PCEA Safeguarding Policy

The Psychology Clinic of East Anglia > Privacy Policies > PCEA Safeguarding Policy

Nominated Child Protection Lead

Dr Cassie Jackson
cassiej@pcea.co.uk

Purpose and Scope of this Policy Statement

The Psychology Clinic of East Anglia Ltd. works with children and families.  This work includes psychological assessments and neuropsychological assessments, in addition to therapeutic interventions.

The purpose of this policy statement is:

  • To protect children and young people who receive services from The Psychology Clinic of East Anglia.
  • To provide parents, staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to child protection.

This policy statement applies to anyone working on behalf of The Psychology Clinic of East Anglia, including directors, managers, responsible individual and associates.

Legal Framework

This policy has been drawn up on the basis of legislation, policy and guidance that seeks to protect children in England.  A summary of the key legislation and guidance is available from nspcc.org.uk/child protection.

We believe that:

  • Children and young people should never experience abuse of any kind.
  • We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people, to keep them safe and to practise in a way that protects them.

We recognise that:

  • The welfare of the child is paramount.
  • All children, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
  • Some children are additionally vulnerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues.
  • Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people s welfare.

We will seek to keep children and young people safe by:

  • Valuing, listening to and respecting them.
  • The company director, Dr C Jackson, shall be responsible for child protection and safeguarding
  • Developing child protection and safeguarding policies and procedures which reflect best practice.
  • Using our safeguarding procedures to share concerns and relevant information with agencies who need to know, and involving children, young people, parents and carers appropriately.
  • Recruiting staff and associates safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made.
  • Providing effective management for staff and associates through supervision, support, training and quality assurance measures.
  • Implementing a code of conduct for staff and associates.
  • Using our procedures to manage any allegations against staff and volunteers appropriately.
  • Ensuring that we have effective complaints and whistleblowing measures in place.
  • Ensuring that we provide a safe physical environment for our children, young people, staff and volunteers, by applying health and safety measures in accordance with the law and regulatory guidance.
  • Recording and storing information professionally and securely in accordance with our Data Protection Policy.

We will manage safer recruitment of associates by:

  • Informing associates of our commitment to safeguarding those in our care.
  • Carefully planning our recruitment process timeline ensuring we have enough time to thoroughly vet candidates.
  • Advise that associates will have to undergo strict vetting procedures before appointment. We will make note on any future position advertisements, of all the checks that will be carried out.
  • Carry out pre-employment checks. This includes Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, qualification checks, reference checks and identity checks.
  • Ensure staff members are appropriately trained for their duties.

Related policies and procedures

This policy statement should be read alongside our organisational policies and procedures, including:

  • Procedure for responding to concerns about a child or young person s wellbeing
  • Complaints Policy

Configuration Management

Version History

Version Date Author Reason for Change
Draft A 28-Feb-24 Dr C Jackson First draft for review
Issue 1 1-Mar-24 Dr C Jackson First published issue

Approval and Planned Reviews

Approved by Position Purpose Date
Dr Cassie Jackson Director Initial approval 28-Feb-24

The Psychology Clinic of East Anglia reviews its safeguarding policy every six months.