Safeguarding Policy| Eleos Counselling West Sussex
Below is a Safeguarding Policy for Eleos Counselling, written in line with the
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework (2018, updated 2024).
Eleos Counselling – Safeguarding Policy
1. Policy Statement
Eleos Counselling is committed to promoting the safety and wellbeing of all clients. Safeguarding is central to ethical, professional, and compassionate practice.
This policy aligns with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, particularly the principles of:
- Protecting clients from harm
- Acting in the client’s best interests
- Working within professional competence
- Maintaining appropriate confidentiality
- Taking action where there is a risk of serious harm
Safeguarding responsibilities apply to all adults accessing services at Eleos Counselling.
2. Scope of This Policy
Eleos Counselling provides therapy for adults (18+).
This policy addresses safeguarding concerns relating to:
- Risk of suicide or self-harm
- Risk of harm to others
- Domestic abuse or coercive control
- Sexual exploitation or abuse
- Criminal behaviour posing risk to others
- Abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults
- Risk to children disclosed during adult therapy
3. Legal and Ethical Framework
This policy is informed by:
- The BACP Ethical Framework (2018, updated 2024)
- The Care Act 2014 (Adult Safeguarding)
- The Mental Capacity Act 2005
- The Children Act 1989 & 2004
- The Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR
Eleos Counselling recognises that safeguarding duties may override confidentiality where there is a serious and imminent risk of harm.
4. Confidentiality and Its Limits
Confidentiality is a core principle of therapeutic work. However, confidentiality may be breached where:
- There is a serious risk of harm to the client
- There is a serious risk of harm to others
- A child or vulnerable adult may be at risk
- The law requires disclosure
Where possible, concerns will be discussed with the client before disclosure. If immediate risk is present, appropriate services may be contacted without prior consent.
All decisions to breach confidentiality will be:
- Proportionate
- Recorded clearly
- Discussed in supervision
- Made in line with ethical and legal guidance
5. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
Safeguarding concerns may arise through:
- Direct disclosure
- Observed behaviour or presentation
- Indirect references or third-party information
- Risk assessment discussions
Particular attention will be paid to:
- Suicidal ideation or intent
- Self-harm escalation
- Domestic violence indicators
- Online exploitation
- Criminal behaviour involving harm
- Mental health deterioration with loss of capacity
6. Safeguarding Procedure
When a safeguarding concern arises:
Step 1 – Immediate Risk Assessment
A structured risk assessment will be conducted to determine severity, immediacy, and protective factors.
Step 2 – Consultation
Concerns will be discussed in supervision where appropriate. If urgent, consultation may occur with safeguarding services.
Step 3 – Decision-Making
A decision will be made regarding whether information sharing is necessary to prevent harm.
Step 4 – Referral / Reporting
If required, appropriate agencies may be contacted, including:
- Local Adult Safeguarding Team
- Children’s Services
- GP
- Emergency Services (999)
- NHS 111 (urgent mental health support)
Step 5 – Documentation
All safeguarding actions will be recorded clearly, factually, and contemporaneously.
7. Suicide and Self-Harm Protocol
If a client expresses suicidal intent:
- A thorough risk assessment will be completed
- Protective factors will be explored
- Safety planning will be discussed
- GP or crisis services may be contacted if necessary
Clients in immediate danger will be advised to contact emergency services.
Support services may include:
- Samaritans – 116 123
- NHS Crisis Teams
- 999 in emergency situations
8. Working With Criminal or Harmful Behaviour
If a client discloses behaviour that poses serious risk to others:
- Risk will be assessed
- Legal obligations will be considered
- Proportionate action will be taken
- Confidentiality may be breached if necessary to prevent harm
Decisions will align with BACP ethical guidance and safeguarding law.
9. Record Keeping
Safeguarding records will:
- Be factual and non-judgmental
- Distinguish between fact and opinion
- Be stored securely in accordance with GDPR
- Be retained in line with data protection requirements
10. Supervision and Professional Responsibility
Eleos Counselling maintains regular clinical supervision in line with BACP requirements.
