Accessibility 

This policy is available in alternative formats. If you need this information in a different format, please contact Echo at info@theechosociety.org.uk.

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1. Introduction and Commitment

The Echo Society is committed to safeguarding adults at risk and promoting their welfare.
We recognise that some adults may experience abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and we take all concerns seriously.

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An adult at risk is defined under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014 as a person aged 18 or over who:

• has needs for care and support
• is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect
• is unable to protect themselves because of those needs

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All adults have the right to live free from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

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2. Purpose of This Policy

This policy sets out:

• how Echo identifies and responds to safeguarding concerns
• the responsibilities of practitioners, supervisors, and management
• how safeguarding concerns are escalated
• how Echo works with statutory agencies
• how information is shared lawfully and proportionately

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This is a public‑facing statutory safeguarding policy.

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Operational detail is contained in Echo’s internal safeguarding procedures, risk management processes, data protection arrangements, and complaints procedures.

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Echo also provides separate psychoeducational resources to support understanding of relational harm. These resources are not used in safeguarding decision making and do not form part of statutory assessment or thresholding.

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3. Legal Framework

Echo’s safeguarding practice is informed by:

• Care Act 2014
• Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR
• Domestic Abuse Act 2021
• Serious Crime Act 2015 (Coercive Control)
• Modern Slavery Act 2015
• Online Safety Act 2023
• Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (Whistleblowing)

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We follow statutory guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care and local Safeguarding Adults Board procedures.

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4. Types of Abuse

Echo recognises all forms of abuse defined in the Care Act 2014, including:

• Physical abuse
• Domestic abuse (including controlling or coercive behaviour)
• Sexual abuse
• Psychological or emotional abuse
• Financial, material, or economic abuse
• Neglect and acts of omission
• Discriminatory abuse
• Organisational abuse
• Self‑neglect

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Additional forms of abuse, exploitation, or harm may include:

• Modern slavery
• Stalking and cyberstalking
• Technology‑facilitated abuse (including digital surveillance, monitoring, spyware, or image‑based abuse)
• Honour‑based abuse and forced marriage
• Mate crime
• Radicalisation

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The Echo Society recognises narcissistic abuse as a serious form of relational harm. While not a distinct legal or safeguarding category, concerns described in these terms will be assessed and responded to through the recognised forms of abuse and safeguarding frameworks outlined in this policy.

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5. Coercive and Controlling Behaviour (Legal Definition)

Coercive control is a criminal offence under Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.

It includes patterns of behaviour that:

• isolate a person from support
• monitor their movements or communications
• restrict their finances
• threaten, intimidate, or humiliate
• dictate daily routines
• block access to healthcare or medication
• use immigration status or disability to intimidate

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Coercive control applies specifically to intimate or family relationships.

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6. Roles and Responsibilities

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6.1 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The Director & Counselling Manager is Echo’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

 

The DSL:

• receives safeguarding escalations
• makes decisions about external referrals
• liaises with Adult Social Care, Police, or emergency services
• ensures documentation is completed and stored securely
• oversees safeguarding governance and quality assurance

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6.2 Supervisors

Supervisors:

• support practitioners in assessing risk
• advise on immediate action
• document discussions
• escalate concerns to the DSL the same day

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Supervisors do not hold organisational safeguarding responsibility.

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6.3 Practitioners

Practitioners:

• identify safeguarding concerns
• document proportionately
• inform their supervisor
• escalate directly to the DSL if urgent or if the supervisor is unavailable
• may take immediate safeguarding action when required by law or ethical duty

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Echo retains responsibility for organisational oversight and coordination.

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6.4 Volunteers and Administrative Staff

Volunteers and staff must report any safeguarding concerns to their supervisor or the DSL.

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7. Crisis Boundaries

The Echo Society is not a crisis or emergency service.

In an emergency, individuals should contact:

• 999
• their local Crisis Team
• NHS 111
• Samaritans

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Echo cannot provide:

• emergency response
• welfare checks
• 24/7 support
• immediate safeguarding intervention

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8. Procedure in the Event of a Disclosure

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DO:
• Ensure immediate safety
• Call emergency services if required
• Listen with care
• Offer reassurance
• Establish basic facts without probing
• Make accurate notes
• Record dates, times, names, and observations
• Explain confidentiality boundaries
• Follow Echo’s escalation pathway
• Inform the supervisor and DSL

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AVOID:
• Confronting the alleged abuser
• Asking leading questions
• Investigating beyond basic facts
• Making assumptions or promises
• Delaying action
• Consulting people not involved
• Speculating in notes

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9. Safeguarding Escalation Pathway

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1. Practitioner identifies a concern

2. Practitioner informs their supervisor (same working day)

3. Supervisor supports assessment and advises on immediate action

4. Supervisor escalates to the DSL immediately for high‑risk concerns

5. Practitioners may take urgent safeguarding action when required

6. All safeguarding actions must be reported to the DSL as soon as possible

7. The DSL coordinates any external referrals

8. Documentation is completed promptly and proportionately

 

10. Responding to an Allegation​​

The DSL (or supervisor if DSL unavailable) will:

• contact Adult Social Care or Police where required
• make a written record of the referral
• ensure the report is confirmed in writing within 24 hours
• ensure Echo’s internal documentation is completed

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11. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Safeguarding may require sharing information with:

• Adult Social Care
• Police
• emergency services
• other statutory agencies

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Echo follows the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.
Where possible, consent is sought.
Where not possible or safe, information may be shared without consent.

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Practitioners must:

• explain confidentiality boundaries
• inform clients of actions taken
• document proportionately

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Information sharing clarification:
Echo and Associate Counsellors may share limited information where necessary for safeguarding, continuity, allocation, or organisational responsibilities. Clinical notes remain the responsibility of the Associate Counsellor as an independent Data Controller.

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12. Multi‑Agency Working

Echo collaborates with:

• Adult Social Care
• Police
• Safeguarding Adults Boards
• domestic abuse services
• mental health services
• emergency services

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The DSL coordinates all organisational communication with external agencies.

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13. Training & Competency

Echo provides:

• safeguarding induction
• annual safeguarding refreshers
• specialist training for supervisors
• access to external safeguarding resources

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14. Related Policies

This policy operates alongside:

• Echo Privacy Notice
• Counselling & Therapeutic Records Privacy Notice
• Data Retention & Disposal Policy
• Clinical Records, Legal Requests & Professional Boundaries Policy
• Complaints Policy & Procedures

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