top of page

Safeguarding &
Risk Escalation Policy

Effective Date: 13th October 2024
Author: Dr Tiffany Leung — Chartered Counselling Psychologist (HCPC Registered, BPS Chartered)
 

1. Purpose of the Policy

This policy outlines how Dr Tiffany Leung Psychological Services manages safeguarding, risk, and crisis concerns for all clients — including those based in the UK and overseas — in line with professional, ethical, and legal obligations.

Safeguarding is central to professional responsibility and public protection. This document defines how potential risk or harm is recognised, assessed, and appropriately escalated while maintaining respect, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity.
 

2. Legal and Ethical Frameworks

This policy is guided by the following professional and statutory frameworks:

  • Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics (2023) — Standards 6, 7, 9, 13

  • British Psychological Society (BPS) Code of Ethics and Conduct (2018) — Principles of Respect, Competence, Responsibility, and Integrity

  • BPS Practice Guidelines (4th ed., 2021)

  • The Care Act 2014 (Adults at Risk)

  • The Children Act 1989 & 2004

  • Mental Capacity Act 2005

  • Domestic Abuse Act 2021

  • Data Protection Act 2018 / UK GDPR
     

For clients outside the UK, these principles remain applicable as the ethical framework governing Dr Leung’s practice. Where local law or emergency procedures differ, Dr Leung will take reasonable steps to ensure safety within local systems while upholding UK professional standards.
 

3. Scope of Safeguarding

This policy applies to:

  • All therapy, coaching, and supervision clients;

  • Adults and young people (aged 16+ with parental consent where required);

  • Online and cross-border sessions.
     

Safeguarding includes:

  • Protecting clients and others from serious harm or abuse;

  • Responding to mental health crises or suicidality;

  • Managing concerns about neglect, exploitation, or domestic violence;

  • Acting upon concerns for children or vulnerable adults disclosed during sessions.
     

4. Definitions of Risk

Risk may include (but is not limited to):

  • Self-harm or suicide risk

  • Harm to others (including threats or violence)

  • Abuse or neglect (physical, sexual, emotional, financial)

  • Domestic or interpersonal violence

  • Exploitation or trafficking

  • Significant deterioration in mental health or capacity
     

Risk can be immediate (requiring emergency escalation) or emerging (requiring collaborative management).
 

5. Recognising and Responding to Risk

Dr Leung will:

  1. Assess the level of risk collaboratively with the client;

  2. Document observations and actions proportionately;

  3. Communicate transparently about any required disclosure;

  4. Consult supervision or safeguarding authorities when needed;

  5. Escalate to relevant emergency or support services as appropriate.
     

Clients are encouraged to discuss any concerns about safety early in therapy or supervision.
 

6. Limits of Confidentiality

Confidentiality remains central to psychological practice; however, information may be shared without consent if:

  • There is immediate risk of serious harm to self or others;

  • A child or vulnerable adult is at risk of abuse or neglect;

  • Court orders or legal obligations require disclosure;

  • There are terrorism or money laundering concerns as defined by UK law.
     

Whenever possible, Dr Leung will inform the client before disclosure unless doing so would increase risk or contravene a legal directive.
 

7. UK-Based Risk Escalation Pathway

If a client based in the UK presents with acute risk, Dr Leung may:

  • Encourage the client to contact emergency services (999) or attend A&E;

  • Contact the local crisis team or GP (with consent where possible);

  • Seek guidance from safeguarding leads or social services if a child or adult is at risk;

  • Notify relevant authorities in accordance with safeguarding law.
     

8. Overseas / International Clients

For clients located outside the UK (e.g., Hong Kong, Mainland China, Europe, or other regions):

  • Dr Leung will explain at the outset of therapy that UK safeguarding law cannot be directly enforced abroad, but she remains ethically bound by HCPC/BPS duty of care principles.

  • Clients are asked to provide local emergency contact details, such as:

    • A trusted person (family or friend);

    • A local GP or healthcare provider;

    • Local emergency hotline or hospital (e.g., in Hong Kong: 999 / Samaritans Befrienders).

  • In an emergency, if there is imminent risk of harm, Dr Leung may contact the local emergency contact or relevant authority in the client’s country — only to the extent necessary to preserve life or safety.

  • All such actions will be documented transparently, and clients will be informed whenever possible.
     

International clients will also receive an “Emergency and Crisis Support Information” document outlining local resources before therapy begins.
 

9. Safeguarding in Supervision and Professional Relationships

If a supervisee raises a concern about a client’s safety:

  • Dr Leung will support the supervisee to assess and manage the situation in line with HCPC/BPS standards;

  • If serious risk persists, Dr Leung may take steps to ensure appropriate action is taken, including notifying the supervisee’s organisation, supervisor, or regulator.

This maintains dual accountability — to the supervisee’s welfare and to public protection.
 

10. Recording and Data Protection

  • All safeguarding actions and decisions are recorded factually, dated, and stored securely in compliance with UK GDPR.

  • Information shared is minimal, relevant, and necessary to ensure safety.

  • In the event of a serious incident, Dr Leung will complete an internal risk management record and seek clinical supervision or consultation.
     

See also: Confidentiality Policy and Privacy & Data Protection Policy.
 

11. Consultation and Supervision

Dr Leung discusses significant safeguarding and risk management issues within professional supervision — ensuring decisions are ethical, proportionate, and well-documented.

All supervision discussions follow confidentiality and data protection principles.
 

12. Training and Review

Dr Leung maintains up-to-date training in:

  • Safeguarding Adults & Children (Level 3 or above)

  • Suicide prevention and risk assessment

  • Trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice
     

This policy is reviewed annually or whenever legal or professional frameworks change.
 

13. Contact and Escalation Information

  • Emergency (UK):

    • 999 (Police / Ambulance)

    • NHS 111 (Non-emergency medical advice)

    • Samaritans (24hr): 116 123

  • Emergency (Hong Kong):

    • 999 (Police / Ambulance)

    • Samaritans Befrienders: 2389 2222

  • Emergency (EU):

    • 112 (General EU emergency number)

  • Email for non-urgent concerns:

​

This safeguarding framework demonstrates compliance with HCPC Standards of Conduct (Standards 6–9), BPS Ethical Guidelines, and relevant UK safeguarding legislation. It applies to all services delivered by Dr Tiffany Leung, including telehealth and international sessions.

bottom of page