Code of Conduct for Counsellors – Pride Space CIC 

1. Purpose 

This Code of Conduct sets out the professional and ethical standards expected of all counsellors (paid or voluntary) working with Pride Space CIC. Its aim is to safeguard clients, protect counsellors, and uphold the values of Pride Space as an inclusive and safe community service. 

2. Core Values 

  • Respect & Inclusion – Counsellors must provide a safe, non-judgemental, and affirming service to all clients, with particular sensitivity to LGBTQ+ identities and experiences. 
  • Integrity & Professionalism – Counsellors must act honestly, ethically, and in line with professional standards. 
  • Confidentiality & Safety – Counsellors must protect client information and prioritise wellbeing, within safeguarding requirements. 

3. Professional Behaviour 

  • Treat all clients, staff, and volunteers with dignity and respect. 
  • Maintain clear professional boundaries; counsellors must not exploit the therapeutic relationship in any way. 
  • Avoid dual relationships that could impair objectivity or create conflicts of interest (e.g., counselling close friends, family, or colleagues). 
  • Do not engage in any form of discrimination, harassment, or behaviour that could harm Pride Space’s reputation. 

4. Confidentiality 

  • All information shared by clients must be treated as confidential, except where there is a safeguarding concern or legal requirement to disclose. 
  • Counsellors must explain the limits of confidentiality to clients at the outset of therapy. 
  • Personal client information must be recorded and stored securely, in line with Pride Space’s Data Protection Policy. 

5. Safeguarding & Risk 

  • Counsellors must be familiar with and follow Pride Space’s Safeguarding Policy. 
  • Any safeguarding concerns must be reported immediately to the designated safeguarding lead. 
  • Counsellors must take appropriate action if a client is at risk of harm to themselves or others. 

6. Competence & Supervision 

  • Counsellors must only work within the limits of their training, qualifications, and professional competence. 
  • Ongoing professional development (CPD) is expected to maintain skills and knowledge. 
  • Counsellors must engage in regular clinical supervision with an appropriately qualified supervisor and provide evidence of this where required. 

7. Professional Boundaries 

  • Counsellors must not accept gifts or personal favours from clients. 
  • Counsellors must not enter into personal, social, sexual, or financial relationships with current clients, or former clients within at least two years of ending therapy. 
  • Communication with clients must take place only through agreed Pride Space channels. Personal phone numbers, addresses, and social media connections must not be shared. 

8. Health & Safety / Lone Working 

  • Counsellors must follow Pride Space’s Lone Working Policy and Health & Safety Policy. 
  • Any incidents, risks, or near misses must be reported promptly. 

9. Conflict of Interest 

  • Counsellors must declare any potential conflict of interest, including personal connections with clients, Pride Space staff, or management. 
  • Counsellors must avoid situations where personal or financial interests could interfere with professional judgement. 

10. Breaches of the Code 

  • Breaches of this Code of Conduct will be taken seriously and may result in investigation, suspension, or termination of counselling work with Pride Space CIC. 
  • Where relevant, breaches may also be reported to external professional bodies. 

11. Agreement 

All counsellors are required to: 

  • Read and understand this Code of Conduct. 
  • Commit to upholding its principles and standards. 
  • Confirm they have read the related policies: Safeguarding, Lone Working, Confidentiality, Health & Safety.