Climb Youth Therapy Ltd from Struggle to Strength TM
Document Status: Public Governance & Website Documents
Website Location: Policies & Information (linked from the website footer and available on the website under resources)
Version: 1.0
Policy Owner: Climb Youth Therapy Limited
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Professor Christina Poulatova
Approved By: Director, Climb Youth Therapy Limited
Effective Date: [01/08/2026]
Review Date: 12 months from publication or sooner if legislation or guidance changes
1. Introduction
At Climb Youth Therapy Limited, safeguarding is central to everything we do. We believe every child, young person and adult has the right to feel safe, be treated with dignity and receive support in an environment that promotes their wellbeing.
Our counselling and wellbeing services are built on trust, compassion and professionalism. While confidentiality is an important part of the therapeutic relationship, protecting people from abuse, neglect or serious harm will always take priority where there is a legal or ethical duty to act.
Everyone working on behalf of Climb Youth Therapy Limited shares responsibility for safeguarding. Every concern, however small it may appear, will be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to explain how Climb Youth Therapy Limited safeguards children, young people and adults at risk who access our services.
This policy sets out:
- our safeguarding responsibilities;
- how concerns are recognised and managed;
- when information may be shared;
- how safeguarding decisions are recorded;
- the responsibilities of our practitioners; and
- what clients can expect from us.
This policy supports our commitment to providing counselling services that are safe, ethical and legally compliant.
3. Scope
This policy applies to:
- all directors;
- employees;
- associate counsellors;
- volunteers;
- contractors;
- students on placement (where applicable); and
- anyone delivering services on behalf of Climb Youth Therapy Limited.
It applies to all counselling and wellbeing services delivered by the organisation, including:
- online counselling;
- telephone counselling;
- video appointments conducted through the Konfidens platform;
- future face-to-face appointments;
- consultations with parents or carers;
- workshops; and
- any other professional service provided by Climb Youth Therapy Limited.
4. Our Commitment
Climb Youth Therapy Limited is committed to:
- placing the welfare of children and young people at the centre of our work;
- promoting safe, respectful and inclusive practice;
- listening carefully to concerns raised by clients, parents and professionals;
- acting promptly where there is concern that someone may be at risk of harm;
- working collaboratively with statutory agencies where appropriate;
- maintaining clear safeguarding procedures;
- ensuring all practitioners understand their safeguarding responsibilities; and
- reviewing this policy regularly to reflect changes in legislation and professional guidance.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
5. Our Approach
We aim to provide support at an early stage, helping young people and families address challenges before they develop into more serious difficulties.
We recognise that people can experience abuse, neglect or exploitation regardless of their age, background, disability, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation.
We are committed to creating an environment in which every client feels respected, listened to and supported.
6. Legal and Professional Framework
This policy has been prepared with reference to current legislation and recognised professional guidance, including:
- Children Act 1989
- Children Act 2004
- Care Act 2014
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Equality Act 2010
- Data Protection Act 2018
- UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
- Working Together to Safeguard Children (current statutory guidance)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (where relevant)
- BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions
- British Psychological Society professional guidance relevant to psychological practice
Where legislation or professional guidance changes, this policy will be reviewed accordingly.
7. Who We Support
Climb Youth Therapy Limited provides counselling and wellbeing services primarily for young people aged 15 to 25 years.
Depending on the circumstances, we may also provide support to:
- parents;
- carers;
- families; and
- other adults connected with a young person’s wellbeing.
We are not an emergency service and do not provide crisis intervention, psychiatric assessment or emergency mental health care.
Where a client requires support beyond the scope of our service, we will help them access the most appropriate organisation wherever reasonably possible.
8. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Climb Youth Therapy Limited has appointed a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) with overall responsibility for safeguarding.
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Professor Christina Poulatova
Business Address: [Registered Office Address]
Email: [Safeguarding Email Address]
Telephone: [Business Telephone Number]
The DSL is responsible for:
- overseeing safeguarding arrangements;
- advising practitioners;
- reviewing safeguarding concerns;
- deciding whether referrals should be made to statutory agencies;
- maintaining safeguarding records;
- ensuring safeguarding training remains up to date;
- reviewing this policy annually; and
- acting as the main safeguarding contact for external agencies.
