Safeguarding Policy | happya®
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Safeguarding Policy

Happya Ltd  |  happya.co.uk  |  Last updated: May 2026

This policy applies to all services provided by Clare Deacon trading as Happya Ltd.

1. Purpose and Scope

Safeguarding refers to the protection of an individual's health, wellbeing and human rights, enabling them to live free from abuse, harm and neglect. Happya Ltd is committed to the safety, dignity and wellbeing of all clients and this policy sets out how we approach safeguarding within a coaching context.

This policy applies to all Happya Ltd services. Happya Ltd works exclusively with adults aged 18 and over.

2. Nature of Our Services

Happya Ltd provides coaching and psychoeducational wellbeing services informed by trauma-aware practice, positive psychology and personal development methodologies. Clare Deacon holds qualifications in coaching, counselling skills, hypnotherapy, EFT and trauma-informed practice.

These services are designed to support growth, self-awareness and wellbeing. They are not a substitute for psychiatric care, psychotherapy, crisis intervention or medical treatment.

Coaching may not be appropriate for individuals experiencing severe mental health difficulties, active suicidal ideation, psychosis, unmanaged addiction, or situations requiring clinical intervention.

Clients who require clinical mental health support or crisis intervention are always referred to appropriate professional services with care and without judgement.

3. Our Commitment

  • Providing a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for all clients
  • Recognising the limits of coaching and referring clients to appropriate professional support when needed
  • Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries at all times
  • Treating all clients with dignity, respect and care
  • Undertaking regular professional supervision and continuing professional development
  • Holding appropriate professional indemnity and public liability insurance

4. Confidentiality and Its Limits

All information shared by clients is treated as confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties without consent, except in the following circumstances:

  • Where there is a risk of serious harm to the client or to another person
  • Where disclosure is required by law or by court order
  • Where the client discloses information relating to an act of terrorism
  • Where a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of harm

Emotional vulnerability alone does not necessarily mean an individual lacks capacity or is classified as a vulnerable adult under safeguarding legislation.

Where a breach of confidentiality is necessary Clare Deacon will, wherever possible, inform the client before making any disclosure unless doing so would increase the risk of harm.

Clients are made aware of the limits of confidentiality before coaching begins, as set out in the client contract.

5. Recognising and Responding to Concerns

Disclosure during coaching

If a client discloses information suggesting they or another person may be at risk of harm, Clare Deacon will:

  • Listen without judgement and take the disclosure seriously
  • Acknowledge what has been shared
  • Consider whether further safeguarding action or referral may be appropriate based on the information shared
  • Signpost the client to appropriate professional support
  • Take further action if the risk is serious or immediate

Immediate risk to life

If at any point it becomes apparent that a client is at immediate risk of serious harm, Clare Deacon will:

  • Encourage the client to contact emergency services by calling 999
  • Provide the Samaritans number: 116 123 (free, 24 hours, 7 days a week)
  • Where appropriate and with the client's knowledge, contact emergency services directly
  • Document the incident and the action taken

Mental health signposting

  • GP: first point of contact for mental health referrals
  • Samaritans: 116 123
  • Crisis text line: text SHOUT to 85258
  • Mind: mind.org.uk
  • NHS urgent mental health support via 111

6. Professional Boundaries

  • Sessions are conducted online via Zoom or equivalent platform
  • Clients are encouraged to attend sessions from a private and secure environment
  • WhatsApp and email support is for coaching-related communication only and should not be used for crisis support
  • Support is available within agreed response times and working hours only
  • Clare Deacon does not provide out-of-hours crisis support
  • The coaching relationship does not extend to personal or social relationships during the coaching period

Happya Ltd does not provide an emergency or crisis service. If you are in crisis please contact your GP, call 999 in an emergency, or call the Samaritans on 116 123.

7. Client Suitability and Contracts

Coaching services are intended for individuals who are emotionally and psychologically able to engage in a reflective and developmental coaching process. Clients may be asked to provide an emergency contact prior to commencement of intensive coaching programmes where appropriate.

All clients entering a paid coaching programme sign a client contract prior to commencement. The contract covers the nature of coaching, confidentiality and its limits, emergency procedures, and programme terms.

8. Online Safety

Sessions are delivered online. Clients are responsible for ensuring they attend from a private, safe and secure environment using a suitable device and internet connection. Clare Deacon cannot guarantee complete digital confidentiality given the nature of online communication and clients are advised to use headphones and a private space.

9. Professional Supervision and Development

Clare Deacon undertakes regular professional supervision and continuing professional development to support ethical and safe practice. Supervision provides an opportunity to reflect on client work and ensure appropriate standards are maintained.

10. Record Keeping

Any safeguarding incidents or concerns are documented at the time they occur and stored securely using Funnel Sketchers. Records include the nature of the concern, the action taken and any referrals made. Client records are retained for 7 years from the end of the coaching relationship.

11. Insurance

Clare Deacon holds current professional indemnity insurance and public liability insurance appropriate to the services provided. Insurance details are available on request.

12. Inclusion and Respect

Happya Ltd is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for individuals of all backgrounds, identities and neurotypes. All clients are treated with equal dignity and care.

13. Concerns and Complaints

Email: [email protected]

Post: 14 The Glebe, Lavendon, Buckinghamshire, England, MK46 4HY

14. Policy Review

This safeguarding policy is reviewed annually or following any significant incident. Last updated May 2026.