Safeguarding Policy

Me In Time Counselling & Psychotherapy

Your safety and wellbeing matter.

Counselling provides a confidential space to explore personal experiences, difficulties and concerns. I recognise that some of these conversations may involve questions about safety, including concerns about abuse, neglect, exploitation, self-harm or suicide.

I take safeguarding seriously and aim to respond to concerns with care, sensitivity and professional judgement, while respecting each person's dignity, circumstances and right to make decisions about their own life.

This policy explains my approach to safeguarding, the limits of confidentiality and what may happen if a concern arises during our work together.

Stuart Walker, BSc (Hons), Dip.Couns, MBACP
Me In Time Counselling & Psychotherapy
Manchester, UK

My safeguarding responsibilities

As an independent counsellor and psychotherapist, I am responsible for recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns arising within my practice.

My work is informed by the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions, relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance, and my professional responsibilities.

I consider each situation individually, taking account of the person's circumstances, the nature and seriousness of the concern, their wishes and any relevant legal obligations.

Safeguarding is not limited to responding to immediate danger. It also involves recognising vulnerability, supporting informed decisions and helping people access appropriate support.

Safeguarding adults

Adults may experience abuse, neglect, coercion or exploitation in different circumstances, including within relationships, families, workplaces or care settings.

Where a safeguarding concern arises, I will consider the person's wishes, their ability to make relevant decisions, the nature of the risk and whether other people may also be at risk.

I aim to work collaboratively wherever possible, respecting an adult's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own life.

Where appropriate, I may discuss available sources of support or help the person consider whether they wish to contact another service.

In some circumstances, particularly where there is a serious risk of harm or a legal requirement to disclose information, it may be necessary to share information without consent. Such decisions are considered carefully and proportionately.

Safeguarding children and young people

Concerns involving children and young people require particular attention because of their potential vulnerability and the responsibilities adults have towards their safety.

If information arises suggesting that a child or young person may be experiencing abuse, neglect, exploitation or significant harm, I will consider the nature and urgency of the concern and the appropriate safeguarding response.

This may involve seeking professional safeguarding advice or contacting relevant children's safeguarding services.

Where appropriate and safe, I will explain any action being considered. However, there may be circumstances in which information needs to be shared without prior agreement to protect a child or young person.

Safeguarding responsibilities may also arise when an adult client shares information concerning the safety of a child.

Suicide, self-harm and serious concerns about safety

Conversations about suicide, suicidal thoughts and self-harm are approached without judgement.

Experiencing suicidal thoughts does not automatically mean that confidentiality will be broken or that emergency services will be contacted.

Where concerns arise, I will seek to understand the person's circumstances, explore the nature of the risk and work collaboratively to consider appropriate support and safety arrangements.

If there is an immediate or serious risk of harm, I may need to seek additional assistance, including from emergency or relevant health services.

Where possible and safe, I will discuss this with the person beforehand. Any information shared will be limited to what is necessary and proportionate in the circumstances.

Counselling is not an emergency or crisis response service.

If someone is in immediate danger, they should call 999 or attend their nearest emergency department.

Confidentiality and safeguarding

Confidentiality is central to counselling, but it is not absolute.

Information may need to be shared where required by law, where there are serious safeguarding concerns or where disclosure is necessary and proportionate to prevent serious harm.

I do not make such decisions lightly.

Where circumstances allow, I will discuss my concerns and any proposed action with the person involved, explain my reasoning and consider their views.

There may be situations in which seeking consent or giving advance notice would increase risk or compromise an appropriate safeguarding response.

I aim to share only the information necessary for the purpose of the disclosure and to keep an appropriate record of the decision.

Further information about confidentiality and personal information is available in my Privacy & Confidentialitypolicy.

Online and remote counselling

Safeguarding responsibilities apply to online and telephone counselling as well as in-person work.

When working remotely, I consider practical arrangements for responding to concerns about safety, including the client's location, appropriate emergency contacts and how assistance might be accessed if needed.

Where a client is outside the UK, relevant local services, laws and professional responsibilities may differ. These matters are considered as part of arranging and reviewing remote counselling.

I also take account of privacy, the suitability of the environment and the limitations of responding to emergencies at a distance.

Professional consultation and supervision

Safeguarding decisions can involve uncertainty and competing responsibilities.

Where appropriate, I use professional supervision, consultation and relevant safeguarding guidance to support careful decision-making.

I avoid sharing identifying information unnecessarily and remain responsible for decisions made within my own practice.

Where a situation requires urgent action, I will not delay an appropriate safeguarding response while waiting for supervision.

Recording safeguarding concerns

I keep relevant and proportionate records of safeguarding concerns, including information received, any assessment of risk, advice sought, decisions made and actions taken.

I aim to distinguish factual information from professional observations or judgements and record the reasons for significant decisions.

Records are handled in accordance with my confidentiality and data protection responsibilities.

Reviewing this policy

I review my safeguarding arrangements periodically and when relevant legislation, professional guidance or working practices change.

Safeguarding contact: Stuart Walker
Email: stuart@meintime.co.uk

Last reviewed: 6 November 2026