Where the DSL is unavailable, appropriate arrangements will be made to ensure safeguarding decisions are not delayed.
9. Roles and Responsibilities
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Every person working for or on behalf of Climb Youth Therapy Limited is expected to understand their safeguarding responsibilities and to act promptly where they believe someone may be at risk of harm.
The Director
The Director of Climb Youth Therapy Limited is responsible for ensuring that:
- safeguarding remains a core organisational priority;
- appropriate policies and procedures are maintained;
- sufficient resources are available to support safe practice;
- practitioners receive appropriate safeguarding training;
- safeguarding concerns are managed appropriately; and
- this policy is reviewed regularly.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
The Designated Safeguarding Lead provides professional leadership for safeguarding across the organisation.
Their responsibilities include:
- receiving safeguarding concerns;
- assessing available information;
- seeking advice from statutory agencies where appropriate;
- making safeguarding referrals when required;
- maintaining confidential safeguarding records;
- supporting practitioners involved in safeguarding matters;
- ensuring lessons learned are incorporated into future practice;
- monitoring compliance with this policy.
Practitioners
Every practitioner working with Climb Youth Therapy Limited must:
- place client safety first;
- remain alert to signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation;
- maintain professional boundaries;
- accurately record safeguarding concerns;
- report concerns immediately to the DSL;
- cooperate with statutory agencies where required;
- undertake safeguarding training; and
- participate in regular clinical supervision.
Practitioners must never ignore or dismiss concerns because they appear uncertain or incomplete.
Clients
Clients also play an important role in maintaining a safe therapeutic environment.
Clients are encouraged to:
- share concerns about their own safety;
- raise concerns about another person’s welfare;
- tell their practitioner if they feel unsafe;
- provide accurate emergency contact information; and
- engage honestly with safeguarding discussions where appropriate.
10. What Safeguarding Means
Safeguarding means protecting people’s health, wellbeing and human rights so that they can live free from abuse, neglect, exploitation and avoidable harm.
Within Climb Youth Therapy Limited, safeguarding involves:
- recognising when someone may be at risk;
- responding appropriately;
- sharing information where legally justified;
- working alongside other professionals where necessary; and
- supporting individuals in a way that respects their dignity and rights.
Safeguarding is not limited to responding after harm has occurred. It also includes identifying concerns early and helping to prevent harm wherever possible.
11. Recognising Abuse and Neglect
Abuse can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity, culture, religion or background.
It may occur once or repeatedly and may be caused deliberately or through neglect.
Safeguarding concerns may arise from information disclosed by a client, observations made during therapy, concerns raised by parents or professionals, or information received from another agency.
No single sign proves abuse has occurred. Practitioners consider the overall picture before deciding what action may be required.
Types of Abuse
Practitioners are trained to recognise indicators of:
Physical Abuse
Including assault, inappropriate restraint, poisoning, fabricated illness or any act causing physical harm.
Emotional Abuse
Persistent emotional maltreatment that damages a person’s confidence, self-worth or emotional development.
Examples may include:
- intimidation
- humiliation
- controlling behaviour
- coercion
- constant criticism
- exposure to domestic abuse
Sexual Abuse
Including:
- sexual assault
- sexual exploitation
- grooming
- online abuse
- inappropriate sexual contact
- coercive sexual behaviour
Neglect
Persistent failure to meet a person’s basic physical or emotional needs.
Examples include failure to provide:
- adequate food
- safe accommodation
- medical care
- supervision
- emotional support
Financial Abuse
More commonly associated with adults at risk.
Examples include:
- theft
- fraud
- coercion regarding money
- financial exploitation
Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse may affect both adults and young people.
It includes behaviour intended to control, intimidate or harm another person and may involve:
- physical violence
- emotional abuse
- coercive control
- financial control
- sexual abuse
Children and young people who witness domestic abuse are themselves recognised as victims.
Online Abuse
As many of our services are delivered digitally, we recognise the increasing risks associated with online environments.
