Policies & Procedures

Purpose

This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all individuals who access our services. Although our primary population is adults, we recognise that safeguarding responsibilities extend to children, vulnerable adults, and others who may be at risk.

Principles

• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility
• The safety and wellbeing of the individual is paramount
• Concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon promptly
• We will work within UK safeguarding legislation and guidance

Scope

This policy applies to all clinical interactions, including virtual ADHD assessments.

Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include (but are not limited to):

• Risk of harm to self (including suicidal ideation)
• Risk of harm to others
• Evidence or disclosure of abuse or neglect
• Concerns regarding capacity or vulnerability

Responding to Concerns

Where a safeguarding concern is identified:

• The clinician will assess immediate risk
• Appropriate action will be taken, which may include:
  • Encouraging the patient to contact their GP or emergency services
  • Contacting relevant services directly if there is immediate risk
  • Escalating concerns to safeguarding authorities where appropriate
• All concerns will be documented clearly and contemporaneously

Information Sharing

Confidentiality will be respected; however, information may be shared without consent where:

• There is a risk of serious harm
• There is a legal obligation
• It is in the public interest

Record Keeping

All safeguarding concerns and actions taken will be documented securely in line with data protection requirements.

Purpose

We are committed to providing a high-quality service. We welcome feedback and take complaints seriously as an opportunity to improve.

How to Make a Complaint

Complaints can be submitted in writing via email to [email protected]. Please include:

• Your name
• Details of your concern
• Relevant dates
• Preferred outcome

Process

• Acknowledgement – Complaints will be acknowledged within 3 working days
• Investigation – A thorough review will be undertaken
• Response – A full response will be provided within 20 working days where possible. If more time is required, you will be informed.

Outcomes

Outcomes may include:

• Explanation and clarification
• Apology where appropriate
• Service improvement actions

Escalation

If you are not satisfied with the response, you may seek independent advice or escalate to relevant regulatory bodies.

Learning from Complaints

All complaints will be reviewed to identify learning and improve service quality.

Purpose

This policy outlines how clinical quality, safety, and risk are managed within the service.

Clinical Governance Principles

We are committed to:

• Delivering safe, effective, and evidence-based care
• Continuous quality improvement
• Accountability and transparency

Risk Management

Risks are identified, assessed, and managed through:

• Clinical assessment processes
• Documentation and record keeping
• Incident reporting and review

Incident Management

An incident is any event that could have, or did, lead to harm. All incidents will be:

• Documented
• Reviewed
• Used to inform learning and improvement

Clinical Standards

Assessments are conducted in line with UK clinical guidelines and best practice. This includes:

• Use of structured diagnostic tools
• Consideration of differential diagnoses
• Appropriate documentation and reporting

Data Protection

All data is handled in accordance with UK GDPR and relevant legislation. Systems used are secure and access is restricted.

Professional Standards

All clinicians:

• Hold appropriate qualifications and registration
• Maintain professional indemnity
• Engage in continuing professional development

Audit & Quality Improvement

We undertake periodic reviews of:

• Clinical reports
• Patient feedback
• Service outcomes