Professional Boundaries & Code of Conduct
1. Purpose of this policy
This policy explains how Calm Pathways works in a safe, professional and respectful way with children, young people, families and organisations. It sets out: the standards of behaviour you can expect from Calm Pathways; how we maintain clear professional boundaries; and what we expect from those who use or work with our service. Our aim is to protect everyone involved, support trust, and keep the focus on the young person’s wellbeing.
2. Who this policy is for
This policy is for: children and young people who use Calm Pathways; parents, carers and families; referring organisations and professionals; and anyone working on behalf of Calm Pathways. It should be read alongside our Safeguarding Policy and our privacy notices.
3. Our role as a coaching service
Calm Pathways is a lifestyle coaching service. We offer gentle, person‑centred coaching to support small, meaningful changes, working alongside other services, not instead of them. We are not a mental health service, crisis service, or a replacement for statutory children’s or adults’ services. We do not provide diagnosis or medical treatment, replace CAMHS, GPs, social care or emergency services, or offer crisis or emergency support.
4. Professional behaviour and conduct
When working with young people, families and organisations, Calm Pathways will: treat everyone with dignity, respect and kindness; listen without judgement and take concerns seriously; use clear, age‑appropriate and accessible language; be honest about what we can and cannot offer; keep appointments wherever possible; and maintain appropriate records of contact and sessions.
5. Boundaries in relationships
To keep relationships safe and professional, we will: keep the focus of sessions on the young person’s goals and wellbeing; avoid dual relationships where possible; not accept inappropriate gifts or favours; not request or share personal social media connections with young people; and maintain appropriate physical, emotional and digital boundaries.
6. Communication and contact
We aim to communicate in a way that is safe, clear and respectful. This means agreeing preferred and safe methods of contact, keeping communication within reasonable hours, and not using personal social media or private messaging apps for session‑related contact. We respond to messages as soon as we reasonably can, but we are not an emergency service.
7. Confidentiality and information sharing
We respect privacy and aim to keep information confidential. However, we may need to share information if there is a risk of serious harm, concerns about abuse or neglect, or as required by law. Where safe, we will explain our worries and say who we may need to share information with while involving the young person or family as much as possible.
8. Sessions, cancellations and endings
To keep work clear and respectful, we will agree the structure of sessions at the start and discuss how many sessions may be helpful. We ask that young people and families let us know as soon as possible if they need to cancel or change a session. We will talk openly about when it may be time to end or pause coaching.
9. Respectful behaviour and safety
We want Calm Pathways to be a safe and respectful space. We ask that no abusive or threatening behaviour is directed towards Calm Pathways or others, and that alcohol or drugs are not used before or during sessions. If behaviour places others at risk, we may need to pause sessions and record or report the behaviour.
10. Concerns, feedback and complaints
We welcome feedback and want to know if something does not feel right. If you have a concern about professional boundaries, you can raise it directly with us. We will take your concern seriously, listen carefully, and respond in a fair and respectful way while explaining any steps we may take as a result.
11. Contact details
For questions about this policy, please contact: Calm Pathways at info@thecalmpathways.co.uk. In an emergency, please contact Emergency services (999 in the UK) or your local authority safeguarding team. Calm Pathways is not an emergency or crisis service.