Contact Details:
Name: Catherine Pearce
Email: catherine@rosewoodtherapy.co.uk
Phone: 07359 041040
Professional Status: Qualified Counsellor | NCPS Registered | Fully Insured 

Introduction

Rosewood Therapy is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk, in accordance with UK legislation and statutory guidance. This policy sets out how we comply with legal requirements to protect vulnerable individuals from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation while respecting their rights and dignity.

Safeguarding is an ongoing responsibility, embedded in our therapeutic practice to maintain a secure and respectful environment for all clients.

Legal and Policy Framework

Our safeguarding approach is grounded in the following legislation and guidance:

• Children Act 1989 & 2004
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018, updated 2023)
• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2023
• Care Act 2014
• Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR)
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• NCPS Code of Ethical Practice
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Equality Act 2010
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)

We commit to implementing these laws and guidelines in all aspects of our service.

Safeguarding Children and Young People

Definition and Statutory Responsibility

• A child is any person under 18 years old (Children Act 1989).
• Rosewood Therapy recognises a statutory duty to safeguard and promote children’s welfare, taking all reasonable steps to prevent harm.

Recognising Abuse

Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, exploitation (including Child Sexual Exploitation), trafficking, or online abuse. Signs include physical injuries, behavioural changes, withdrawal, anxiety, or direct disclosure.

Responding to Concerns

• Prioritise the child’s best interests.
• Listen carefully without leading questions; avoid promising confidentiality if safeguarding concerns exist.
• Record information factually, accurately, and securely.
• Immediately report concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or local authority children’s social care.
• Follow local safeguarding procedures, including referrals to Shropshire First Point of Contact or emergency services as required.

Consent and Confidentiality

• Obtain parental or guardian consent where appropriate unless it increases risk to the child.
• Sharing information without consent is lawful when necessary to protect a child’s safety under GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Safeguarding Adults at Risk

Adults who may be unable to protect themselves due to disability, illness, mental health issues, or age are safeguarded under the Care Act 2014.

• Concerns about adults at risk must be reported promptly to the DSL or the local safeguarding adults team.
• Mental Capacity Act 2005 principles guide assessment of decision-making ability.
• Information sharing without consent is permitted if there is risk of serious harm or legal obligation.

Data Protection and Confidentiality

Legal Basis for Processing Data

Rosewood Therapy processes personal data lawfully, fairly, and transparently, in line with Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. Lawful bases include:

• Consent (when appropriate)
• Legitimate interests
• Legal obligations (e.g., safeguarding duties)

Confidentiality and Data Sharing

• Clients are informed about confidentiality limits, particularly concerning safeguarding.
• Records are securely stored: encrypted digital files and locked physical storage.
• Information is shared only with authorised safeguarding bodies and professional agencies, following ICO guidance (‘seven golden rules’).
• Clients have rights to access, correct, or request deletion of their data, with safeguarding exceptions.
• Records of children are retained until their 25th birthday; adult records kept for a minimum of 7 years or as advised.

Equal Opportunities

Rosewood Therapy adheres to the Equality Act 2010 and promotes inclusive, non-discriminatory practice. Reasonable adjustments are made for clients with disabilities, communication needs, or cultural considerations. All clients are treated with dignity, respect, and empathy.

Health and Safety

• Therapy environments comply with UK health and safety regulations, including risk assessments and fire safety.
• Premises are accessible and safe, with clear evacuation procedures.
• Lone working protocols safeguard therapists, including check-in systems and emergency contacts.
• Therapists are trained in de-escalation and personal safety measures.

Complaints Procedure

Clients can raise concerns or complaints by contacting Catherine Pearce at catherine@rosewoodtherapy.co.uk.

• Acknowledgement of complaints will be sent within 5 working days.
• Full responses are provided within 20 working days.
• If unresolved, clients may escalate to the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS).
• Complaints are logged and reviewed for ongoing service improvement.

Insurance and Professional Standards

• Catherine Pearce is a qualified counsellor, registered with NCPS, and fully insured with Holistic Insurance (professional indemnity, public liability).
• All therapists adhere to ethical frameworks, maintaining up-to-date registration, insurance, and CPD.

Lone Working

Lone working safety protocols include:

• Logging session details securely.
• Checking in/out with nominated contacts before and after sessions.
• Risk assessments for client meetings in unfamiliar locations.
• Use of mobile phones and emergency contact lists.
• Sessions conducted in safe, accessible venues whenever possible.

Professional Development and Supervision

• Regular clinical supervision with qualified supervisors is mandatory.
• Ongoing professional development is required annually.
• Ethical issues and safeguarding concerns are discussed and recorded in supervision.
• Therapeutic work is evidence-based, and therapists work within their competencies, referring when necessary.
• Clients receive a written contract detailing therapeutic process, confidentiality, safeguarding, fees, and cancellation policies.

Policy Review and Monitoring

This policy is reviewed annually or when there are significant changes in legislation or guidance.

• All staff are trained and required to understand this policy.
• Records of training and policy acknowledgement are maintained.
• Safeguarding audits are conducted annually.

Last Reviewed: June 2025
Next Review Due: June 2026

Signed:
Catherine Pearce
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Rosewood Therapy