SAFEGUARDING POLICY

---

To provide clarity to clients around our safeguarding policies when we work with children and vulnerable adults in both online and offline settings to protect the client (or athlete) and practitioner from harm. Harm may include physical and psychological harm and recognizes the potential for maltreatment due to the inherent power differential within the therapeutic relationship. We want our clients to have a positive experience with sport psychology, and to feel safe and valued while doing so. In this policy we outline core considerations and include contact details in the event of a safeguarding issue.

• Prioritise the safety and wellbeing of anyone using our services through continuous professional development and robust policies including an online safety policy.
• Ensure those with parental responsibility (and children) understand the process for reporting any safeguarding concerns, both to us, and to appropriate authorities and governing bodies.
• Concerns might include serious abuse but also lower-level concerns and poor practice. 
• We also endeavour to provide support to the individual(s) who raise any concerns.
• Maintain secure and confidential records around any safeguarding concerns raised with us in order to be able to share these with the appropriate authorities in line with data protection legislation and guidance (more information about this is available from the Information Commissioner’s Office) 

This policy will be reviewed every three years, or in the following circumstances:

• Changes in legislation and/or government guidance
• As required by CASES as a result of any other significant change or event.

• This policy was last reviewed on 3/4/26
• In a safeguarding emergency, where a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.
• You can also contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing help@nspcc.org.uk. 
• Contact your local child protection services. Their contact details can be found on the website for the local authority the child lives in.