Safeguarding Policy​

Safeguarding Policy for Children and Adults

NI Private Speech Therapy

 

1. Policy Statement

NI Private Speech Therapy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm. All individuals have a fundamental right to safety, dignity, respect, and protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm.

Safeguarding is embedded across all aspects of speech and language therapy practice, including in-person, community-based, educational, domiciliary, and online services.

We will safeguard service users by:

• Following recognised Northern Ireland safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance

• Prioritising early identification, prevention, and proportionate intervention

• Sharing information lawfully and appropriately with statutory agencies

• Maintaining safe, respectful, and inclusive therapeutic environments

• Ensuring professional competence through training, CPD, and supervision

• Taking all disclosures seriously and acting promptly

This policy applies to all children and adults who use our services.

 

2. Legislative and Policy Framework

This policy is informed by the legislative, statutory, and human rights framework governing safeguarding in Northern Ireland.

A. Human Rights and International Frameworks

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC)
This policy is underpinned by UNCRC principles, including:

• The best interests of the child as a primary consideration (Article 3)

• The child’s right to be heard and taken seriously (Article 12)

• The right to protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence (Article 19)

• The right to recovery and reintegration following harm (Article 39)

Human Rights Act 1998 / European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR)
Safeguarding decisions must be lawful, proportionate, and compatible with ECHR rights, including:

• Article 2 – Right to life

• Article 3 – Freedom from inhuman or degrading treatment

• Article 5 – Right to liberty and security

• Article 8 – Right to respect for private and family life

B. Northern Ireland Legislation and Guidance – Children

• Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995

• Co-operating to Safeguard Children and Young People in Northern Ireland (2024)

• Safeguarding Board Act (Northern Ireland) 2011

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007

C. Northern Ireland Legislation and Policy – Adults

• Adult Safeguarding: Prevention and Protection in Partnership (2015)

• Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016

• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007

 

3. Definitions

3.1 Children

A child is any person under the age of 18 years.

3.2 Adults at Risk of Harm

An adult aged 18+ whose exposure to harm is increased by personal characteristics and/or life circumstances.

3.3 Adults in Need of Protection

An adult aged 18+ who:

• Is unable to protect their own wellbeing, assets, rights, or interests, and

• Is at risk of harm due to the actions or omissions of others

3.4 Abuse and Harm

Abuse may include:

• Physical abuse

• Sexual abuse or exploitation

• Emotional or psychological abuse

• Neglect or acts of omission

• Financial abuse, coercion, exploitation, or ill-treatment

 

4. Safeguarding Principles

4.1 Children

• The welfare of the child is paramount

• Children have the right to be heard and taken seriously

• Partnership with parents/carers where safe and appropriate

• Early intervention to prevent escalation

4.2 Adults

• Rights-based, person-centred practice

• Empowerment and informed choice

• Presumption of capacity

• Consent-led intervention unless legally overridden

• Proportionate, multi-agency working

 

5. Responsibilities of the Speech and Language Therapist

The Speech and Language Therapist will:

• Create and maintain safe therapeutic environments

• Identify signs of abuse or neglect

• Follow UNOCINI procedures when concerns relate to a child

• Report and refer safeguarding concerns promptly

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries

• Keep clear, factual safeguarding records

• Undertake safeguarding training and ongoing CPD

• Ensure online therapy is delivered safely

 

6. Recognising Signs of Harm

Children

• Unexplained injuries or concerning explanations

• Changes in behaviour, communication regression, fearfulness

• Direct or indirect disclosures

• Concerning interactions with adults

Adults

• Visible injuries or signs of neglect

• Financial concerns or exploitation

• Behavioural changes, fear, or withdrawal

• Reports from the individual or others

 

7. Procedures for Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

7.1 Immediate Risk

If there is immediate danger to a child or adult, contact:

• Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI): 999

7.2 Reporting Concerns – Children (UNOCINI / Gateway Services)

All child safeguarding concerns will be managed in line with UNOCINI (Understanding the Needs of Children in Northern Ireland) procedures and referred to the appropriate Health and Social Care (HSC) Trust Gateway Service.

Gateway contact details:

• Belfast HSC Trust
  Gateway Service: 028 9050 7000

• Northern HSC Trust
  Gateway Service: 0300 1234 333

• South Eastern HSC Trust
  Gateway Service: 0300 1000 300

• Southern HSC Trust
  Gateway Service: 0800 783 7745

• Western HSC Trust
  Gateway Service: 028 7131 4090

• Regional Emergency (out of hours): 028 9504 9999

 

7.3 Reporting Concerns – Adults

Adult safeguarding concerns should be reported to the relevant HSC Trust Adult Protection Service or to PSNI where a crime is suspected.

Adult Protection contact numbers:

• Belfast HSC Trust: 028 9050 7000

• Northern HSC Trust: 0300 1234 333

• South Eastern HSC Trust: 0300 1000 300

• Southern HSC Trust: 0300 555 0222

• Western HSC Trust: 028 7161 1366

7.4 Responding to Disclosures

• Listen calmly and without interruption

• Do not promise confidentiality

• Reassure appropriately

• Record exact words used where possible

• Take prompt action in line with safeguarding procedures

7.5 Recording

Safeguarding records will include:

• Date, time, and individuals involved

• Nature of the concern or disclosure

• Factual observations (not assumptions)

• Actions taken and referrals made

 

8. Consent and Information Sharing

For adults, safeguarding decisions must consider consent and capacity.
Information may be shared without consent where:

• Others are at risk

• Capacity is lacking

• A crime is suspected

Children cannot consent to withhold safeguarding information.

Information sharing will be necessary, proportionate, relevant, accurate, timely, and secure.

 

9. Safe Practice and Professional Conduct

• Maintain safe physical environments

• Avoid unnecessary one-to-one situations with children

• Maintain transparent communication with parents/carers

• Use appropriate digital safeguards

• Maintain professional boundaries at all times

 

10. Safeguarding in Online Therapy

Online therapy will ensure:

• Secure platforms are used

• Parental/carer presence for children unless agreed otherwise

• Clear boundaries and expectations

• Consideration of communication needs and vulnerability

 

11. Training, CPD and Supervision

• Safeguarding training will be completed at least every three years, covering both child and adult safeguarding frameworks.

• Safeguarding knowledge and competence will be maintained through ongoing CPD, in line with professional standards, including keeping up to date with relevant Northern Ireland legislation and guidance.

• As an independent practitioner, supervision is accessed on a responsive, as-required basis.

• Supervision and professional consultation will be sought where cases are complex, where safeguarding concerns arise, or where reflective discussion is required to support safe and effective practice.

• Access to supervision ensures safeguarding concerns are not managed in isolation and supports professional judgement and accountability.

 

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or earlier if legislation or guidance changes.

Policy owner: Suzanne Turner, BMedSci (Hons), MRCSLT, Reg HCPC: SL34338

 

Details of most recent safeguarding training

​​

13th January 2026 - Designated Officer Training - Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI) - Year for review 2029

3rd December 2025 - Keeping Children & Adults Safe - Volunteer Now - Year for review 2028