Safeguarding Policy Statement

Staff and Associate Clinicians working in Psychological Pathways are committed to practice which promotes the welfare of children and adults and protects them from harm. All staff working for and on behalf of Psychological Pathways, and those listed under ‘the services provided’ recognise a moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children and adults at risk. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children and adults are respected and valued.

We believe that a child or an adult should never experience abuse of any kind. We recognise abuse as a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights; and that it can take many forms. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and adults at risk, and the Staff and Associates working in Psychological Pathways are committed to practice in a way that promotes the welfare of children and adults at risk and safeguards them from harm.

Staff and Associate Clinicians in this organisation accept and recognise our responsibilities to develop awareness of the issues which cause harm to children and adults, and to establish and maintain a safe environment for them. We will not tolerate any form of abuse wherever it occurs or whoever is responsible. We are committed to promoting an atmosphere of inclusion, transparency and openness and are open to feedback from the people who use our services, carers, advocates, our Staff and our Associates with a view to how we may continuously improve our services/activities.

Through our Safeguarding Policy standards: we will endeavour to safeguard children and adults by:

• Ensuring there is a written policy on Psychological Pathways commitment to safeguarding children and adults at risk and which is supported by robust procedures.
• Following carefully the procedures laid down for the recruitment and selection of staff and associates;
• Providing effective management for Staff and Associates through supervision, support and training;
• Implementing clear procedures for raising awareness of and responding to abuse within the organisation and for reporting concerns to statutory agencies who need to know and involve children, their parents and adults at risk and their carers appropriately.
• There is a written Code of Behaviour which outlines the behaviour expected of all involved in the organisation.
• Sharing information about safeguarding and good practice with children, parents, staff and associates.
• Ensuring general safety and risk management procedures are adhered to.
• Promoting full participation of those who access or work within our service and having clear procedures for dealing with concerns and complaints.
• Ensuring the organisation has written guidelines that outline how relevant information is shared appropriately with parents, children, young people, staff, volunteers and other agencies and held within our service.

Contact Details for Designated Officer and Adult Safeguarding Officer
Safeguarding Lead
Ms Lynda McGill – email Lynda@psychologicalpathways.com
Contact number 028 953 2838
Deputy – Designated Officer and Adult Safeguarding Officer
Ms Lisa Maginnis email – Lisa@psychologicalpathways.com Contact number- 028 9532 0838
We are committed to reviewing our policy, procedures and practice at regular intervals, at least every three years.

*This statement also applies to work undertaken in the Republic of Ireland