Safeguarding concerns will be:
- Reviewed in supervision
- Reflected upon ethically
- Documented clearly
- Acted upon without delay where necessary
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) ensures safeguarding knowledge remains current.
11. Online and Remote Therapy Safeguarding
For online sessions:
- Client location is confirmed at the start of sessions
- Emergency contact details are held securely
- Crisis procedures are agreed in advance
- Clear contingency plans are discussed
12. Commitment to Ongoing Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to legislative or ethical updates.
Safeguarding Lead
Tony Larkin
Eleos Counselling
Little East Street
Billingshurst
West Sussex
Safeguarding – Frequently Asked Questions
What is a safeguarding policy and why does Eleos Counselling have one?
A safeguarding policy explains how Eleos Counselling protects children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm. It outlines our duty of care, the steps we take to keep clients safe, and how we respond if there are concerns about abuse, neglect, or risk. As a BACP-registered practice, safeguarding is central to our ethical and professional responsibility.
Is everything I say kept confidential?
Yes, therapy is confidential. However, there are rare exceptions where confidentiality may need to be limited if there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or if a child or vulnerable adult may be at risk. These limits are explained clearly at the start of therapy.
Will you tell me before breaking confidentiality?
In most situations, yes. Wherever possible, concerns will be discussed with you first. The aim is always to work collaboratively. However, if there is immediate danger, action may need to be taken quickly to ensure safety.
What if I talk about harming someone else?
Does safeguarding apply only to children?
No. Safeguarding applies to both children and vulnerable adults. This includes adults who may be at risk due to mental health difficulties, disability, addiction, domestic abuse, coercion, or other forms of vulnerability.
Will I be told if information needs to be shared?
n most situations, yes. Eleos Counselling believes in transparency and collaboration. If information needs to be shared due to risk, this will usually be discussed with you unless doing so would increase danger or compromise safety.
How does Eleos Counselling align with professional standards?
Our safeguarding procedures follow the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Ethical Framework, UK safeguarding legislation, and best practice guidance. Therapists engage in regular supervision and ongoing professional development to maintain high standards of safe practice.
What if I am worried about someone else’s safety?
If you are concerned about a child, partner, family member, or vulnerable person, you can discuss this in therapy. Your therapist will help you consider appropriate next steps and, where necessary, advise on external support services.
Does safeguarding include domestic abuse and coercive control?
Yes. Safeguarding includes concerns relating to domestic abuse, coercive control, exploitation, and other forms of harm. Eleos Counselling takes these issues seriously and will respond in a supportive and structured manner if concerns arise.
How are records handled if a safeguarding issue occurs?
All records are handled in line with UK data protection law and GDPR. Information is stored securely and only shared on a need-to-know basis when there is a lawful and ethical reason to do so.
What should I do if I feel unsafe outside of therapy?
If you are in immediate danger, you should contact emergency services (999 in the UK). You can also contact your GP or organisations such as Samaritans (116 123). Eleos Counselling can support you in planning for safety, but crisis services should be used when urgent help is needed.
Contact information
Eleos Counselling, West Sussex
Phone (landline): 01403 900079
Mobile: 07854 602050
Email: info@eleoscounselling.com
Address: Eleos Counselling, Little East Street, Billingshurst, RH14 9NP
Website: www.eleoscounselling.co.uk
Tony Larkin FDA,BA (Hons) MBACP (Acc)
I’m Tony Larkin, a qualified psychotherapist and counsellor based in West Sussex. As the founder of Eleos Counselling, I provide a safe, supportive space for people facing challenges such as anxiety, addiction, perfectionism, trauma, and relationship difficulties. With years of experience, I combine professional knowledge with compassion, helping clients find new perspectives, rediscover confidence, and build healthier connections. My approach is rooted in empathy and the belief that lasting change comes through understanding, self-compassion, and support
Stay In Touch
Office
Eleos Counselling Ltd The Workshop, Little East Street, Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 9NP
Phone Number
(01403)900097