with those who need to know in order to safeguard clients or investigate the matter.

 

Outcome

  • The DSL will record the outcome of the investigation and any actions taken (e.g., no further action, referral to regulatory body such as HCPC, disciplinary measures, or termination of contract).

  • Learning points will be reviewed and used to strengthen safeguarding practice within Plum Psychology.

​​

​

12. Responding to Allegations Against a Child 

Team members recognise that children can carry out abuse in a variety of methods, including bullying, online abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and physical abuse.

​

Any allegations made against a child, or admitted by a child, will be treated in line with our safeguarding reporting procedures as outlined above. The safeguarding lead will be notified immediately.

 

There may be instances where we speak to the child during the concerning behaviour in order to mitigate the situation. 

All instances will be recorded in written format and detailed appropriately. 

 

​

13. Responding to Concerns about Online Abuse and Bullying 

Bullying, including cyberbullying, can cause significant harm to a child’s mental and emotional well-being. Psychologists must take all reasonable steps to prevent, identify, and respond to bullying by:

  • Encouraging open discussions about bullying and its effects during therapy sessions;

  • Providing children with strategies to cope with and report bullying;

  • Reporting concerns of bullying to parents, carers, and relevant safeguarding authorities where necessary;

  • Working collaboratively with schools and other professionals to ensure bullying is addressed effectively; and

  • Educating children on safe online behaviour and the risks associated with social media and digital communication.

 

​

14. Whistleblowing

If team members raise a whistleblowing concern, they are protected by the law in relation to the following:

  • If someone’s safety is in danger;

  • If there is a potential miscarriage of justice;

  • If there is a criminal offence;

  • If there is a risk of damage to the environment;

  • If a company is breaking the law; or

  • If we believe someone is purposely covering up a wrong doing. 

 

Reports can be sent directly to the relevant agency and will abide by their whistleblowing procedures. Detailed records and notes will be maintained throughout the whistleblowing reporting process. 

 

​

15. Malpractice Procedure 

Malpractice refers to any professional conduct that deviates from the expected standards, causing harm, distress, or alarm to a child or vulnerable adult.

  • Concerns should be reported to the safeguarding lead in all instances; 

  • The concerned team member will be invited to a confidential meeting to discuss the issue. The meeting can take place offsite if required; 

  • The outcome of the concern will be communicated, although full details may not always be shared due to confidentiality obligations; 

  • If anonymity is requested, efforts will be made to protect the identity of the individual raising the concern, though this cannot always be guaranteed;

  • Support, including the option to bring a work colleague or union representative to meetings, will be provided for team members raising concerns;

  • Any allegations against team members will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken, which may include disciplinary measures or referrals to professional regulatory bodies; and

  • If a criminal offence is suspected, the police and relevant authorities will be informed.

 

​

16. Lone Working

If a team member has agreed to treat a client within their home, or in locations hired from Plum Psychology, this information will be shared with others in the team. The time of the session, patient name and location will be shared, and team members are entitled to carry a personal alarm at all times. This is to ensure the safety of all of our team members. 

 

​

17. Confidentiality

Plum Psychology is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults by ensuring that information is shared appropriately, promptly, and securely with the relevant individuals. 

​

This approach aims to:

  • Prevent death or serious harm;

  • Coordinate effective responses;

  • Facilitate early interventions to reduce risks;

  • Prevent abuse and harm that may increase the need for care;

  • Enhance good practice in child safeguarding;

  • Uncover previously hidden patterns of abuse;

  • Identify low-level concerns that could indicate risk;

  • Support individuals in accessing appropriate services to reduce risk and improve wellbeing;

  • Identify individuals who may pose a risk to others; and

  • Minimise organisational risk and protect reputation.

 

All team members must ensure that information sharing complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), as implemented by the Data Protection Act 2018. GDPR should not be seen as a barrier to necessary information sharing but as a framework to ensure personal information is handled appropriately.

 

When sharing or requesting information, team members must be clear about the basis for doing so and consult with Plum Psychology's Data Protection Officer (DPO) if they are uncertain. Team members should be transparent with the individual or their family about the nature of the information being shared, why it is necessary, and who it will be shared with. In cases where consent cannot be obtained, team members must still inform the individual about the sharing unless it is unsafe to do so.

