DREAM TOGETHER Privacy and Safeguarding Policy
1. Privacy Policy
Your privacy is very important. DREAM Together is committed to communicating with you in a way that has your explicit consent and complies with United Kingdom data protection law and guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office.
1.1 Consent
Consent will be obtained through a signed consent form before any work begins. Consent remains valid until the therapeutic relationship ends. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting ciara@dream-together.co.uk.
What you or your child shares in therapy is confidential. However, if there are safeguarding concerns or legal obligations, information may be shared with a clinical supervisor, referring professional, or the relevant authority.
Records, including written reports, electronic files, photographs, film, audio, artwork, and emails, are stored securely and confidentially. Any photographs or recordings used for marketing or educational purposes will not identify individuals and require signed consent. Reports may be shared with you or the relevant professionals through secure, password-protected email or post.
1.2 Data Collection
DREAM Together collects personal information directly from you, including your name, title, contact details such as email and telephone number, payment information where relevant, and information shared during therapy sessions. This information is stored securely and handled in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and associated UK guidance. You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your personal data.
1.3 Professional Standards
All therapists and social workers at DREAM Together are registered professionals with the Health and Care Professions Council and Social Work England. They hold valid enhanced DBS checks. All therapeutic work is covered by clinical supervision, and client details are discussed anonymously.
2. Safeguarding Policy
2.1 Purpose
DREAM Together supports children, adults, families, communities, and organisations in repairing, transforming, and developing relationships through dramatherapy, a creative, evidence-based psychotherapy. We work with individuals and groups who may have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or care-related challenges.
The purpose of this policy is to protect children, young people, and adults at risk from harm. It provides guidance for all staff, volunteers, associates, and students on safeguarding responsibilities. This policy applies to everyone working on behalf of DREAM Together.
2.2 Legal Framework
This policy is based on United Kingdom safeguarding legislation and guidance for both children and adults. Relevant legislation includes the Children Act 1989 and 2004; Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018 and updates; the Care Act 2014; the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006; the Mental Capacity Act 2005; and the Children and Social Work Act 2017. These laws establish duties of care, promote safeguarding, and ensure accountability for protecting both children and adults at risk.
2.3 Principles
The welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk is paramount. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All individuals should be treated with respect, dignity, and equality, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Some individuals may require additional safeguards due to vulnerability, dependency, or past experiences.
2.4 Safeguarding Measures
DREAM Together values, listens to, and respects all children, young people, and adults. All staff, associates, volunteers, and students are recruited safely with relevant checks. Information is recorded, stored, and used professionally and securely in line with GDPR and professional guidance. Clients and families are informed about where to go for help if they have concerns. Concerns and relevant information are shared appropriately with other agencies, including local safeguarding boards or adult safeguarding teams. DREAM Together promotes a culture of safeguarding in which all individuals can raise concerns safely.
3. Therapeutic Engagement and Consent
Consent for therapy is obtained prior to the start of sessions and may be withdrawn at any time. Sessions are confidential unless there are safeguarding concerns. Records are stored securely and include written reports, electronic files, photographs, film, audio, and artwork. Mock-up photographs or recordings for marketing or educational purposes require signed consent and will never identify individuals. Reports sent to referring professionals are shared securely. Sessions typically last one hour, and clients are asked to provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations, where possible. Therapists provide professional credentials, including CV, DBS certificate, indemnity insurance, and HCPC registration, to referring professionals.
4. Lead Safeguarding Officer
The lead safeguarding officer for DREAM Together is Ciara McClelland. Ciara is a Dramatherapist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council, registration number AS14594, and a Social Worker registered with Social Work England, registration number SW107820. Ciara holds an enhanced DBS certificate number 001812252025.
Ciara can be contacted by email at ciara@dream-together.co.uk or by telephone on 07972 104106.
5. Local Safeguarding Contacts
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
For children and young people:
If you are concerned about a child or young person, contact the local authority children’s social care service.
Cambridgeshire Children’s Social Care can be contacted on 0345 045 5203.
Peterborough Children’s Social Care can be contacted on 01733 864170.
Out of hours, contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01733 234724.
For adults at risk:
Cambridgeshire Adult Social Care can be contacted on 0345 045 5202.
Peterborough Adult Social Care can be contacted on 01733 747474.
Out of hours, contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01733 234724.
If a child or adult at risk is in immediate danger, phone 999.
Devon
For children and young people:
The Devon Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub can be contacted on 0345 155 1071.
For adults at risk:
Devon Adult Social Care can be contacted on 0345 155 1007.
Outside office hours or on bank holidays, contact the Emergency Duty Service on 0345 6000 388.
If a child or adult at risk is in immediate danger, phone 999.
6. Review
This policy and related safeguarding practices are reviewed annually to ensure they remain up to date with legislation, best practice, and professional guidance.
Reviewed on 7th January 2026 by Ciara McClelland, Dramatherapist and Social Worker.