These include:
- cyberbullying
- online grooming
- image-based abuse
- coercion through social media
- exploitation through gaming platforms
- online harassment
- identity fraud
Exploitation
Including:
- Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)
- Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
- county lines activity
- forced labour
- modern slavery
- trafficking
Radicalisation
Climb Youth Therapy Limited recognises its responsibilities under the Prevent Duty where applicable.
Practitioners remain alert to concerns that an individual may be vulnerable to radicalisation or violent extremism and will seek advice where appropriate.
12. Adults at Risk
Although our primary client group is aged 15–25 years, some adult clients may meet the legal definition of an adult at risk.
This may arise where an individual:
- has care or support needs;
- is unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect; or
- is vulnerable because of disability, illness, trauma or other circumstances.
Safeguarding responsibilities continue regardless of a person’s age.
13. Young People Aged 15–17
Young people aged under 18 are legally children.
Although we work in a manner that respects their developing independence, safeguarding responsibilities remain paramount.
We seek to involve parents or those with parental responsibility where appropriate, while also respecting the young person’s rights, confidentiality and best interests.
Each situation is considered individually.
14. Adults Aged 18–25
Clients aged 18 and over are normally responsible for making their own decisions.
Their confidentiality will be respected unless there is:
- a serious risk of harm;
- a safeguarding concern;
- a legal obligation to disclose information; or
- another lawful basis permitting disclosure.
Our approach aims to balance respect for autonomy with our professional duty of care.
15. Early Identification of Risk
Effective safeguarding depends upon recognising concerns early.
Practitioners remain alert to changes including:
- significant deterioration in mental wellbeing;
- expressions of hopelessness;
- evidence of coercive relationships;
- unexplained injuries;
- repeated missed appointments accompanied by welfare concerns;
- significant behavioural change;
- fearfulness around particular individuals;
- indications of exploitation;
- concerning online activity;
- disclosures made indirectly or hesitantly.
No single indicator necessarily confirms abuse.
Practitioners consider the overall context, seek supervision where appropriate and consult the Designated Safeguarding Lead whenever safeguarding concerns arise.
16. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
Climb Youth Therapy Limited is committed to responding to safeguarding concerns promptly, proportionately and in accordance with the law. Every concern will be considered carefully and assessed on its own merits.
A safeguarding concern may arise through:
- information disclosed by a client;
- observations made during a counselling session;
- information provided by a parent, carer or family member;
- concerns raised by another professional or organisation;
- behaviour observed during online appointments;
- written communications or messages received through the Konfidens platform; or
- information received from a third party.
A practitioner does not need proof that abuse has occurred before taking action. Where there is a reasonable concern that a person may be at risk of significant harm, appropriate safeguarding procedures will be followed.
Whenever possible, safeguarding concerns should be discussed with the Designated Safeguarding Lead before any external referral is made. However, this should never delay urgent action where someone’s immediate safety is at risk.
17. Responding to a Disclosure
Clients often disclose difficult experiences gradually and may not immediately recognise them as abuse or neglect.
When a safeguarding disclosure is made, practitioners will:
- remain calm and supportive;
- listen without judgement;
- allow the client to speak at their own pace;
- avoid asking leading or investigative questions;
- avoid making promises that information will be kept secret;
- explain, in an age-appropriate way, that some information may need to be shared to keep people safe;
- accurately record what has been disclosed using the client’s own words wherever possible; and
- seek advice from the Designated Safeguarding Lead without unnecessary delay.
Our role is to provide therapeutic support and make appropriate safeguarding decisions. We do not investigate allegations of abuse. That responsibility rests with the relevant statutory authorities.
18. Assessing Risk
Each safeguarding concern is assessed individually.
Factors considered may include:
- the nature of the concern;
- the client’s age and circumstances;
- whether there is an immediate risk of harm;
- whether other people may also be at risk;
- the client’s wishes and understanding;
- previous safeguarding concerns;
- available supporting information; and
- whether statutory agencies are already involved.
Risk assessments are dynamic and may change as new information becomes available.
