Clinical Responsibility Policy

1.     Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to define how The Dawn Lister Therapy Centre (DLTC) and Counselling Diploma Trainees manage clinical responsibility within DLTC placements.

This policy applies to all activities related to the provision of a Counselling Diploma placement — including trainee selection, induction, supervision, triage, client assessment, counselling delivery, record keeping, and monitoring of trainee performance.

It does not apply to any other business relationships that DLTC holds, such as when fully qualified, self-employed therapists use DLTC premises to conduct independent practice, or to any clinical work of DLTC Directors outside the trainee placement programme.

2.     Definition

Clinical Responsibility means any duty requiring professional clinical judgement in relation to client care — the state of being accountable for one’s professional performance under the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.

Within trainee placements, this involves demonstrating ethical, competent, and trustworthy care under devolved authority from DLTC.

3.     DLTC Responsibilities
  • Assume ultimate clinical responsibility for all clients allocated to trainees.
  • Undertake robust triage and assessment of potential clients, including risk assessment, before allocation to a trainee.
  • Match each trainee with a DLTC-aligned Supervisor holding appropriate qualifications and experience.
  • Jointly with the Supervisor, support the trainee’s development and review their performance regularly.
  • Provide line management, supervision, and periodic reviews to ensure competence and safety.
  • Make this policy transparent to trainees from induction onward, supporting their understanding and implementation.
  • Maintain a current and valid professional indemnity insurance.
  • Refer any unresolved disputes or client concerns to the DLTC Complaints Policy.
Responsibilities of the Trainee Counsellor
  • Adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions.
  • Use theory and practice learned through their training provider to inform clinical work.
  • Remain accountable for their counselling practice and work strictly within their level of competence.
  • Report any safeguarding or risk concerns immediately to their Supervisor or DLTC Director, in line with the Safeguarding Policy.
  • Hold valid professional indemnity insurance and provide proof to DLTC.
Responsibilities of the Placement Supervisor (Aligned with DLTC)
  • Support the trainee in applying theoretical concepts to practice.
  • Assist in developing appropriate contracts and record-keeping procedures, ensuring confidentiality and ethical standards.
  • Monitor fitness to practise and guide ethical decision-making.
  • Provide open, constructive feedback in supervision and annual reports.
  • Recognise that ultimate clinical responsibility rests with DLTC while maintaining day-to-day case management oversight.
  • Use case material as a teaching and reflective resource to enhance trainee learning.
4.     Version Control

V7.11.25 – updated for alignment with DLTC Complaints, Placement, and Safeguarding Policies.

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legislation, insurance requirements, or DLTC procedures change.

Review Due: November 2026