Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding Policy
For Paseda Group Ltd (Angela Cox Coaching)
Policy Owner: Angela Cox
Applies to: All coaching and therapy-integrated services provided under Paseda Group Ltd
1. Introduction
This safeguarding policy outlines how Angela Cox, through Paseda Group Ltd, upholds the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of clients engaging in coaching, therapeutic coaching, or personal development services. Angela integrates coaching with therapeutic approaches such as Paseda360 Coaching, Havening Techniques®, regression therapy, hypnotherapy, EFT, and psychotherapy.
The dual nature of this work means safeguarding responsibilities go beyond traditional coaching boundaries. This policy ensures that risk is taken seriously, safety is prioritised, and ethical practice is upheld at all times.
2. Our Commitment to Safeguarding
We are committed to providing a safe, confidential, and supportive space for clients. We recognise that clients may present with past trauma, distress, or active thoughts of self-harm or suicide. In such cases, we take appropriate, proportionate action based on ethical guidelines, safeguarding principles, and our duty of care.
This policy applies to all one-to-one and group coaching or therapy-informed work provided by Angela Cox.
3. Safeguarding Principles
Prevention: We take proactive steps to establish psychological safety from the outset of the client relationship. We do not work with individuals in acute mental health crisis, and we make appropriate referrals if risk exceeds the scope of our work. Our work is co-creative which means the coach (Angela Cox) is partnering with the client.
Paramountcy: The safety and wellbeing of the client is our first priority. If a client is at risk of serious harm to themselves or others, this overrides confidentiality.
Protection: We are trained to identify signs of psychological distress and suicidal ideation. We respond to concerns swiftly and appropriately, including escalating to medical or emergency services if needed.
Partnership: We work collaboratively with the client wherever possible and, when required, with relevant professionals (e.g. GP, emergency services, or support contacts). We also engage in clinical supervision for oversight and support in safeguarding matters.
Parental Responsibility: Where work is undertaken with under-18s (rare and by exception only), parents or guardians will be involved in safeguarding-related decisions, unless doing so places the young person at greater risk.
4. Suicide Ideation or Planning: Response Protocol
Our work can bring deep emotions to the surface. If a client discloses suicidal thoughts or plans, we follow a trauma-informed, ethically grounded protocol:
### 4.1 If a Client Expresses Suicidal Thoughts (Without Plan or Means)
We listen with empathy and avoid minimising or rushing the conversation.
We ask direct but sensitive questions to assess level of risk.
If no immediate plan or means are disclosed, we:
Encourage the client to speak to their GP or a mental health professional
Ask for consent to share our concerns with a named third party if risk is elevated
Log the session and raise the situation with our clinical supervisor within 24 hours
Continue sessions only where it is safe, appropriate, and within scope
### 4.2 If a Client Discloses a Suicide Plan or Access to Means
We explore the plan calmly and directly, assessing:
Intent: how determined the client is to act
Plan: how specific the plan is
Means: whether the client has access to the method
Timing: whether there is an immediate or scheduled risk
If means are confirmed (e.g. stockpiled medication), we will:
Invite the client to dispose of the means safely
Ask for confirmation this has been done (e.g. verbal report, message confirmation, or other appropriate proof)
Explain this is not to pressure or judge but to support safety and accountability
Record this agreement and follow up to ensure action was taken
If the client cannot confirm their own safety, appears at immediate risk, or disengages while risk remains high:
We will contact emergency services (999), their GP, or a nominated emergency contact
We will act without consent if necessary to protect life
The decision and actions will be documented and brought to supervision as a matter of urgency
5. Limits of Confidentiality
While the coaching and therapeutic relationship is confidential, exceptions apply in the following circumstances:
Risk of serious harm to the client or others
Disclosure of abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable adult
A legal requirement to share information (e.g. criminal activity or court order)
6. Working Within Scope
Angela Cox does not provide clinical mental health diagnosis or crisis intervention. If a client requires psychiatric support or presents with unmanaged mental illness, they will be referred to appropriate services. Coaching or therapeutic work may be paused or ended if it is no longer appropriate or safe.
7. Record Keeping and Supervision
Safeguarding-related discussions and actions are documented factually and stored securely in accordance with GDPR
All safeguarding decisions are reviewed in supervision to ensure ethical alignment and learning
Supervision is undertaken regularly with a qualified supervisor experienced in integrative and trauma-informed practice
8. Client Emergency Resources
All clients are provided with access to relevant support services if relevant.
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (UK, 24/7)
Shout Crisis Text Line: Text SHOUT to 85258
NHS 111 for non-urgent health advice
999 in an emergency
Local GP or Mental Health Crisis Team
9. Ongoing Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, practice standards, or professional guidance changes. Paseda Group Ltd is committed to continuous improvement and transparency in all safeguarding matters.