Ethical Practice Policy | Donohue Consulting

Ethical Practice.

At Donohue Consulting, ethical principles are at the heart of everything we do. Our practice is guided by the ethical frameworks of both the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), ensuring that we uphold the highest standards of professional conduct, client care, and accountability. This ethical policy outlines our commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive therapeutic space, grounded in transparency, integrity, and compassion. By adhering to these professional codes, we aim to protect the well-being of our clients while maintaining the trust and credibility essential to our role as psychological practitioners.

Our Ethical Practice Statement

Last updated: July 2025

At Donohue Consulting, we are committed to maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards in our psychological and therapeutic practice. We adhere to the ethical frameworks of both the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which guide our clinical decision-making, conduct, and client care.

Our ethical framework is built upon the following core principles:

Client Welfare

We place the well-being, autonomy, and safety of our clients at the heart of all our professional activities. We work in a way that promotes empowerment and psychological health while avoiding harm and ensuring our actions are always in the client’s best interest.

Confidentiality

We uphold the highest standards of confidentiality, as required by both BACP and HCPC standards. Information shared in sessions is kept private unless there is a legal or ethical obligation to disclose, such as concerns relating to serious harm, safeguarding, or criminal activity. Clients are informed of these boundaries during the consent process.

Informed Consent

We obtain clear, informed, and voluntary consent before initiating therapy. Clients are provided with information about the nature and purpose of the service, the limits of confidentiality, fees, cancellation policies, and the right to withdraw at any time without penalty.

Professional Competence

We are committed to maintaining and enhancing our knowledge, skills, and competence through regular training, clinical supervision, and continuing professional development (CPD). As HCPC-registered professionals, we meet and exceed the Standards of Proficiency for Practitioner Psychologists and the requirement for ongoing reflection and development.

Boundaries

We maintain appropriate therapeutic boundaries at all times and avoid dual or multiple relationships that may risk impairing objectivity, client welfare, or professional judgment.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to practicing in ways that are anti-discriminatory and culturally competent. We honour and affirm the diversity of our clients across race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, and socio-economic background, and we strive to provide an inclusive and respectful therapeutic environment.

Supervision and Accountability

In line with both BACP and HCPC standards, we engage in regular clinical supervision to ensure that our work is ethical, reflective, and of the highest quality. We are accountable for our actions and decisions and welcome appropriate scrutiny as part of our duty to protect the public and uphold professional standards.

Transparency and Integrity

We conduct ourselves with honesty, integrity, and professionalism, ensuring transparency in fees, treatment options, referral decisions, and professional boundaries. Clients are treated with dignity and respect at every stage of engagement.

Ethical Decision-Making and Conflict Resolution

We approach ethical dilemmas with thoughtful consideration, seeking supervision or consultation when necessary. Our priority is to resolve conflicts in ways that safeguard client welfare and align with professional codes of ethics.

Record-Keeping and Data Protection

We maintain accurate, secure, and confidential records in accordance with HCPC, BACP, and data protection regulations (including UK GDPR). Records are stored and managed in a way that respects client privacy and legal obligations.

Emergency and Risk Management

Where clients present as being at risk of harm to themselves or others, we act promptly in line with safeguarding protocols and HCPC obligations to protect life and well-being, even if this requires breaching confidentiality.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

We engage in ongoing professional education, reflecting on our practice and incorporating evidence-based methods, emerging research, and evolving standards into our work to ensure that we are offering safe, effective, and current psychological care.

Our Ethical Commitment

This Ethical Practice Statement reflects our dedication to ethical, competent, and compassionate practice. We take our responsibilities under both the BACP Ethical Framework and the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics seriously, and we are committed to upholding the trust placed in us by our clients and the public.