Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

Last updated: July 2025

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At Donohue Consulting, we are fully committed to protecting the safety, dignity, and well-being of all individuals who engage with our services; particularly children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We recognise our legal and ethical responsibilities to prevent harm and respond appropriately to concerns of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

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This policy outlines our principles, procedures, and ongoing commitment to safeguarding within our practice.

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Key Principles

Client Welfare First

We place the welfare and best interests of all clients at the centre of our work, ensuring their safety is always paramount. Our therapists are registered with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and undergo enhanced checks as part of their professional duties.

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Prevention

We foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive therapeutic environment. We proactively identify risks, put safeguards in place, and maintain awareness of factors that may impact client vulnerability.

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Recognition

All therapists are trained to recognise signs of abuse, including:

• Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

• Neglect or abandonment.

• Coercive control or exploitation.

• Signs of distress or unusual behaviours that may signal harm.

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Confidentiality & Limits

While client confidentiality is fundamental to therapy, it has legal and ethical limits. Where safeguarding concerns arise, confidentiality may be breached in order to protect the individual or others from harm.

Clients are informed of these boundaries during the informed consent process.

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Safeguarding Procedures

Identification

Therapists at Donohue Consulting are trained to observe and interpret both verbal disclosures and non-verbal indicators that may suggest a safeguarding risk.

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Disclosure

In the event that a client discloses abuse or potential harm:

• The therapist will respond calmly and empathetically, without judgment or interrogation

• The client will be reassured and supported

• No promises of secrecy will be made

• The information will be recorded and passed on in line with legal obligations

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Recording

All safeguarding concerns are documented clearly and securely, in line with professional guidelines and data protection laws. Notes include the nature of the concern, actions taken, and any referrals made.

Reporting

Where a safeguarding risk is identified, the therapist will report the concern to the relevant statutory authorities, including:

• Local Authority Safeguarding Boards.

• Social Services.

• Police, if immediate danger is suspected.

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Reporting will be done without delay and always in line with current UK safeguarding procedures.

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Cooperation

We fully cooperate with external agencies conducting safeguarding investigations. This includes sharing relevant information, attending case conferences if required, and supporting multi-agency efforts to protect individuals.

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Therapist Training & Supervision

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• All therapists at Donohue Consulting have completed Safeguarding and Child Protection training to UK Level 3 standards.

• Safeguarding is regularly discussed in clinical supervision, and therapists are supported to stay current with best practices and legal changes.

• New safeguarding legislation or emerging risks will be addressed through ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development).

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Annual Policy Review

This Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually or sooner if legal or regulatory changes occur. Revisions will reflect updates in:

• UK safeguarding law

• Professional standards (e.g., HCPC, BPS)

• Best practice recommendations from safeguarding authorities

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Contact & Concerns

If you have any concerns or questions related to this policy or wish to report a safeguarding issue, please contact:

Dr. Chloé Donohue
Clinical Director, Donohue Consulting
info@donohue-consulting.com

Our Commitment

At Donohue Consulting, safeguarding is not just a legal duty, it is a core value. We strive to create a safe, empowering, and trustworthy space for every client, and we take all concerns of abuse or neglect with the utmost seriousness.​

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