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Risk Assessment Policy

Effective Date: January 2024
Last Review Date: January 2026

1. Overview

The organisation operates a structured risk assessment and safeguarding process to ensure client and practitioner safety. As a low-risk service, we work exclusively with individuals presenting with mild to moderate mental health difficulties and do not provide crisis support.

2. Initial Risk Screening

All clients complete an intake assessment which includes:

  • Standardised measures (PHQ-9, GAD-7, Cantril Ladder)
  • Questions on:
    • Suicidal ideation (current and historical)
    • Self-harm
    • Mental health diagnoses
    • Risk-related factors

Where potential risk is identified:

  • A triage or safeguarding call is conducted by a Counselling Psychologist
  • A decision is made regarding suitability for the service

3. Exclusion Criteria

The service does not work with individuals presenting with:

  • Active suicidal ideation or intent
  • Current self-harm
  • Severe or complex mental health conditions (e.g. psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
  • PTSD, OCD requiring specialist intervention
  • Safeguarding-heavy or high-risk cases

These individuals are signposted or referred to appropriate services.

4. Ongoing Risk Monitoring

Risk is monitored throughout all sessions. Coaches (including placement students) are trained to:

  • Identify indicators of increased risk
  • Ask direct questions where appropriate
  • Record and escalate concerns

5. Escalation Procedures

  • Immediate risk:
    • Use the internal help/alert system (available 24/7)
    • A manager joins the session in real time
    • Emergency procedures may be initiated
  • Non-immediate risk:
    • Follow safeguarding protocol
    • Escalate to the Clinical Supervisor / Safeguarding Lead
    • Review in supervision

6. Emergency Procedures

As a remote service:

  • Client location and emergency contact details are collected at intake
  • If there is immediate risk of harm, confidentiality may be breached
  • Emergency services and/or emergency contacts may be contacted where necessary

7. Placement Students

  • Placement students may work directly with clients
  • They receive training in safeguarding
  • All risk concerns must be escalated to the Clinical Supervisor
  • Students do not independently manage high-risk situations

8. Monitoring and Governance

Risk management is monitored through:

  • Clinical supervision
  • Safeguarding oversight by the Clinical Supervisor
  • Incident review processes