Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy

Helen Ward Therapy
Trading name of ResolvedRM Ltd

Version: 1.0

Effective Date: 30/05/26
Review Date: 30/05/27

1. Purpose

Helen Ward Therapy is committed to promoting equality, valuing diversity and fostering an inclusive therapeutic environment where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, fairness and compassion.

The practice recognises that every individual has unique experiences, identities, beliefs, values and circumstances which may influence their wellbeing and therapeutic needs. Helen Ward Therapy aims to provide services that are welcoming, respectful and free from unlawful discrimination.

This policy sets out the principles that guide inclusive and equitable practice.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

prospective clients;
current clients;
former clients where appropriate;
all aspects of the therapeutic relationship;
communications and service delivery;
practice policies and procedures.

3. Legal and Professional Framework

This policy has been developed with reference to:

Equality Act 2010;
Human Rights Act 1998;
Data Protection Act 2018;
UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR);
BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.

4. Commitment to Equality

Helen Ward Therapy seeks to ensure that no person is treated less favourably because of a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.

Protected characteristics include:

age;
disability;
gender reassignment;
marriage and civil partnership;
pregnancy and maternity;
race;
religion or belief;
sex;
sexual orientation.

The practice also recognises that people may experience disadvantage for reasons beyond protected characteristics, including social, economic, cultural or personal circumstances, and seeks to respond respectfully and without prejudice.

5. Commitment to Diversity

Helen Ward Therapy values the diversity of human experience.

Clients are welcomed regardless of their:

background;
culture;
nationality;
ethnicity;
language;
beliefs;
relationship status;
family structure;
socioeconomic circumstances;
lived experience;
neurodiversity;
personal identity.

Diversity is recognised as enriching the therapeutic relationship and contributing to a broader understanding of human experience.

6. Commitment to Inclusion

Helen Ward Therapy aims to create an environment in which clients feel:

welcomed;
respected;
heard;
valued;
psychologically safe;
able to participate in therapy without fear of discrimination or judgement.

Reasonable adjustments will be considered wherever practicable to improve access to therapy for clients with disabilities or additional needs, provided these adjustments are compatible with safe, ethical and effective practice.

7. Respectful Therapeutic Practice

Therapeutic work is undertaken with respect for each client's autonomy, dignity and individual experience.

Helen Ward Therapy is committed to:

listening without judgement;
recognising the influence of culture, identity and life experience;
avoiding assumptions;
working collaboratively;
reflecting upon personal biases;
maintaining professional curiosity and humility;
engaging in continuing professional development to enhance culturally responsive practice.

8. Professional Competence

Helen Ward Therapy recognises that ethical practice includes working within the limits of professional competence.

Where it is believed that another therapist or service would be better placed to meet a client's needs, this will be discussed openly and respectfully.

Any decision to decline or end therapy on this basis is made solely in the interests of providing the client with the most appropriate support and is never based upon prejudice or discrimination.

Such decisions are made carefully after considering all relevant factors, professional responsibilities and conscience.

9. Accessibility

Helen Ward Therapy aims to reduce unnecessary barriers to accessing therapy wherever reasonably practicable.

Examples may include:

discussing reasonable adjustments;
providing information in accessible formats where feasible;
offering online therapy where appropriate;
considering communication needs;
adapting therapeutic approaches within the limits of competence.

Not all adjustments will be possible, particularly where they would compromise safe, ethical or effective therapeutic practice.

10. Language and Communication

Communication will be conducted respectfully and professionally.

Clients are encouraged to discuss any communication preferences or accessibility needs at the earliest opportunity so that reasonable adjustments may be considered where practicable.

11. Concerns or Complaints

Clients who believe they have experienced discrimination, harassment or unfair treatment are encouraged to raise their concerns.

Concerns will be taken seriously, considered fairly and managed in accordance with the Practice Complaints Policy.

Raising a concern will not affect a client's right to receive fair and respectful treatment.

12. Continuous Improvement

Helen Ward Therapy is committed to continually developing knowledge and understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion through:

continuing professional development;
reflective practice;
clinical supervision;
reviewing policies and procedures;
remaining informed of relevant legislation and professional guidance.

13. Responsibilities

Helen Ward is responsible for:

promoting equality, diversity and inclusion within the practice;
maintaining professional competence;
recognising and addressing potential bias;
considering reasonable adjustments where appropriate;
ensuring policies remain compliant with legal and professional standards.

Clients are encouraged to:

treat the therapist with the same respect and courtesy they can expect to receive;
communicate any accessibility requirements;
contribute to maintaining a respectful therapeutic environment.

14. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner where there are changes to legislation, professional guidance or practice procedures.