Introduction

I, Holly Hagan-Walker, am responsible for safeguarding within my practice. 

In line with the BACP Ethical Framework 2026, I am committed to actively protecting clients  (in person, online or by telephone) from abuse, neglect, and serious harm, as well as any concerns for children and/or vulnerable adults that arise through this work.

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What safeguarding means

Safeguarding means protecting children and adults at risk from abuse, neglect or exploitation. This includes domestic abuse, controlling behaviour, sexual or financial abuse and harm online. Adult safeguarding services have a particular role where care and support needs leave someone unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect.

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How I will respond

I will listen, take your concerns seriously and discuss what would help you feel safer. We will consider the risks, available support and next steps together wherever possible. I will respect your choices and support you to make your own decisions. If your ability to make a particular decision is in doubt, I will seek appropriate advice.

Where needed, I will contact the relevant safeguarding service, health professional or police. I will refer promptly to children's social care if I suspect a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm. Immediate danger requires urgent action; I will not wait for supervision before seeking emergency help.

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Confidentiality and sharing information

What you tell me is confidential within our agreed professional arrangements, including supervision. I will normally discuss any proposed referral or disclosure with you and seek your agreement. I may need to share information without your consent where required by law, or where this is necessary and lawful to protect someone from serious harm.

I will share only the information needed with the appropriate people. If discussing this with you first would increase danger or prevent necessary protective action, I may need to act first. I will explain what I have done as soon as it is safe and lawful to do so.

Talking about past abuse, suicidal thoughts or self-harm does not automatically mean I will tell someone else. I will consider the current risks, your circumstances and any legal duties, and work with you on safety and support.

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Keeping my practice safe

I will keep my safeguarding training and knowledge up to date and seek supervision or specialist advice when needed.

I will keep a secure, factual record of the concern, your views, advice received, decisions and reasons, any information shared, and what needs reviewing. My privacy policy explains how I protect your information.

I will take account of your communication and access needs and agree on safe ways to contact you. I will respect your identity and will not try to change or suppress your sexual orientation or gender identity.

For online or telephone work, I will check your location and agree how to reach help if needed. Work across borders requires checks on local safeguarding arrangements, legal duties and insurance.

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Raising a concern

You can speak to me in a session or contact me on 07493040618. I will take concerns about my own practice seriously and explain the complaints process. Please let me know if you need this policy in a different format.

If you would prefer independent advice about your therapy or my conduct, contact BACP at gethelp@bacp.co.uk or 01455 883300, option 2. You can also visit bacp.co.uk/gethelp.

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Safeguarding help and emergencies

Lincoln adult safeguarding:  01522 782155
Lincoln children's social care: 01522 782111
Lincoln social services out of hours:  01522 782333

For someone in immediate danger, call 999. I do not provide an emergency service, so please do not wait for a reply from me.

Updated 01 October 2026. Review October 2027, or sooner if guidance or practice changes.

Aligned with the BACP Ethical Framework 2026 (sections A, C2.4 and C3.1 to C3.3), mandatory from midday on 3 November 2026. The 2018 Framework applies until then. 

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