Our Commitment
Safeguarding & Ethics
Transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of care. Our policies exist to protect you and to hold us to the standards we set.
Why This Page Exists
Choosing a therapeutic retreat – especially one abroad – requires trust. We believe that trust must be earned through transparency, not marketing. This page sets out our safeguarding policies, ethical commitments, and complaints procedures in plain language.
We encourage you to read this carefully. If you have any questions about our policies or practices, we welcome the conversation.
Our Ethical Commitments
Professional Standards
All clinical staff hold recognised qualifications and are registered with relevant professional bodies (such as BACP, UKCP, or the EMDR Association). We maintain ongoing clinical supervision and professional development as a condition of practice.
Guest Safeguarding
We maintain clear safeguarding policies for all guests. This includes risk assessment at admission, ongoing welfare monitoring, and established protocols for managing any safeguarding concerns that arise during a stay.
Confidentiality
All therapeutic work is conducted under strict confidentiality, consistent with the ethical frameworks of our clinicians’ professional bodies. Information is only shared with your explicit consent, or where required by law to protect safety.
Informed Consent
Before any therapeutic work begins, we explain what is involved, what to expect, and your right to pause or stop at any time. Consent is ongoing – you can withdraw it at any stage without consequence.
Policies & Procedures
Complaints Procedure
If you are unhappy with any aspect of your care, we want to know. Complaints can be made verbally or in writing to our clinical lead. We commit to acknowledging all complaints within 48 hours and providing a full response within 14 days.
Scope of Practice
We are clear about what we do and do not provide. Silkworth is a therapeutic retreat – not a hospital, not a detox facility, and not a psychiatric unit. We do not make medical diagnoses or prescribe medication.
Code of Conduct
All staff adhere to a written code of conduct covering professional boundaries, dual relationships, gift policies, and appropriate use of authority. This code is available to any guest or family member on request.
Emergency Protocols
We maintain relationships with local medical facilities and have clear protocols for medical emergencies, mental health crises, and natural disasters. All staff are trained in basic first aid and mental health first aid.
Accountability & Transparency
We believe that the best measure of a care provider is not what they promise in their marketing, but how they respond when things go wrong. Our policies are not just documents – they are practised, reviewed, and updated regularly.
If you would like to see any of our policies in full, or if you have questions about our clinical governance, please contact us. We are happy to provide this information to prospective guests and their families.
Ready to begin your journey?
Get in touch to discuss your needs and learn more about how we can support you.
You can also read about our team structure, see how trauma work is held here, or begin a confidential conversation through admissions.