Policies

1. Confidentiality & Data Protection Policy

I will treat all information shared in sessions as confidential, except in situations where there is a legal or ethical duty to disclose (e.g. risk of serious harm to self or others, safeguarding concerns, or legal orders).

Client records will be stored securely in password-protected, encrypted systems which are GDPR compliant. Paper records will be stored in a locked cabinet accessible only to me. Client records will include contact details, consent forms, concise session notes, and risk assessments.

Online sessions take place via a secure, confidential video platform. You will be sent a unique link prior to the session.

Data will be retained for 7 years after work has been completed and then securely destroyed, unless otherwise legally required.

Clients have the right to access their records under GDPR.

2. Informed Consent & Work Agreement

Before starting any psychological work, clients will receive and sign an agreement covering:

• The nature and limits of confidentiality.
• Fees, payment terms, and cancellation policy.
• Safeguarding procedures.
• For therapy:
  • Process for ending therapy.
  • Expectations of contact between sessions.
  • Agreement that therapy is collaborative and not a guarantee of outcomes.
• For assessments:
  • Process of assessments.
  • Agreement that assessment is an unbiased professional judgement service and there is no guarantee on the outcome of the assessment.
• For other services:
  • Expectations and agreements on the service to be offered, including details such as timescales of work, stakeholders to be included, and roles and responsibilities

3. Risk Management & Safeguarding Policy

I will assess and document risks related to self-harm, suicide, harm to others, and safeguarding concerns.

In cases of imminent risk, confidentiality may be breached to contact emergency services or safeguarding authorities. I will request contact details for next of kin, your GP, and any relevant services you are engaging with for the purposes of safeguarding and risk management. 

I will follow statutory safeguarding procedures for children and vulnerable adults. This includes a necessity to report to relevant services if I have concerns about abuse, neglect, modern slavery, or criminal activity so that any concerns can be appropriately investigated by such services. 

As part of this code of practice, I will not have private, non-work related, communication with clients, either during their work with the individual or after the work has ended. This includes no sharing of personal social media accounts. Any communications held will be via the agreed platforms for psychological work and will be expressly for the purpose of supporting in psychological services offered. 

Please note that Edge Psychology does not offer crisis services. If you are in need of imminent support, please contact 999 or your local mental health crisis services. If I have concerns that a client is in crisis, I will refer to appropriate professionals. 

4. Complaints Procedure

Clients are encouraged to raise concerns directly with me in the first instance. If the issue is not resolved, clients may submit a written complaint which I will respond to within 14 working days.

If a client remains dissatisfied, they may escalate the complaint to HCPC (if complaint regards practice) or ICO (if complaint regards information management). All complaints will be documented and reflected on in supervision.

5. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy

Edge Psychology recognises its legal obligation under the Equality Act 2010 to uphold and promote equality and human rights in all that we do. I provide services without discrimination on the basis of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status.

I strive to make therapy accessible and inclusive. Clients are encouraged to speak to me about any required adaptations to support in delivery of services or if there are any diversity needs that are important to be held in mind throughout engagement with Edge Psychology services. 

I will engage in ongoing training and supervision to reflect on bias and ensure cultural competence.

6. Supervision & Clinical Governance Policy

I will undertake regular professional supervision with a qualified supervisor, in line with HCPC requirements.

I will engage in CPD (Continuing Professional Development) activities and maintain a log.

I will review policies annually and update in line with legislation and professional standards.

I will maintain indemnity insurance and ICO registration.

7. Health & Safety Policy 

I will ensure that therapy spaces are safe, accessible, and comply with health and safety regulations.

For in-person sessions, I will maintain risk assessments, such as fire safety, accessibility, and lone working procedures.

For online work, I will ensure platforms are secure and reliable.

In case of medical emergency during an online session, I will have clients’ emergency contact details.

8. Business Continuity & Emergency Policy

If I am unable to work due to illness or emergency, I will inform clients promptly and offer rescheduling or referral to an alternative practitioner where possible.

In the event of data loss or breach, I will inform affected clients and comply with ICO reporting requirements.

I will maintain contingency plans for technical failures (e.g. switching to phone if video call drops).