As a counsellor, accountability to clients is central to building a safe, ethical, and professional therapeutic relationship. A client places significant trust in me, and accountability ensures that I remain answerable for the quality of care I provide. This can be broken down into several key areas:

Adherence to NCPS Standards

• I follow the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) Code of Ethical Practice, which requires placing the client’s wellbeing at the centre of all work.

• I maintain appropriate boundaries, work within my level of competence, and engage in ongoing professional development and reflective practice.

• Clients have the right to raise complaints with the NCPS if they feel standards are not being met, ensuring that I remain accountable for my conduct.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

• I hold valid professional indemnity insurance, which protects both myself and my clients.

• This insurance provides reassurance that, in the unlikely event of a claim, there is a formal route for redress.

• Maintaining insurance demonstrates responsibility for potential risks and transparency with clients.

Data Protection and ICO Compliance

• I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in line with GDPR requirements.

• This registration ensures I collect, store, and use client data lawfully, fairly, and transparently.

• I safeguard sensitive information by maintaining confidentiality, securing records, and informing clients of their data rights.

• ICO registration demonstrates my commitment to privacy and to respecting client confidentiality.

Engagement in Supervision

• I attend regular supervision to reflect on my practice and ensure that I am working in the best interests of my clients.

• Supervision provides a confidential, supportive space to explore ethical dilemmas, manage the emotional demands of the work, and continually develop competence.

• By being accountable to a supervisor, I reduce the risk of blind spots and poor practice, ensuring clients benefit from safe and ethical care.

In summary:

• Accountability is demonstrated through ethical adherence (NCPS),

• Safeguarding clients through insurance,

• Respecting privacy via ICO and GDPR compliance, and

• Ongoing professional development through supervision.

Together, these frameworks ensure that I practise safely, ethically, and transparently, always placing the client’s welfare at the centre of my work.