 

Where consent is obtained, team members must ensure that only relevant information is shared, and that the individual has the right to withdraw consent at any time. Information sharing decisions should be based on the safety and wellbeing of the individual and others involved.

 

Any information shared must be necessary, proportionate, relevant, accurate, timely, and secure. Team members are required to keep records of their decisions regarding information sharing, including what was shared, with whom, and for what purpose.

 

Working with Parents and Families:

  • Team members should work in partnership with parents and those with parental responsibility, where possible, to ensure information is shared in a way that is consistent with good practice and the child's best interests.

  • Parents and carers should be encouraged to share information on a need-to-know basis with other professionals who can support them in meeting the needs of their children.

  • Information about a family may only be shared with other agencies with the family's consent, unless there are child protection concerns that necessitate sharing the information without consent.

  • In situations where there are concerns about significant harm to a child, Plum Psychology has a duty to make a formal referral as outlined in these safeguarding procedures. This should be done with the parent's consent where possible, but if necessary, without their knowledge to protect the child.

  • Young people, where appropriate, should be involved in decisions about sharing information, with consideration given to their development and level of understanding. Where a child or young person is deemed Gillick competent, their views will take precedence in any information sharing decisions.

  • Agencies should collaborate to support children and young people, sharing information only on a need-to-know basis with those who can help.

  • Plum Psychology will seek to inform parents or carers of any referral intentions, unless informing them would jeopardise the safety of the child or another child.

 

Communication of Child Protection Policies to Clients:

Parents, carers, and independent young people sign a contract at the start of their counselling or therapy sessions. A signed copy of the contract is kept for record-keeping purposes, and the client retains the leaflet for reference.

Our privacy policy is available both for parents, carers, children and our team members, should anyone be in any doubt on the process. You can view the policy here: www.plum-psychology.co.uk/privacy-policy.

 

​

18. Record Keeping

Accurate and secure record-keeping is essential for safeguarding and accountability. 

Psychologists must:

  • Document all discussions, decisions, and actions taken at every stage of the safeguarding process, clearly noting who was present.

  • Store records securely within the client’s file system on Writeupp.

  • Ensure records are clear, factual, and protect the identity of those involved where necessary.

  • Recognise that poor or inaccurate record-keeping may lead to flawed decisions and potential harm.

  • Record when actions were not taken and the rationale behind those decisions (e.g., when an individual with capacity declines safeguarding interventions).

  • Maintain records in compliance with data protection regulations and organisational policies.

 

​

19. Recruiting and Training the Best Team for Safeguarding

All psychologists working with children and vulnerable adults must:

  • Undergo enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks;

  • Receive safeguarding training at least every two years; and

  • Adhere to professional registration requirements with the HCPC and BPS.

 

​

20. Safe Photography 

To protect the privacy and welfare of children and vulnerable adults, psychologists must:

  • Obtain written consent from a parent, legal guardian or carer (as applicable) before taking any photographs or recordings of a child or a vulnerable adult;

  • Clearly explain the purpose of any images or recordings and how they will be stored and used;

  • Ensure that images or recordings are securely stored and only accessed by authorised personnel;

  • Never share, publish, or distribute images or recordings of children or vulnerable adults without explicit consent; and

  • Adhere to data protection laws, including GDPR, in handling any media involving children.

 

​

21. Monitoring and Review

We are required to review this policy every three years and to update as necessary to reflect any changes in legislation or practice guidelines. This policy was last updated on 05/09/2025. 

 

​

22. Third-Party Contact  Information

  • Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team: 0300 123 2224 (Somerset)

  • Local Authority Children's Services: 0300 123 2224 (Somerset)

  • Police (Emergency): 999

  • Police (Non-Emergency): 101

 

​

23. Further Guidance 

You are able to review the following guidance should you wish to obtain more information. 

 

​

24. Contact 

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact our safeguarding lead on the following:

Dr Claire Plumbly on hello@plum-psychology.com

bottom of page