Safeguarding Policy
Safeguarding Commitment
Sophie Phillips Speech and Language Therapy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare, dignity, and rights of adults at risk and young people. This policy outlines how safeguarding concerns are recognised, managed, and reported in line with UK legislation, statutory guidance, and professional standards.
My practice primarily supports adults and young people with acquired neurological conditions (including stroke, brain injury, and neurodegenerative conditions) who may be vulnerable due to health, communication, cognitive, or psychosocial needs.
Scope of This Policy
This safeguarding policy applies to all professional activities carried out by Sophie Phillips Speech and Language Therapy, including:
Face-to-face therapy sessions
Online and remote therapy
Work in clients’ homes
Community and clinic-based settings
Educational or healthcare environments
Professional communication related to therapy
Professional Responsibilities
Sophie Phillips is an independent Speech and Language Therapist and sole practitioner, and therefore holds full responsibility for safeguarding within the practice.
I am committed to:
Maintaining appropriate and up-to-date safeguarding training
Holding a current enhanced DBS certificate
Acting promptly and appropriately on safeguarding concerns
Maintaining accurate, confidential safeguarding records
Following local safeguarding procedures for adults and young people
Working collaboratively with families, carers, healthcare providers, local authorities, and other professionals
Legal and Professional Framework
This policy is informed by and complies with relevant UK legislation and guidance, including:
Children Act 1989 and 2004
Education Act 2002
Care Act 2014
Mental Capacity Act 2005
UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government)
Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) guidance
Local Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) guidance
HCPC and RCSLT professional standards
Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
I remain vigilant to signs and indicators of abuse, neglect, or exploitation in both adults and young people, including but not limited to:
Physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse
Neglect or self-neglect
Financial or material exploitation
Domestic abuse and coercive control
Discrimination or institutional abuse
Radicalisation
Online safety concerns
Capacity-related vulnerabilities and safeguarding risks
Responding to and Reporting Concerns
If a safeguarding concern is identified, I will:
Record the concern accurately, objectively, and confidentially
Where appropriate, discuss concerns with the individual and/or their carer, unless doing so would increase risk
Escalate concerns promptly to the appropriate authority, which may include:
Local Authority Adult Safeguarding Team
Local Authority Children’s Safeguarding Team
A Designated Safeguarding Lead (e.g. within a school or organisation)
Relevant healthcare or statutory services
Emergency Situations
If there is an immediate risk of harm, emergency services will be contacted by calling 999, and/or the local authority Emergency Duty Team.
Mental Capacity and Consent
In line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005, I will:
Presume capacity unless there is evidence to suggest otherwise
Support individuals to make informed decisions wherever possible
Act in a person’s best interests where capacity is lacking
Balance confidentiality with safeguarding duties when risk is identified
Confidentiality and Information Sharing
All safeguarding records are stored securely and shared only with professionals who have a legitimate need to know, in accordance with safeguarding legislation, GDPR, and professional standards. Information may be shared without consent where there is a legal duty or immediate safeguarding risk.
Review of This Policy
This safeguarding policy is reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, statutory guidance, or professional practice.
Date of Implementation: November 2025
Next Review Date: November 2026