19. Immediate Risk and Emergency Action
Where a practitioner believes that someone is at immediate risk of serious harm, protecting life and safety will always take priority.
Examples include:
- a client expressing an immediate intention to end their life;
- credible threats of serious violence;
- disclosure that a child is currently at risk of significant harm;
- immediate domestic abuse involving serious injury;
- evidence that an adult at risk is in immediate danger.
In these situations, the practitioner may:
- contact emergency services by calling 999;
- contact the relevant NHS crisis service;
- contact Children’s Social Care or Adult Social Care;
- notify the police where appropriate;
- contact an emergency contact where this is lawful and appropriate; and
- inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as reasonably practicable.
Where time allows, practitioners will explain to the client why this action is necessary. However, consent is not required where information must be shared to protect life or prevent serious harm.
20. Information Sharing and Confidentiality
Confidentiality is fundamental to the therapeutic relationship, but it is not absolute.
There are circumstances in which Climb Youth Therapy Limited has a legal or professional duty to share information with others.
Information may be shared where:
- a child is believed to be at risk of significant harm;
- an adult at risk is experiencing abuse or neglect;
- there is a serious and immediate risk to the client or another person;
- disclosure is required by law;
- a court orders disclosure; or
- another lawful basis exists under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Whenever possible we will:
- discuss the need to share information with the client;
- explain why information is being shared;
- seek consent where appropriate and lawful;
- only share information necessary for safeguarding purposes; and
- record the reasons for the decision.
Where seeking consent would increase the risk of harm or prejudice a safeguarding investigation, information may be shared without consent where permitted by law.
Further information is provided in our Privacy Policy and Confidentiality Policy.
21. Making Safeguarding Referrals
Where a safeguarding referral is required, Climb Youth Therapy Limited will normally refer concerns to the most appropriate statutory agency.
This may include:
- Children’s Social Care;
- Adult Social Care;
- the Police;
- NHS Mental Health Services;
- Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hubs (MASH); or
- another appropriate safeguarding authority.
Referrals will normally include only information relevant to the safeguarding concern.
Where appropriate, the client will be informed that a referral is being made.
If a decision is taken not to make a referral, the reasons for that decision will be recorded.
22. Record Keeping
Accurate record keeping is an essential part of safe professional practice.
Safeguarding records are maintained separately from routine clinical notes wherever appropriate.
Records should be:
- factual;
- objective;
- dated;
- signed or electronically attributed;
- clear and concise;
- stored securely; and
- retained in accordance with our Data Retention Policy.
Records should distinguish between:
- facts;
- professional observations;
- information reported by others; and
- professional opinion.
Where possible, important disclosures should be recorded using the client’s own words rather than interpretation.
Safeguarding records are confidential and access is restricted to those with a legitimate need to know.
23. Online Therapy Safeguarding Procedures (Konfidens)
Climb Youth Therapy Limited provides online counselling using the secure Konfidens platform.
Online practice presents additional safeguarding considerations which are addressed through the procedures below.
Before therapy begins we will normally obtain:
- the client’s full name;
- date of birth;
- current address;
- telephone number;
- emergency contact details;
- GP details (where appropriate);
- consent documentation;
- confirmation of the client’s location during therapy where necessary.
At the beginning of an online appointment, practitioners may confirm:
- the client’s current location;
- whether they are able to speak privately;
- whether anyone else is present;
- whether the client feels safe to continue.
If a safeguarding emergency arises during an online appointment, practitioners will take appropriate action based upon the client’s current location, which may include contacting emergency services or other safeguarding agencies.
Therapy sessions delivered through Konfidens are not routinely recorded by Climb Youth Therapy Limited.
Clients are requested not to record therapy sessions without prior written agreement.
24. Working with Other Professionals
Effective safeguarding often requires collaboration with other organisations.
Where appropriate and lawful, Climb Youth Therapy Limited may work with:
- General Practitioners;
- NHS Mental Health Services;
- CAMHS;
- schools and colleges;
- universities;
- social workers;
- local authority safeguarding teams;
- police services; and
- other healthcare professionals involved in the client’s care.
