Abacus Counselling and Support acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people (under 18) and adults at risk. It is committed to ensuring its safeguarding practice reflects its statutory responsibilities, current government guidance, and best practice as dictated by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), relevant Local Authority requirements, and other professional bodies.

 

This policy is informed by key legislation and guidance including the Children Act 1989, Children Act 2004, Care Act 2014, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (PREVENT Duty).

 

The policy recognises that the welfare and interests of children, young people, and adults at risk are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or socio-economic background, all individuals are protected from abuse whilst participating in sessions provided by Abacus, or in other activities outside of the service.

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Abacus Counselling and Support acknowledges that some individuals may be particularly vulnerable to abuse, including those with disabilities, additional needs, or those exposed to risks such as exploitation, county lines activity, or radicalisation. We accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

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This policy applies to all safeguarding responsibilities within Abacus Counselling and Support.

This policy applies to: All staff, counsellors, volunteers, trustees, and anyone working on behalf of Abacus Counselling and Support

 

All counselling and support activities delivered by Abacus, including:

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• Sessions delivered by Abacus volunteers

• Sessions delivered in community venues

• Remote or online counselling

• Team meetings & Training.

• Events and Awareness days

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Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Abacus Counselling and Support recognises that effective safeguarding requires clear procedures, appropriate training, and a culture of vigilance.
Within Abacus Counselling and Support, the overall policy relating to safer working practices includes safeguarding as an essential part, and the same principles apply, particularly:

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• A commitment to promoting the safety and wellbeing of all clients

• Recognising and reducing risk

• A commitment to providing appropriate support and clear lines of responsibility

• ​Ensuring concerns are taken seriously and acted upon promptly

• Working in partnership with statutory agencies and safeguarding partnerships, including
  the Southend, Essex and Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnership (SET Procedures)
   

This policy and the relevant procedures described in the service handbook will be widely promoted
and are mandatory for everyone involved, in Abacus Counselling and Support. Failure to comply
with this policy and the service’s procedures will be addressed without delay and may ultimately
result in dismissal/exclusion from the organisation.

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All workers who have direct contact with clients under 18, will need to provide evidence they have an
up-to-date DBS. They will also be required to register on the update service, so their details can be
checked every 6 months.

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Monitoring and Review

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• The ongoing implementation of the Safeguarding Policy will be monitored through
  supervision and team meetings.

• Safeguarding is a standing item in team and trustee meetings.

• Any member of staff with a concern should raise it with SMT or the DSL.

• The policy will be reviewed annually, unless changing circumstances require an earlier
  review.
   

Policy Adoption

 

This policy was adopted by Abacus Counselling and Support and its Trustees on October 2015.

This revised version is effective from April 2026.

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You can read the full policy and process here.