This policy applies to all staff, including Psychologists, Associates, Supervisors, paid staff, volunteers, students, or anyone working on behalf of Shortland Psychology.
Purpose of This Policy
To protect children, young people and vulnerable adults who receive Shortland Psychology’s services, including children of adults who use our services.
To provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding and child protection.
Shortland Psychology believes that a child, young person or vulnerable adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to protect their welfare and are committed to practice in a way that keeps them safe.
Legal Framework
This policy has been drawn up based on law and guidance that seeks to protect children, including:
Children Act 1989
United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991
Data Protection Act 1998
Human Rights Act 1998
Sexual Offences Act 2003
Children Act 2004
Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
Protection of Freedoms Act 2012
Children & Families Act 2014
SEND Code of Practice: 0–25 years (HM Government, 2014)
Information Sharing Advice (HM Government, 2015)
Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government, 2015)
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018
This policy should be read alongside our other policies and procedures on:
Confidentiality
Complaints
Privacy
Risk
Health & Safety
Note: We follow the same Code of Conduct as the British Psychological Society (BPS).
What is Abuse?
Abuse is the violation of an individual’s human rights. It may be a single act or repeated acts, and it can be physical, sexual, or emotional. It also includes neglect or omission to act. In all forms of abuse, there are elements of emotional abuse. Vulnerable adults may also suffer additional types of abuse such as financial manipulation or discrimination.
We Recognise That:
The welfare of the child or vulnerable adult is paramount.
All individuals have a right to equal protection from harm, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexuality or identity.
Some individuals are more vulnerable due to previous experiences, dependency levels, communication needs or other issues.
Working in partnership with children, families, and agencies is essential in promoting welfare.
We Seek to Keep Children and Vulnerable Adults Safe By:
Valuing, listening to, and respecting them.
Adopting child protection and safeguarding practices through procedures and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers.
Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support, training, and quality assurance.
Recruiting staff and volunteers carefully and carrying out necessary checks.
Recording and storing information professionally and securely.
Sharing safeguarding procedures and good practice with relevant parties.
Ensuring safe and appropriate use of technology, including cameras and mobile phones.
Using safeguarding procedures to share concerns with appropriate agencies and involving affected individuals appropriately.
Maintaining effective complaints procedures.
Providing a safe physical environment by following health and safety regulations.
Contact Details
Safeguarding Officer: Dr Andrea Shortland
Email:
Phone: 07884 182181
Alternative Safeguarding Contact: Dr Paddy McNally
Email:
Phone: 07835 028196