Information sharing will always be proportionate and limited to what is necessary for safeguarding or continuity of care.
Where appropriate, clients will be encouraged to participate in decisions regarding information sharing.
25. Clinical Supervision and Governance
Clinical supervision is an essential safeguard for both clients and practitioners.
All practising counsellors working on behalf of Climb Youth Therapy Limited must participate in regular professional supervision appropriate to their level of practice and in accordance with the requirements of their professional body.
Supervision provides an opportunity to:
- discuss safeguarding concerns;
- consider ethical dilemmas;
- reflect upon clinical decision-making;
- identify emerging risks;
- support practitioner wellbeing; and
- promote safe and effective practice.
Client confidentiality is maintained during supervision. Information discussed is limited to what is necessary to support professional practice and safeguarding responsibilities.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead may also seek specialist safeguarding advice where required.
Climb Youth Therapy Limited promotes a culture in which practitioners feel able to seek guidance whenever uncertainty exists. Seeking advice is regarded as good professional practice and should never be viewed as a weakness.
26. Safer Recruitment and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Requirements
Climb Youth Therapy Limited is committed to recruiting individuals who share our commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk.
Before any practitioner begins providing services on behalf of the Company, appropriate pre-engagement checks will be completed. Depending on the nature of the role, these may include:
- verification of identity;
- confirmation of the legal right to work in the United Kingdom;
- verification of relevant qualifications and professional memberships;
- satisfactory professional references;
- verification of appropriate professional indemnity insurance;
- confirmation of ongoing clinical supervision arrangements; and
- an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required by law or considered necessary for the role.
Practitioners are expected to maintain their professional registrations, comply with the standards of their regulatory or professional body, and notify Climb Youth Therapy Limited without delay of any matter that may affect their suitability to practise safely.
Where concerns arise regarding a practitioner’s suitability to work with clients, appropriate action will be taken, which may include temporary suspension from practice while the matter is reviewed.
27. Safeguarding Training
Effective safeguarding depends upon practitioners having the knowledge and confidence to recognise concerns and respond appropriately.
All practitioners working on behalf of Climb Youth Therapy Limited are expected to complete safeguarding training appropriate to their role and maintain their knowledge through continuing professional development.
Training should include, where appropriate:
- recognising abuse and neglect;
- safeguarding children and young people;
- safeguarding adults at risk;
- domestic abuse;
- online safety;
- exploitation, including child criminal and sexual exploitation;
- suicide awareness and risk management;
- information sharing;
- record keeping;
- professional boundaries; and
- current safeguarding legislation and guidance.
Safeguarding knowledge should be refreshed regularly to reflect changes in legislation, professional guidance and emerging safeguarding risks.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for monitoring training requirements and promoting continuous learning across the organisation.
28. Professional Boundaries
Professional boundaries are fundamental to safe and effective therapeutic relationships.
Practitioners are expected to maintain clear, appropriate and ethical boundaries at all times.
This includes:
- acting in the client’s best interests;
- avoiding dual or conflicting relationships wherever reasonably possible;
- maintaining appropriate professional communication;
- protecting client confidentiality;
- avoiding inappropriate personal or financial relationships with clients;
- using social media responsibly; and
- following the ethical requirements of their professional body.
Any situation that may create a conflict of interest should be discussed promptly with the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Director.
29. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Climb Youth Therapy Limited believes safeguarding is strengthened by creating an inclusive environment in which every individual is treated with dignity, fairness and respect.
Safeguarding decisions will never be influenced by assumptions relating to:
- age;
- disability;
- sex;
- gender reassignment;
- race;
- religion or belief;
- sexual orientation;
- pregnancy or maternity;
- marriage or civil partnership; or
- socio-economic background.
We recognise that some individuals may experience additional barriers to accessing support or disclosing abuse. Practitioners will seek to remove those barriers wherever reasonably possible.
Reasonable adjustments will be made to enable clients to access our services safely and effectively.
30. Managing Allegations Against Practitioners
Climb Youth Therapy Limited takes all allegations concerning the conduct of practitioners seriously.
