Safeguarding Policy

applepipp is committed to offering ethical, safe and child-centred therapeutic support.

1. Policy Statement

applepipp and Philippa Gibb-Kirk are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All safeguarding concerns are acted upon promptly, professionally, and in accordance with statutory guidance. This policy outlines the procedures and responsibilities to ensure the highest standards of child protection.

2. Legal and Ethical Framework

This policy is informed by the Children Act 1989/2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), Keeping Children Safe in Education (2023), the Prevent Duty (2015), Domestic Abuse Act (2021), the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (2018) and The Northern Guild Code of Ethics.

3. Definitions

A child is anyone under the age of 18. Abuse may include physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, grooming, coercive control, witnessing domestic abuse, and radicalisation.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

As a sole practitioner, I maintain full responsibility for safeguarding in my work with children and young people. I attend fortnightly clinical supervision with a Northern Guild Registered Clinical Supervisor and seek guidance from Local Authority safeguarding services when necessary.

5. Confidentiality, Consent & GDPR

Confidentiality will be maintained at all times, except where there is a risk of harm to a child or others. Information sharing will follow GDPR principles and adhere to the guidance set out in the applepipp Privacy Policy (2025).

6. Working with Parents and Guardians

Parental consent is obtained for children under 18 years. In cases where contacting parents or guardians may increase risk to the child, this will be assessed and appropriate safeguarding steps will be taken.

7. Recognising Abuse and Harm

Indicators of abuse include unexplained injuries, emotional distress, neglect, controlling relationships, exposure to domestic abuse, grooming, exploitation, and signs of radicalisation or extremism.

8. Domestic Abuse

Children exposed to domestic abuse are considered victims in their own right under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Safeguarding procedures will be followed in accordance with statutory guidance.

9. Prevent Duty (Radicalisation Risk)

I am aware of the Prevent Duty (2015) and any concerns regarding radicalisation will be reported to the Northumbria Prevent Team and relevant safeguarding authorities. I hold a current Prevent training certificate.

10. Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

When responding to a report of a safeguarding concern I will listen carefully, reassure the child, record the facts, report, and refer immediately when necessary. There should be no delay when a child is at risk. Concerns will be reported when appropriate and without risk to the parent or guardian. When working within a service then the organisation's safeguarding policy will be adopted and the Designated Safeguarding Lead informed. Where the threshold of risk of harm is met then Northumberland MASH or Police will be contacted as required.

11. Emergency Procedure

In situations of immediate danger, I will contact emergency services (999) and notify Northumberland MASH as soon as possible.

12. Allegations Against the Therapist

Any allegation against myself, the therapist, will be reported immediately to the Northumberland LADO, clinical supervisor, and professional insurer. Therapy sessions may be suspended while the allegation is investigated.

13. Lone Working and Safe Practice

Safety procedures include logging all appointments, practising only within a safe and secure therapy room in appropriate premises, and following session boundaries. Any risks are assessed in advance and mitigated where possible.

14. Record Keeping

All safeguarding concerns and related records are stored securely, separate from clinical notes, in line with legal and professional guidance.

Northumberland Safeguarding Contacts

This safeguarding policy is designed to support best practice in child protection and safe therapeutic work. While every effort is made to follow statutory guidance, the practitioner cannot accept liability for actions outside the procedures outlined. This policy is regularly reviewed and updated to remain compliant with current legislation and professional standards.