Safeguarding
Purpose
I am committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of people who use my services and to responding appropriately where I become aware of a safeguarding concern.
I provide counselling and psychotherapy to adults aged 18 and over and clinical supervision to counsellors, psychotherapists and trainees. I do not provide therapy directly to children or young people. However, safeguarding concerns relating to children, young people or adults at risk may arise during the course of my work.
This policy sets out how I will respond to such concerns.
Professional framework
I am an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
I will maintain appropriate safeguarding knowledge and remain aware of my legal and professional responsibilities in relation to safeguarding.
Confidentiality and safeguarding
Information shared with me during therapy or supervision is normally confidential.
There may be circumstances in which I need to share information because of a safeguarding concern, including where I believe that a child, young person or adult at risk may be at risk of serious harm, or where I have a legal obligation to disclose information.
Wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so, I will discuss my concerns and any proposed action with the person using my service before sharing information.
There may be circumstances where this is not possible or appropriate, for example where doing so could increase the risk of harm or where there is an immediate need to act.
I will share only information that is necessary and relevant to the safeguarding concern.
Responding to a safeguarding concern
If a safeguarding concern arises, I will:
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consider the nature and immediacy of the risk;
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listen carefully and avoid making assumptions;
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clarify information where appropriate without undertaking an investigative role;
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consider my professional, ethical and legal responsibilities;
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discuss the concern with my clinical supervisor or seek appropriate professional consultation where this is possible and would not cause unsafe delay;
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involve the client or supervisee in decision-making wherever this is safe and appropriate;
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contact the appropriate safeguarding service or emergency service where necessary;
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make an appropriate factual record of the concern, my decision-making, any consultation undertaken and any action taken.
Where there is an immediate risk of serious harm, I will prioritise safety and contact the appropriate emergency or safeguarding service where necessary.
Children and young people
Although I do not work therapeutically with children or young people, information disclosed by an adult client or supervisee may raise concerns about the safety or welfare of a child or young person.
I will respond to such concerns in accordance with my safeguarding responsibilities and seek advice or make a referral to the appropriate children's safeguarding service where necessary.
Adults at risk
An adult client may become, or be identified as, an adult at risk during our work together.
Where I have concerns about abuse, neglect, exploitation or other serious harm, I will consider the person's individual circumstances, their wishes and capacity to make decisions, the level of risk and my legal and professional responsibilities.
Wherever possible and appropriate, decisions will be made collaboratively with the person concerned.
Record keeping
Safeguarding concerns and decisions will be recorded factually and proportionately.
Records will include, where relevant:
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the nature of the concern;
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relevant information disclosed or observed;
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consideration of risk;
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discussions with the client or supervisee;
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consultation or supervision sought;
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the rationale for decisions made;
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any information shared, with whom and why;
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actions taken and outcomes where known.
Records will be stored securely in accordance with my Privacy Notice and data protection responsibilities.
Online working
As I work primarily online, I ask clients to provide information about the location from which they are attending sessions.
Where a client is accessing therapy from outside the UK, I will consider the legal, safeguarding and emergency arrangements applicable to their location where necessary.
Raising a safeguarding concern
If you are concerned about your own safety or the safety of another person, you can raise this with me during a session or contact me using my usual professional contact details.
My contact details are:
Georgina Sturmer
Email: hello@georginasturmer.co.uk
Telephone: 07355 436003
I am not an emergency or crisis service.
Where there is an immediate danger or medical emergency, call 999 or attend A&E.
For urgent medical advice where there is not an immediate emergency, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Concerns about a child or an adult at risk can also be reported directly to the relevant local authority safeguarding service.
Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there is a significant change to relevant legislation, professional guidance or the nature of my practice. Last reviewed Sept 2026.
Georgina Sturmer
MBACP (Accred.)