In a recent survey of BACP members, 79% of respondents said that they work alone, either from home or another location.
The survey also found that 15% of respondents had experienced violence and or aggression while practising. This is significantly higher than the 1.3% of adults estimated to be the victims of violent incidents at work according to a 2016 and 2017 Crime Survey for England and Wales.
Our new Quick guide to lone working is designed to help members consider their own safety and the implications of lone working. Divided into three parts, it looks at location considerations, client considerations and acting on a concern.
Jo Langston, our Ethics Services Manager, said: “We recognised from the calls we received through our ethics hub that our members were at risk of abusive behaviours from clients.
"The new guide offers both practical suggestions and poses questions members should ask themselves when thinking about their safety."
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Support for lone workers in keeping themselves safe
We carried out a member survey with the Suzie Lamplugh Trust on violence and aggression in the workplace
Lone working survey
Results of a member survey on violence and aggression in the workplace.
Ethics hub
Need help with an ethical dilemma? Find information and support or book a consultation with our ethics officers.