Safeguarding Policy
Beyond the Overwhelm Last updated: 05.08.26
1. Our Commitment
The safety and wellbeing of my clients — and any children or vulnerable adults connected to them — is a priority. As an HCPC‑registered Occupational Therapist, I take my safeguarding responsibilities seriously, in line with:
HCPC Standard 6 — Manage risk
HCPC Standard 7 — Report concerns about safety
2. What Safeguarding Means in This Context
Beyond the Overwhelm is a coaching service rather than a clinical or child‑facing service. However, safeguarding concerns can still arise — for example, if a client discloses something during a session that suggests they, a child, or another vulnerable person may be at risk of harm.
3. What I Will Do If a Concern Arises
If I become concerned about the safety of you, a child, or another vulnerable person, I will:
Take the concern seriously and, where possible, discuss it with you directly first
Seek guidance from my professional supervisor
Where I believe there is a risk of serious harm, escalate the concern to an appropriate authority (such as social services, the police, or another relevant agency), in line with my professional and legal obligations
This may mean sharing relevant information without your consent if withholding it would increase risk. This is explained further in my Confidentiality Policy.
4. Working With Parents
Many of my clients are parents, and coaching conversations may touch on family or parenting challenges. Coaching is not a parenting assessment or child protection service. If concerns about a child’s welfare arise, the process described in Section 3 applies.
5. If You’re Worried About Someone
If you’re worried about your own safety or someone else’s and need urgent help, please don’t wait for a coaching session.
Contact 999 in an emergency, or the NSPCC helpline (0808 800 5000) for concerns about a child.
6. Questions
If you’d like to understand more about how safeguarding is handled within our coaching relationship, please contact: hello@beyondtheoverwhelm.com