Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Policy

My (Andy Weston) commitment to keeping people safe from harm and what I do if I’m concerned about an adult at risk or a child — in line with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.

Last updated: October 2026.

Who I work with

I work with adults aged 16 and over. I do not offer therapy to children or young people under 16. Even so, safeguarding duties can still arise — for example, if something an adult client shares raises a concern about a child or another adult — so this policy covers both.

My commitment

The safety and wellbeing of my clients, and of anyone who may be at risk, comes first. As a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), I work in accordance with their Ethical Framework and keep my safeguarding knowledge and training up to date.

Adults at risk

An adult may be at risk if they have care or support needs and may be unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect or harm. If I become concerned that a client, or another adult, is at risk of serious harm — whether from others or from themselves — I will take it seriously, talk with you wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so, and, where necessary, share information with the relevant services to help keep people safe.

Children and young people

Although I only work with adults, I hold a duty to act if I become aware that a child or young person may be at risk of abuse or significant harm. Where that happens, I will follow safeguarding procedures and, if needed, contact the appropriate authorities, such as the local authority children’s services or the police.

Confidentiality and its limits

Sessions are entirely confidential, and you have the right to keep all information regarding our work together private. Your engagement in services will not be disclosed without your written permission. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and handle all files securely. I do not use AI tools to process or store your personal therapy data without your explicit, separate consent. Information is only shared without client consent in the following situations

• there is a risk of suicide.
• they are planning to hurt someone else.
• I am legally required to do so without a court order under specific UK legislation, including the Terrorism Act 2000 and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (concerning money laundering).
• I am required to do so by a court order, subpoena, or statutory instruction from a coroner.
• Information is disclosed regarding serious criminal activity, including drug trafficking, where keeping confidentiality would conflict with my broader duty to prevent severe public harm, protect individuals from exploitation, or comply with a formal police investigation.
• The client infers knowledge of or involvement in behaviours that may, in the therapist’s opinion, lead to harm or neglect, particularly children and/or vulnerable adults.

I also discuss my clinical work in regular professional supervision, as required by the BACP; your identity is protected in that process. You can read more about how your information is handled in my Privacy Policy.

If I’m ever unable to work and contact you myself, for example because of serious illness or death, my appointed Clinical Will Executor, who is bound by confidentiality will contact you on my behalf. They’ll only use your contact details for this purpose.

A safe and inclusive practice

I am committed to providing a safe, respectful and non-discriminatory space for everyone. I do not provide, and will never attempt, any form of therapy that seeks to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, or the expression of it.

Raising a concern

If you have a safeguarding concern about yourself, about my practice, or about someone else in connection with my work, please contact me directly at andywestoncounseling@gmail.com If you would prefer to raise it with my professional body, you can contact the BACP.

If someone is in immediate danger, do not wait. Call 999 straight away. You can also contact your local council’s adult or children’s safeguarding team, the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 (concerns about a child), or the police non-emergency line on 101.

For non-emergency safeguarding reports, actions are taken in accordance with the specific legal frameworks of the client’s home nation (such as GIRFEC in Scotland, or Working Together to Safeguard Children in England). Reports will be directed to the Social Work or Social Care Services department of the client’s local council area.