Safeguarding Policy

Heart of England Counselling is committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all individuals involved with, or are impacted by, our services. You can download a copy of our Safeguarding Policy here. 

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding means protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, allowing them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect.

Who do we safeguard?

We aim to safeguard the wellbeing of all individuals who are involved with or are impacted by our services.

Training?

All staff and volunteers undergo training in Safeguarding Adults Level 3, once every three years.

Safeguarding - Adults

Adults have a general right to independence, choice, and self-determination, including control over information about themselves.

As the position within social services is that in most cases (other than if the person is in serious danger and lacks capacity to understand this) we would not act without the person’s consent. Nevertheless, we will discuss possible actions and options with anyone that uses this service who appears to be experiencing abuse. Unless the individual lacks capacity, we will not take any actions without your consent.

Safeguarding - Children & Young People

Safeguarding - Vulnerable Adults

Under the Care Act (2014), Heart of England Counselling has a responsibility to protect adults at risk from harm or abuse. When the individual lacks capacity, action may be taken to involve the relevant services.

Records

Safeguarding issues and any actions taken and the person’s response will be recorded and kept for the period specified in the privacy policy. A written record of any actions taken or decisions made will be kept.

4. Definitions

Abuse & Neglect

The Care Act (2014) identifies the following types of abuse and neglect:

  • Physical Abuse

  • Domestic Violence

  • Sexual Abuse

  • Psychological Abuse

  • Financial/Material Abuse

  • Discriminatory Abuse

  • Neglect/Acts of Omission

  • Self-Neglect

4.1.1 Physical Abuse

Physical abuse includes assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, being locked in a room, inappropriate sanctions or force-feeding, inappropriate methods of restraint, and unlawfully depriving a person of their liberty.

4.1.2 Indicators of Physical Abuse

  • A history of unexplained falls or minor injuries

  • Finger Marks

  • Burns in unusual places or of an unusual nature

  • Slap marks

  • Kick marks

  • Cuts/lacerations/injuries especially to the head/face/scalp

  • Injury shape similar to an object

  • Fractures

  • Weight loss due to malnutrition when not living alone

  • Drowsiness (due to too much medication)

  • Lack of medication - causing recurring episodes of mental ill health

  • Flinches at physical contact

  • Appears frightened or subdued in presence of certain people

  • Wears clothes that cover all parts of their body or specific parts of their body.

4.2.1 Domestic Violence

Domestic violence and abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

4.2.2 Indicators of Domestic Violence

Many people think that domestic abuse is about intimate partners, but it is clear that other family members are included and that much safeguarding work that occurs at home is, in fact concerned with domestic abuse. This confirms that domestic abuse approaches and legislation can be considered safeguarding responses in appropriate cases.

Family members are defined as: mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister and grandparents, whether directly related, in-laws, or step-family.

Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour is an act or patterns of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.