Safeguarding Policy

The Holistic Psychiatry Clinic is committed to safeguarding the welfare of all adults who use our services. We recognise that some people who seek psychiatric care may be in vulnerable situations, and we take our responsibilities in this area very seriously.

This policy applies to all clinicians, staff and anyone working on behalf of the clinic. It is reviewed at least annually and whenever there is a change in relevant legislation or guidance.

Our safeguarding practice is underpinned by CQC Regulation 13 (Safeguarding service users from abuse and improper treatment) and the legislative framework set out below.

Our safeguarding policy is grounded in the following UK legislation and guidance:

• Care Act 2014 — the primary statutory framework for adult safeguarding in England, placing a duty on local authorities and requiring all organisations working with adults to contribute to safeguarding
• Mental Capacity Act 2005 — governs decision-making for adults who may lack capacity; we must always consider capacity when making clinical decisions
• Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 — CQC Regulation 13 requires us to protect patients from abuse and improper treatment
• Serious Crime Act 2015 — includes the offence of coercive and controlling behaviour in intimate and familial relationships
• Human Rights Act 1998 — underpins the right to life, freedom from torture or degrading treatment, and the right to a private and family life

Our approach to safeguarding is guided by the six principles established in the Care Act 2014. These principles apply across all aspects of our clinical practice.

Under the Care Act 2014, adult safeguarding duties apply to any adult who:

• Has needs for care and support (whether or not those needs are currently being met)
• Is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect
• As a result of those needs is unable to protect themselves against the risk of, or experience of, abuse or neglect

Because of the nature of psychiatric care, many of the adults we work with may meet one or more of these criteria. We treat every patient as a person who may, at some point, require safeguarding support — and our clinicians are trained to recognise when this applies.

Abuse can take many forms. Our clinicians are trained to recognise the following categories of abuse and neglect as defined in the Care Act 2014 statutory guidance:

All clinicians working at or on behalf of The Holistic Psychiatry Clinic are responsible for:

• Remaining alert to signs of abuse, neglect or exploitation during consultations
• Taking any concern seriously and not dismissing it without proper consideration
• Documenting concerns clearly and accurately in clinical records
• Discussing concerns with our named safeguarding lead where uncertainty arises
• Making appropriate referrals to the relevant statutory authority when required
• Maintaining appropriate confidentiality while balancing this against the duty to protect
• Not placing their own judgement above a patient's stated wishes without lawful justification

We assume that all adults have mental capacity to make decisions about their own care unless there is evidence to the contrary. Where there is reason to believe a patient may lack capacity, we will follow the framework set out in the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

We recognise that:

• Capacity is decision-specific — a person may lack capacity for one decision but retain it for another
• A patient's capacity may fluctuate over time, particularly in the context of mental illness
• Coercion or control by another person may compromise a patient's ability to make a genuinely free decision, even where they appear to have capacity

Where a patient lacks capacity and there is concern about their safety, we will act in their best interests in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act and make appropriate referrals to the relevant authorities.

We take patient confidentiality very seriously. However, confidentiality is not absolute. There are circumstances in which we may share information without a patient's consent in order to protect them or others from serious harm.

We may share safeguarding information where:

• There is a risk to the life of the patient or another person
• A serious crime has been committed or is at risk of being committed
• A patient lacks capacity and sharing is in their best interests
• We are required to do so by law or court order

When sharing information, we will share only what is necessary for the purpose, with the appropriate agency, and will document our reasoning clearly. We will inform the patient that we intend to share information wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Where a safeguarding concern is identified, our clinicians will follow this process:

1. Document the concern clearly and promptly in clinical records
2. Discuss with our named safeguarding lead (or deputy) as soon as possible
3. Consider whether immediate action is required to protect the patient or another person from harm
4. Where appropriate, make a referral to the local authority adult safeguarding team, and/or contact the police if a crime may have been committed
5. Inform the patient of any referral made, unless doing so would place them or others at greater risk
6. Document all actions taken and their rationale

Local authority adult safeguarding referral (London)

Referrals should be made to the adult safeguarding team of the local authority for the area in which the patient resides. For patients based in central London, initial contact can be made via the relevant borough's adult social care team.

If you are a patient, carer or member of the public with a concern about the safety or welfare of someone receiving care from this clinic, or about any person you believe may be at risk, please contact us.

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, please call 999 without delay. Do not wait for a clinic appointment or response before seeking emergency help.

All clinicians at The Holistic Psychiatry Clinic maintain up-to-date safeguarding training appropriate to their role. This includes training on recognising and responding to abuse, mental capacity, and information sharing. Training is refreshed at least every three years, or sooner where guidance changes significantly.

This policy is reviewed at least annually by our safeguarding lead, and updated in response to any changes in legislation, CQC guidance, or following any safeguarding incident or concern. The date of the most recent review is shown above.