Where an allegation is made that a practitioner has:
- behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a client;
- committed a criminal offence;
- behaved in a manner that raises concerns about their suitability to practise; or
- breached professional safeguarding standards,
the matter will be reviewed promptly.
Appropriate action may include:
- seeking legal advice;
- consulting the relevant professional body;
- making referrals to statutory agencies;
- notifying insurers where appropriate;
- suspending client work while enquiries are undertaken; and
- cooperating fully with any investigation undertaken by external authorities.
The safety and wellbeing of clients will remain the primary consideration throughout.
Practitioners will also be treated fairly, confidentially and in accordance with principles of natural justice while concerns are investigated.
31. Complaints Relating to Safeguarding
Anyone who has concerns about the way Climb Youth Therapy Limited has managed a safeguarding issue is encouraged to raise those concerns as soon as possible.
Complaints may be made by:
- clients;
- parents or carers;
- family members;
- professionals; or
- members of the public.
Complaints will be managed in accordance with the Company’s Complaints Policy.
Where a complaint also raises safeguarding concerns, those concerns will take priority and may require immediate action before the complaints process is completed.
Making a complaint will not prevent a safeguarding referral being made where one is necessary to protect someone from harm.
32. Monitoring, Audit and Continuous Improvement
Safeguarding arrangements are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain effective, proportionate and legally compliant.
Monitoring may include:
- review of safeguarding incidents;
- lessons learned from safeguarding cases;
- practitioner feedback;
- supervision outcomes;
- training records;
- policy compliance;
- changes in legislation; and
- updates to professional guidance.
Where improvements are identified, policies, procedures and training will be updated accordingly.
The objective is not only to comply with legal requirements but to promote a culture of continuous improvement and safe professional practice.
33. Policy Review
This policy will normally be reviewed every twelve months.
An earlier review may take place where:
- legislation changes;
- statutory guidance is updated;
- professional body requirements change;
- organisational services change significantly;
- safeguarding incidents indicate improvements are required; or
- emerging risks make revision necessary.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for coordinating policy reviews and recommending amendments.
34. Related Documents
This policy should be read alongside the following documents published or maintained by Climb Youth Therapy Limited:
Website Documents
- Privacy Policy
- Young Person’s Privacy Notice
- Confidentiality Policy
- Website Terms and Conditions
- Cookie Policy
- Complaints Policy
- Accessibility Statement
Internal Governance Documents
- Client Agreement
- Informed Consent Policy
- Online Therapy Agreement
- Data Retention Policy
- Record Keeping Policy
- Information Sharing Procedure
- Clinical Supervision Policy
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
- Data Breach Response Procedure
- Business Continuity Plan
Appendix A – Categories and Indicators of Abuse
The following categories are recognised within UK safeguarding guidance. The indicators listed are examples only and should always be considered within the wider context of the individual’s circumstances.
| Category | Possible Indicators |
|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Unexplained injuries, repeated injuries, fear of physical contact, inconsistent explanations. |
| Emotional Abuse | Low self-esteem, anxiety, withdrawal, excessive fear, controlling relationships, persistent criticism. |
| Sexual Abuse | Inappropriate sexual knowledge, unwanted sexual contact, grooming, sexually explicit communications, behavioural changes. |
| Neglect | Poor hygiene, malnutrition, inadequate supervision, untreated medical needs, unsuitable living conditions. |
| Domestic Abuse | Fear of a partner or family member, controlling behaviour, unexplained injuries, social isolation. |
| Financial Abuse | Missing money, coercion, exploitation of finances, pressure regarding assets or benefits. |
| Online Abuse | Cyberbullying, grooming, coercion through digital platforms, image-based abuse, online exploitation. |
| Criminal or Sexual Exploitation | Association with exploitative individuals, unexplained gifts, missing episodes, county lines activity, trafficking. |
| Radicalisation | Sudden changes in behaviour or beliefs, exposure to extremist material, encouragement of violence. |
The presence of one or more indicators does not necessarily mean abuse has occurred. Practitioners should consider the overall circumstances and seek advice where safeguarding concerns arise.
