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1. Policy Statement

Mind Space Cumbria is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and this practice takes all reasonable steps to protect children and young people from harm while providing ethical, respectful, and effective counselling services.

This policy is informed by and aligns with:

• The BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (current edition)

• Relevant UK safeguarding legislation and guidance, including Working Together to Safeguard Children

The welfare of the child or young person is always the paramount consideration.

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2. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

• One-to-one counselling sessions with children and young people under the age of 18 and adults accessing the service

• All counselling work delivered by Mind Space Cumbria, whether in person or online

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3. Ethical Framework (BACP)

This practice adheres to the BACP Ethical Framework, particularly the principles of:

• Being trustworthy: Maintaining clear boundaries, confidentiality, and transparency

• Autonomy: Respecting the rights and developing capacity of children and young people

• Beneficence and non-maleficence: Acting in the best interests of the client and avoiding harm

• Justice: Providing fair and non-discriminatory services

• Self-respect: Working within professional competence and seeking supervision

Safeguarding is understood as an ethical responsibility under the Framework, particularly where there is risk of serious harm to the client or others.

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4. Safeguarding Responsibilities

The counsellor is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for this practice and is responsible for:

• Recognising signs of abuse or neglect

• Responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns

• Keeping accurate, secure records

• Seeking consultation through supervision

• Making referrals to statutory services where required

The counsellor holds an enhanced DBS check and maintains appropriate professional indemnity insurance.

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5. Definitions of Abuse

Safeguarding concerns may relate to:

• Physical abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Neglect

• Exploitation (including online abuse)

Awareness of these categories informs risk assessment and decision-making.

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6. Confidentiality and Its Limits

Confidentiality is explained clearly to both the child or young person and their parent/carer at the outset of counselling.

In line with the BACP Ethical Framework, confidentiality may be breached if:

• There is reason to believe the child or young person is at risk of significant harm

• There is a risk of serious harm to others

• Disclosure is required by law

Where possible and appropriate:

• The child or young person will be informed before information is shared

• Only relevant information will be disclosed

• The child or young person will be supported throughout the process

7. Consent and Parental Involvement

• Informed consent is obtained prior to commencing counselling

• Parental or carer consent is sought for children under 16, unless Gillick competence is assessed and documented

• The child or young person’s right to privacy and confidentiality is respected within safeguarding limits

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8. One-to-One Working Practice

To promote safety and ethical practice:

• Sessions take place in appropriate, professional settings or secure online platforms

• Clear boundaries are maintained at all times

• Physical contact is avoided unless explicitly justified and agreed

• Communication outside sessions follows professional and safeguarding guidelines

Online counselling includes additional safeguards such as secure platforms and private environments.

9. Recognising and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

If a safeguarding concern arises:

1. The concern is listened to calmly and taken seriously

2. No promises of secrecy are made

3. Accurate factual notes are recorded promptly

4. The concern is discussed in supervision where appropriate

5. A referral is made to children’s social care or relevant services if there is risk of significant harm

For children in Westmorland and Furness, contact:

Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Hub
Telephone: 0300 373 2724
Email: safeguarding.hub@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk
Online referral form & info: https://scformwmf.cumbria.gov.uk/DataForms/YourDetailsPub.aspx Cumbria Community Foundation+1

In an emergency where a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999 without delay.

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10. Record Keeping and Data Protection

• Safeguarding records are kept securely and separately where appropriate

• Records are factual, clear, and timely

• Data protection legislation is adhered to

• Information is shared on a need-to-know basis only

11. Supervision and Professional Development

In line with BACP ethical requirements:

• Regular clinical supervision is undertaken

• Safeguarding concerns are discussed in supervision

• Ongoing safeguarding training is completed and updated​

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12. Whistleblowing and Complaints

Any concerns about unsafe or unethical practice will be taken seriously. Complaints can be made directly to the practitioner or, where appropriate, to the BACP.

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13. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or in response to changes in legislation, guidance, or BACP ethical standards.

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