Safeguarding Policy

Introduction

Daisy Rubinstein Psychotherapy is committed to Safeguarding Adults and children in line with national legislation and relevant national and local guidelines. This extends to recognising and reporting harm experienced anywhere, including in the community, in the person’s own home and in any care setting. 

Daisy Rubinstein is committed to best safeguarding practice and to uphold the rights of all adults and children to live a life free from harm from abuse, exploitation and neglect.

Policy Statement

Daisy Rubinstein believes everyone has the right to live free from abuse or neglect regardless of age, ability or disability, sex, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital or gender status.  

Daisy Rubinstein acknowledges that safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility and is committed to preventing abuse and neglect through safeguarding the welfare of all adults and children involved. 

Daisy Rubinstein recognises that health, well-being, ability, disability and need for care and support can affect a person’s resilience.  We recognise that some people experience barriers, for example, to communication in raising concerns or seeking help.   We recognise that these factors can vary at different points in people’s lives. 

Daisy Rubinstein recognises that there is a legal framework within which psychotherapy needs to work to safeguard adults who have needs for care and support and for protecting those who are unable to take action to protect themselves and will act in accordance with the relevant safeguarding adult legislation and with local statutory safeguarding procedures.

Actions taken by Daisy Rubinstein will be consistent with the principles of adult and child safeguarding ensuring that any action taken is prompt, proportionate and that it includes and respects the voice of the adults and/or children concerned. 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to demonstrate the commitment of Daisy Rubinstein to safeguarding adults and children and to ensure that everyone attending psychotherapy or counselling is aware of: 

• The legislation, policy and procedures for safeguarding adults and children.

• Their role and responsibility for safeguarding adults and children.

• What to do or who to speak to if they have a concern relating to the welfare or wellbeing of an adult or child engaged with or referred to within the psychotherapy service. 

Commitments

In order to implement this policy Daisy Rubinstein will ensure that: 

• Everyone engaged with counselling or psychotherapy is aware of the safeguarding procedures and understands the responsibility to take appropriate action in relation to a concern relating to the welfare or wellbeing of an adult or child. 
  
  

• Any concern that an adult or child is not safe is taken seriously, responded to promptly, and followed up in line with Daisy Rubinstein Safeguarding Policy and Procedures. 
  
  

• The well-being of those at risk of harm will be put first and the adult or child actively supported to communicate their views and the outcomes they want to achieve. Those views and wishes will be respected and supported unless there are overriding reasons not to.

• Any actions taken will respect the rights and dignity of all those involved and be proportionate to the risk of harm.
  
  

• Confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored in line with our Data Protection Policy and Procedures.
  
  

• Daisy Rubinstein acts in accordance with best practice advice, for example, from BACP, UKCP and UPCA.
  
  

• Daisy Rubinstein will cooperate with the Police and the relevant Local Authorities in taking action to safeguard an adult. 
  
  

• Should it be necessary, Daisy Rubinstein shares information about anyone found to be a risk to adults with the appropriate bodies. For example: Disclosure and Barring Service, Services, Police, Local Authority/Social Services.