One Step Counselling and Therapies C.I.C  
Lone Working Policy

Last Updated: October 1, 2025 
 

This policy establishes safety protocols and procedures for all employees, volunteers, and contractors of One Step Counselling and Therapies C.I.C who may work alone during the course of their duties. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Individual counselling sessions

• Community hub activities with minimal supervision

• Outdoor ecotherapy and nature connection sessions

• Administrative duties outside normal hours

• Home visits or community outreach activities

• Evening or weekend program delivery

 

Lone working occurs when an individual works without close or direct supervision, including situations where:

• Only one staff member or volunteer is present on the premises

• Working in isolated locations or outdoor environments

• Conducting one-to-one therapeutic sessions

• Working outside normal business hours

• Travelling to provide services off-site

 

3.1 Individual Risk Assessments

All lone working activities must be subject to individual risk assessment considering:

• Nature of the work being undertaken

• Location and environmental factors

• Time of day/week the work is performed

• Individuals involved (staff qualifications, client risk factors)

• Communication and emergency response capabilities
   

3.2 Client Risk Assessment

Prior to lone working with clients, staff must:

• Review client records for any indicators of risk

• Consider the client's mental health status and history

• Assess potential for challenging behaviour or crisis situations

• Document any specific precautions required

 

4.1 Communication Protocols

All lone workers must:

• Inform their supervisor or designated colleague of their whereabouts and expected duration of work

• Establish check-in times and procedures

• Carry a fully charged mobile phone or communication device

• Have access to emergency contact numbers

• Report completion of work to designated person
   

4.2 Building and Facility Security

When working alone in the community hub or office premises:

• Ensure all entry points are secure but emergency exits remain accessible

• Keep external doors locked during lone working periods

• Position workstation with clear view of entry points where possible

• Maintain adequate lighting in all work areas

• Ensure alarm systems are operational
   

4.3 Outdoor and Community Activities

For ecotherapy, nature connection, and outdoor sessions:

• Conduct site-specific risk assessments

• Inform designated person of exact location and route

• Carry first aid kit and emergency supplies

• Check weather conditions and dress appropriately

• Establish emergency evacuation procedures

 

5.1 Personal Emergency

In case of personal injury or medical emergency:

• Call 999 if immediate medical attention required

• Contact designated emergency contact

• Follow location-specific emergency procedures

• Document incident as per Incident Reporting Policy
   

5.2 Client Emergency or Crisis

If a client experiences crisis or becomes challenging:

• Prioritise personal safety

• Call 999 if immediate danger exists

• Contact emergency services or crisis team as appropriate

• Follow Safeguarding Policy procedures

• Notify supervisor immediately

• Complete incident report
   

5.3 Failure to Check In

If a lone worker fails to check in as scheduled:

• Attempt contact via phone/text

• If no response within 30 minutes, attend location or send appropriate person

• Contact emergency services if welfare concerns exist

• Notify senior management

 

6.1 Individual Counselling Sessions

• Schedule appointments during hours when other staff are present where possible

• Inform reception/colleagues of session times and expected duration

• Keep counselling room door unlocked during sessions

• Position seating to allow clear exit route

• Have panic alarm or communication device readily accessible
   

6.2 Community Hub Activities

• Maintain visitor log for all attendees

• Keep emergency contact details accessible

• Ensure adequate lighting and heating

• Have first aid kit available and accessible

• Display emergency contact information prominently
   

6.3 Home Visits and Outreach

Home visits should be avoided where possible. If essential:

• Obtain full risk assessment of client and location

• Inform supervisor of exact address and expected duration

• Arrange regular check-ins during visit

• Carry identification and emergency contact information

• Have pre-planned exit strategy

 

7.1 Mandatory Training

All lone workers must complete:

• Lone working safety awareness training

• Basic first aid training (minimum)

• Crisis de-escalation techniques

• Emergency procedure familiarisation

• Location-specific safety briefing
   

7.2 Ongoing Development

• Annual refresher training

• Regular supervision including lone working safety discussion

• Incident learning and procedure updates

• Mental health first aid training (recommended)

 

8.1 Regular Monitoring

• Monthly lone working incident review

• Quarterly risk assessment updates

• Annual policy review

• Staff feedback on safety concerns
   

8.2 Incident Recording

All lone working incidents, near misses, or safety concerns must be:

• Recorded using the Incident Reporting Form

• Investigated promptly and thoroughly

• Used to update risk assessments and procedures

• Shared for organisational learning (anonymised)

 

9.1 Management Responsibilities

• Ensure adequate risk assessments are conducted

• Provide necessary training and resources

• Monitor compliance with lone working procedures

• Investigate incidents and implement improvements

• Regular review of lone working arrangements
   

9.2 Staff and Volunteer Responsibilities

• Follow all lone working procedures

• Participate in required training

• Report safety concerns or incidents promptly

• Maintain communication protocols

• Use personal protective equipment as required
   

9.3 Right to Refuse

All staff and volunteers have the right to refuse lone working assignments if they reasonably believe the situation presents significant risk to their safety or wellbeing.

 

Recognising the additional stress that lone working can create, One Step Counselling and Therapies C.I.C commits to:

• Providing regular supervision and support

• Offering counselling services to staff experiencing work-related stress

• Maintaining open communication about safety concerns

• Ensuring workload management considers lone working pressures

• Providing appropriate equipment and resources

 

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

• Additional training requirements

• Restriction of lone working privileges

• Disciplinary action in accordance with company procedures

• Review of employment or volunteer arrangements

Non-compliance that results in serious incident or injury will be subject to full investigation and may result in termination of employment or volunteer agreement.

 

Emergency Services: 999   Managing Director: Emma-Jane Lovell – 07861210632 Designated Safety Officer: Emma-Jane Lovell   Out of Hours Emergency Contact: Emma-Jane Lovell

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• Health and Safety Policy

• Safeguarding Policy

• Incident Reporting Procedures

• Confidentiality and Privacy Policy
   

Document Control:   Version 1.0 - October 2025  
Next Review: October 2026  
Policy Owner: Emma-Jane Lovell, Managing Director