Safeguarding & Confidentiality Statement

Safeguarding & Confidentiality Statement

Arrow Psychiatry Ltd

Last updated: 03 March 2026
Arrow Psychiatry Ltd is committed to safeguarding the welfare, safety, and dignity of all patients. We recognise our responsibility to protect children, young people, and adults at risk from abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
We also uphold strict standards of confidentiality in accordance with UK law and professional guidance.

Our Safeguarding Commitment

We are committed to:
  • Providing care in a safe environment
  • Identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns
  • Acting in the best interests of vulnerable individuals
  • Working collaboratively with appropriate authorities
  • Promoting a culture of openness and accountability
Our safeguarding practices are guided by:
  • The Care Act 2014
  • The Children Act 1989 and 2004
  • Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government)
  • CQC Regulation 13 – Safeguarding Service Users from Abuse and Improper Treatment
  • GMC Good Medical Practice

Who Is Covered?

Safeguarding responsibilities apply to:
  • Children and young people
  • Adults at risk of abuse or neglect
  • Individuals with mental health conditions affecting capacity
  • Individuals experiencing domestic abuse, coercion, or exploitation
All staff are expected to remain vigilant to signs of abuse or neglect.

Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Safeguarding concerns may include:
  • Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
  • Neglect or self-neglect
  • Financial exploitation
  • Domestic abuse
  • Psychological coercion
  • Exploitation or trafficking
  • Risks related to mental health crises
Concerns may arise during consultations, assessments, or through third-party information.

How We Respond

If a safeguarding concern is identified:
  • The concern will be assessed promptly.
  • The designated Safeguarding Lead will be informed.
  • Appropriate action will be taken in line with local safeguarding procedures.
  • Referrals may be made to relevant authorities, including local safeguarding teams or social services.
Where possible, concerns will be discussed with the patient unless doing so would increase risk.
In situations where there is immediate risk of serious harm, emergency services may be contacted.

Safeguarding Lead

Arrow Psychiatry has a designated Safeguarding Lead responsible for:
  • Overseeing safeguarding procedures
  • Supporting staff
  • Liaising with external safeguarding agencies
  • Ensuring compliance with CQC standards
Safeguarding enquiries may be directed to:
[Insert Safeguarding Contact Email or Role]

Confidentiality

We respect patient confidentiality and handle personal information in accordance with:
  • UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
  • Data Protection Act 2018
  • Common law duty of confidentiality
  • GMC confidentiality guidance
All patient information is:
  • Stored securely
  • Accessed only by authorised personnel
  • Used solely for legitimate clinical and administrative purposes

Limits of Confidentiality

Confidentiality is fundamental to clinical care. However, there are circumstances where information may be shared without consent, including:
  • Where there is risk of serious harm to the patient or others
  • Safeguarding concerns involving children or vulnerable adults
  • Where required by law or court order
  • Where disclosure is necessary for public protection
Where appropriate, we will inform patients before sharing information unless doing so would increase risk.

Information Sharing

When sharing information:
  • Only relevant information will be disclosed
  • Disclosure will be proportionate and lawful
  • Records of decisions and actions will be maintained
Information may be shared with:
  • GPs
  • Social services
  • Safeguarding authorities
  • Regulatory bodies
  • Law enforcement (where legally required)

Capacity and Best Interests

Where a patient may lack capacity to make a decision, we act in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Decisions will be made in the patient’s best interests and documented appropriately.

Staff Training

All clinical staff:
  • Receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding legislation
  • Understand how to escalate concerns appropriately
Safeguarding procedures are reviewed regularly as part of clinical governance.

Commitment to a Safe Environment

Arrow Psychiatry maintains:
  • Clear professional boundaries
  • Zero tolerance for abuse or discrimination
  • Secure record-keeping systems
  • Appropriate recruitment and vetting procedures
We are committed to continuous improvement in safeguarding and confidentiality practices.