Safeguarding Policy

For Ask Why Ltd (Angela Cox Coaching)

Policy Owner: Angela Cox
Applies to: All coaching and therapy-integrated services provided under Ask Why Ltd

1. Introduction

This safeguarding policy outlines how Angela Cox, through Ask Why 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. Ask Why Ltd is committed to continuous improvement and transparency in all safeguarding matters.