Checks to make before using services

• Are they accredited or registered with any professional body? (such as the CQC - Care Quality Commission, Ofsted etc)
• Find out if the charity is registered with the charity commission.
• Do they need to be registered with the health and care professions council (HCPC)?
• Is the service going to be disposing of your waste? Check it is registered to do this by searching the waste carriers register on the Environmental Agency website
• Are they an accredited member of BACP (British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy) and abide by the BACP ethical framework for good practice in counselling and psychotherapy.

• Do they have any published service standards?
• Do they have a safeguarding policy and procedures for protecting children and vulnerable adults?
• Is there an easily accessible complaints procedure?
• Are there clear procedures for handling urgent situations?

• What checks are done on staff and volunteers? (References taken up, Disclosure Barring Service check (formally Criminal Record Bureau Checks)
• Do staff and volunteers have related qualifications? Are the certificates available for you to see?

• What provision is made for first aid?
• Does the organisation have public liability insurance?

• If you have to pay for something, what does the cost cover?
• If the service requires the a contract, ensure it includes mutual expectations and is fully understood, before signing. If you are unsure, contact the Citizen's Advice Service.
• Read the Citizen's Advice Service 'before you get building work done' information web page on steps to take before employing a tradeperson.

• Are the premises accessible?
• Contact the organisation/group to check dates and times of sessions have not changed since they updated their directory listing.

• Are there regular reviews or inspections of the service?
• Are satisfaction surveys or testimonials available?
• Can you speak with someone who has already used the service?

• How is your personal information stored and used?
• Do they comply with data protection laws (e.g., GDPR)?
• Is there a privacy policy available for review?

If you are concerned about an adult working with children or vulnerable adults contact:

• For children: Report a concern about a child or young person - West Berkshire Council
• For adults: Report suspected abuse against an adult - West Berkshire Council
• Call 999 if you think a crime has been committed or someone is in immediate danger.