Placement Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the terms, structure, and expectations for trainee counsellors undertaking placements at The Dawn Lister Therapy Centre (DLTC).

DLTC aims to provide a safe, supportive, and ethically grounded clinical environment in which trainees can develop professional competence while delivering therapy to clients under appropriate supervision.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All counselling trainees accepted onto DLTC’s placement programme.
  • DLTC Supervisors, Directors, and administrative staff involved in placement operations.

It must be read alongside the following DLTC policies:

  • Clinical Responsibility Policy
  • Safeguarding Policy (v3)
  • Complaints Policy and Procedure
  • Indemnity and Complaints Policy
  • Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy
3. Roles and Responsibilities

DLTC Directors

  • Hold ultimate responsibility for the quality and safety of client care within placements.
  • Ensure clear communication, supervision standards, and ethical practices.
  • Review trainee performance reports and liaise with training providers when required.
  • Maintain records, risk assessments, and insurance documentation.

DLTC Supervisors

  • Provide regular clinical supervision in line with BACP standards.
  • Support the trainee’s professional development and monitor fitness to practise.
  • Notify DLTC Directors promptly of any concerns about conduct, competence, or wellbeing.

Trainee Counsellors

  • Work within their level of competence and adhere to the BACP Ethical Framework.
  • Hold current student indemnity insurance and provide proof to DLTC.
  • Engage in regular supervision and reflective practice.
  • Maintain accurate, confidential records following GDPR and DLTC Privacy Notice standards.
  • Report safeguarding concerns immediately to their Supervisor or DLTC Director.
  • Provide at least four weeks’ notice of intended placement completion or withdrawal.
4. Supervision and Support
  • Trainees must receive a minimum of 1.5 hours of supervision per month or as required by their training institution.
  • Supervisors must be approved by DLTC and qualified to Level 6 (minimum).
  • Regular review meetings between DLTC Directors and Supervisors will monitor progress and address any issues early.
  • DLTC encourages peer support, CPD workshops, and reflective group sessions to enhance learning.
5. Client Allocation and Clinical Responsibility
  • All clients are assessed and allocated by DLTC Directors or designated assessors.
  • DLTC retains ultimate clinical responsibility for clients seen by trainees.
  • Trainees will only work with clients who have been assessed as suitable for their experience level.
  • Cases involving significant risk, safeguarding issues, or high complexity will be allocated only to senior therapists or supervisors.
  • Trainees must not see clients outside DLTC premises or engage in private practice using DLTC referrals.
6. Professional Conduct and Confidentiality
  • Adhere to DLTC’s Confidentiality, GDPR, and Safeguarding standards.
  • Maintain clear boundaries with clients at all times.
  • Avoid dual relationships that may impair professional judgement.
  • Attend scheduled sessions punctually and reliably, notifying DLTC of absences as soon as possible.
  • Inform DLTC Directors of any ethical or professional complaints made against them elsewhere.
7. Insurance and Liability
  • DLTC maintains centre-wide professional indemnity insurance.
  • All trainees must hold individual student indemnity cover for their own practice.
  • DLTC is not responsible for acts of negligence outside authorised placement work.
8. Ending a Placement

Placements may end when:

  • The trainee completes required clinical hours;
  • The trainee or DLTC Directors give four weeks’ notice;
  • Either party determines the placement is no longer suitable.

Exit interviews will be held to review learning outcomes and feedback.

9. Record Keeping and Data Protection

Client notes must be stored securely and anonymised where possible. Electronic records must be password protected and retained for seven years post-termination. Data handling must follow GDPR and DLTC Privacy Notice requirements.

10. Review and Version Control

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if organisational or legal changes occur.

v15.10.25 – Updated for consistency with DLTC Safeguarding, Complaints, Clinical Responsibility, and Indemnity Policies; clarified supervision, confidentiality, and exit procedures.

Review Due: October 2026