Introduction  

Kelly-Ann .M. Wagner is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all clients who seek her services. This safeguarding policy outlines her commitment to safeguarding and promoting the  welfare of all individuals, particularly vulnerable adults who may access her services.    

Policy Statement  

Kelly-Ann .M. Wagner recognizes its responsibility to safeguard the welfare of all clients who engage with her services, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.  

She is committed to creating an environment where clients feel safe, respected, and supported  throughout their engagement with her service.  

Her safeguarding procedures aim to identify and respond to concerns about the safety and wellbeing of clients promptly and appropriately.  

Responsibilities  

Kelly-Ann .M. Wagner has a duty to:  

- Prioritize the safety and welfare of clients at all times.  

- Be vigilant for signs of abuse or neglect and report any concerns following our reporting procedures.  

- Maintain confidentiality by professional ethics, except in cases where disclosure is necessary to protect a client from harm.  

Kelly-Ann .M. Wagner is responsible for:  

- Attending training on safeguarding policies and procedures.  

- Ensuring that she adheres to safeguarding guidelines and reports any concerns promptly.  

- Reviewing and updating the safeguarding policy and procedures regularly to reflect best practices and legislative changes.  

Confidentiality  

Confidentiality is essential to the counselling process, but it may be breached if there are safeguarding concerns that require intervention to protect a client's safety, that of a child or a vulnerable adult.  

Clients will be informed about the limits of confidentiality at the outset of sessions.    

Risk Assessment  

Before commencing sessions, clients will be assessed for any potential safeguarding risks,  particularly if they are vulnerable adults.  

Kelly-Ann .M. Wagner will regularly review clients' circumstances to identify any changes that may necessitate a reassessment of risk.  

Reporting Procedures  

Any concerns about the safety or welfare of a client will be reported following Kelly-Ann .M. Wagner reporting procedures, which may include contacting relevant authorities such as social services or the police.Kelly-Ann .M. Wagner will also report concerns to her supervisor.  

Kelly-Ann .M. Wagner will document any safeguarding concerns, actions taken, and outcomes in a confidential manner.  

Training and Support  

Kelly-Ann .M. Wagner will attend training on safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure they are equipped to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns effectively.  

Review and Monitoring  

This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually by Kelly-Ann .M. Wagner to ensure it remains effective and  compliant with relevant legislation and best practice guidelines.  

Any incidents or near misses related to safeguarding will be monitored and used to inform  improvements to our safeguarding procedures.  

Conclusion  

Kelly-Ann .M. Wagner is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding to protect the  welfare of all clients who engage with her services. This policy will be communicated to clients, and  she welcomes feedback to help her continually improve her safeguarding practices.  

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K.A.M Life - Kelly-Ann .M. Wagner 

Safeguarding Procedure 

Updated September 2025

Initial Assessment  

If you are concerned a client might be at risk, assess the situation calmly and objectively. Look for  signs or indicators that may suggest a client is at risk of harm, abuse, or neglect.  Consider factors such as changes in behaviour, unexplained injuries, or disclosures of abuse or  violence.  

Ensure Safety  

In the first instance ask the client if they are/feel safe. If the risk is not immediate but you are  concerned for the individual's safety, inform the client that you are concerned for them. Ask them  what they can do to ensure their safety.  

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, prioritize their safety by contacting emergency services (such as the police or medical services) without delay.  

Maintain Confidentiality 

Respect the confidentiality of the individual involved while balancing your duty to safeguard their  welfare.  

Only disclose information to relevant parties on a need-to-know basis and in accordance with your  confidentiality policy.  

Record the Information 

Record any observations, disclosures, or concerns using a secure and confidential system. Include  details such as date, time, location, individuals involved, and any actions taken. Inform the client  that you will be recording what they have told you.  

Report Concerns  

Follow the reporting procedures outlined in your safeguarding policy.  

Contact the appropriate authorities or agencies responsible for safeguarding vulnerable individuals,  such as adult protective services or child protective services, depending on the nature of the  concern.  

Provide as much information as possible to support the investigation, including your observations  and any relevant documentation. Ensure you contact your supervisor. 

Support the Individual  

Offer support and reassurance to the individual who is at risk, ensuring they understand that you are  taking their concerns seriously and are committed to their safety.  

Provide information about available support services or resources they can access for assistance. 

Review and Follow-Up  

Review the situation regularly to monitor any changes or developments.  

Follow up with the individual to check on their well-being and ensure they are receiving the  necessary support.  

Document any follow-up actions taken and continue to provide ongoing support as needed.  

Reflect and Learn  

Reflect on the incident and consider any lessons learned or improvements that can be made to your  safeguarding procedures.  

Use the experience to develop and enhance awareness and response to safeguarding concerns in  the future.  

Seek Guidance  

If you are unsure about how to proceed or have concerns about a particular situation, seek guidance  from your supervisor, safeguarding lead, or relevant authorities for advice and support.  

Review and Update Policies  

Regularly review and update your safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure they remain  effective and compliant with current regulations and best practices.  

By following these procedures, you can help ensure the safety and well-being of individuals  accessing your counselling service and fulfil your duty to safeguard vulnerable clients.