Safeguarding Statement

Our Safeguarding Principles

Our practice is guided by the six national principles of safeguarding:

• Empowerment: People are supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and provide informed consent.
• Prevention: It is always better to take action before harm occurs.
• Proportionality: We ensure the least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.
• Protection: We provide support and representation for those in greatest need.
• Partnership: We seek local solutions through collaborative work with other services and agencies.
• Accountability: We maintain accountability and transparency in all our safeguarding practices.

Leadership and Staff Training

To ensure these principles are upheld across the clinic:

• Designated Safeguarding Lead: Dr Stefan Ivantu serves as the primary Safeguarding Lead for ADHD Specialist. He is responsible for overseeing our internal procedures, acting as the focal point for any safety concerns, and liaising with local safeguarding teams.
• Safer Recruitment: All staff working at ADHD Specialist undergo stringent pre-employment checks, including appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal record checks.
• Ongoing Training: All staff members are required to attend and complete regular safeguarding training commensurate with their specific roles within the clinic.

Confidentiality vs. Safety

As a psychiatric practice, we uphold strict medical confidentiality. However, our duty of care to protect human life supersedes confidentiality agreements.

• We will always endeavour to be open and honest with individuals about why, what, and with whom information will be shared, seeking agreement unless it is unsafe to do so.
• However, under the Data Protection Act 2018, we have a legal and ethical duty to share personal information without consent if we judge that a patient's safety, or the safety of others, is at severe risk.

How to Raise a Safeguarding Concern

If you have a concern regarding the safety or wellbeing of yourself, a patient, or a vulnerable individual associated with our clinic, please raise it immediately:

To ADHD Specialist Directly:

• You can raise your concern in confidence by contacting our Safeguarding Lead, Dr Stefan Ivantu, via our standard clinic email at enquiries@adhdspecialist.com.

To Local Authorities (Westminster/Harley Street Area):
Because our clinic is located in the City of Westminster, concerns can also be directed to the local authority safeguarding teams:

• For Adults: Contact the Westminster Adult Social Care Team on 020 7641 2176 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or 020 7641 6000 (Out of hours/Weekends).
• For Children: Contact Westminster Children's Services on 020 7641 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or 020 7641 6000 (Out of hours/Weekends).

For immediate, life-threatening emergencies, please always dial 999.
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