Annie Ford, BACP Accredited Counsellor

Next review: October 2027

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Purpose

I am committed to providing a counselling service in which every person is treated with dignity, respect and fairness. I value difference and aim to create a welcoming, accessible and affirming therapeutic space. I recognise that people’s identities, relationships, cultures, beliefs and lived experiences can shape both wellbeing and access to support.

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My commitment

• offer services fairly and without unlawful discrimination, harassment or victimisation;

• respect each client’s identity, language, values, beliefs, relationships and chosen forms of address;

• listen to clients’ experiences of prejudice, exclusion, privilege and oppression without minimising them;

• consider barriers to accessing counselling and make reasonable adjustments where practicable;

• reflect on my own assumptions, power and potential bias through supervision, continuing professional development and personal reflection;

• work within the limits of my competence and seek appropriate consultation or refer sensitively when a client’s needs fall outside it; and

• respond to concerns openly, respectfully and without disadvantaging anyone for raising them.
   

Legal and professional framework

My practice is guided by the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions and relevant UK equality law. The Equality Act 2010 protects people in relation to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. I also aim to be inclusive of differences and circumstances not limited to those legally protected, including neurodivergence, socioeconomic background, caring responsibilities, language, education, body size, immigration or refugee experience, and family or relationship structure.

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Access and reasonable adjustments

If you face a barrier to using my service, please tell me what would help. I will discuss your needs with you and consider reasonable adjustments, which may include changes to communication, written information, appointment arrangements or the way sessions are offered, subject to clinical suitability, confidentiality, safety and what is reasonably practicable. You do not need to disclose more personal or medical information than is necessary for us to consider an adjustment.

 

Please contact me before booking if you would like to discuss access needs. If I cannot provide a suitable adjustment or service, I will explain this honestly and, where possible, help you consider appropriate alternatives.

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Inclusive therapeutic practice

We will agree how you wish to be addressed and what is important for me to understand about your context. You are welcome to correct me or raise anything that feels excluding or unhelpful. I will take such feedback seriously and use supervision appropriately while protecting your confidentiality. I will not assume that one characteristic defines you, and I will remain attentive to the way different aspects of identity and experience may intersect.

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Professional boundaries and suitability

Inclusion does not mean that every service will be suitable for every person. Decisions about whether I can offer or continue counselling will be based on factors such as your therapeutic needs, my competence, availability, the service format, safety and professional boundaries—not on prejudice or unlawful discrimination. Where appropriate, I will explain a decision and signpost or refer with care.

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Confidentiality and personal information

Information about identity, health, disability, beliefs, relationships or other personal circumstances will be handled sensitively and in accordance with my privacy notice, confidentiality agreement and applicable data protection law. I will only collect information that is relevant to providing a safe and effective service.

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Concerns and complaints

If you feel that I have not followed this policy, or that you have experienced discrimination or exclusion in connection with my service, I encourage you to contact me at infoannieford@icloud.com or 07584 336873. I will listen, explain the next steps and respond within 5 working days. You may also use my complaints procedure. Information about raising concerns with BACP is available through the BACP website.

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Review of this policy

I will review this policy at least annually and sooner if my practice, professional guidance or the law changes. I welcome constructive feedback about accessibility and inclusion.

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This policy should be read alongside my accessibility information, privacy notice, counselling agreement and complaints procedure. It is a statement of practice and is not legal advice.