Appendix B – Safeguarding Decision-Making Flowchart
Step 1 – Identify
A concern is identified through disclosure, observation or information received.
↓
Step 2 – Assess Immediate Safety
Is anyone at immediate risk of serious harm?
- Yes → Contact emergency services or the appropriate safeguarding authority without delay. Inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as practicable.
- No → Continue to Step 3.
↓
Step 3 – Record
Make a factual record of the concern, including dates, observations and the client’s own words where possible.
↓
Step 4 – Consult
Discuss the concern with the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
↓
Step 5 – Decide
Determine whether:
- no further safeguarding action is required;
- monitoring is appropriate;
- further information is needed; or
- a safeguarding referral should be made.
↓
Step 6 – Refer
Where appropriate, refer to the relevant statutory agency and record the reasons for the decision.
↓
Step 7 – Review
Continue to monitor the situation and update records as necessary.
Appendix C – Key Contacts and Emergency Numbers
Emergency Services
999
NHS 111
111 (urgent medical advice where appropriate)
Local Children’s Social Care
Contact the local authority responsible for the client’s place of residence.
Adult Social Care
Contact the relevant local authority.
Police (Non-Emergency)
101
NSPCC Helpline
0808 800 5000
Childline
0800 1111
Samaritans
116 123
Climb Youth Therapy Limited
Registered Office: [Registered Office Address]
Telephone: [Business Telephone]
Email: [General Email Address]
Safeguarding Email: [Safeguarding Email Address]
Website: www.climbyouththerapy.co.uk
Appendix D – Document Control and Version History
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Document Title | Safeguarding Policy |
| Organisation | Climb Youth Therapy Limited |
| Document Owner | Director |
| Designated Safeguarding Lead | Professor Christina Poulatova |
| Version | 1.0 |
| Status | Draft for Approval |
| Effective Date | [01/08/2026] |
| Next Review | [Insert Date – 12 months] |
| Approved By | [Director] |
Version History
| Version | Date | Summary of Changes | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | [01/08/2026] | Initial issue | Climb Youth Therapy Limited |
Appendix E – Safeguarding Incident Logging Form
Internal Use Only – Confidential
This form must be completed by the practitioner within 24 hours of any safeguarding concern or disclosure. Once complete, it must be sent immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and stored securely on Konfidens.
| 1. Administrative Details | |
| Date of Report: | [ DD / MM / YYYY ] |
| Time of Report: | [ 00:00 AM/PM ] |
| Name of Practitioner: | _____________________________________ |
| Client Name / ID Number: | _____________________________________ |
| Client Date of Birth: | [ DD / MM / YYYY ] |
| Client Location during Session: | _____________________________________ |
| 2. Nature of Concern (Tick all that apply) |
| [ ] Immediate Risk of Severe Self-Harm / Suicide |
| [ ] Risk of Harm to Another Person |
| [ ] Child Protection Concern (Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation) |
| [ ] Vulnerable Adult Protection Concern |
| [ ] Statutory Duty (Terrorism, Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering) |
| [ ] Other (Please specify): _____________________________________ |
| 3. Incident / Disclosure Details |
| Provide a clear, factual account of what was said or observed. Use the client’s exact words where possible. Do not include assumptions or personal opinions. |
| 4. Actions Taken Immediately |
| [ ] Emergency Services contacted (999) — Time: [ 00:00 ] / Incident Reference: [ _________ ] |
| [ ] Client’s Emergency Contact notified (If safe to do so) |
| [ ] Client informed that confidentiality would be breached |
| [ ] Client not informed (State reason, e.g., compromised child safety): ____________________ |
| 5. Next Steps & External Referrals |
| Form passed to DSL on: [ DD / MM / YYYY ] at [ 00:00 AM/PM ] |
| External Agency Contacted? [ Yes / No ] |
| Agency Name (e.g., MASH, Social Services): _____________________________________ |
| Contact Person & Phone Number: _____________________________________ |
| Outcome / Advice Received: |
Practitioner
Signature: ___________________________ Date: _______________
DSL Signature: __________________________________ Date: _______________