Accessible reporting
Clear guidance for people raising concerns, respondents and witnesses, with confidentiality explained accurately.
Ethics & safeguarding
Ethics and
safeguarding
Professional boundaries, fair conduct processes and an effective response to harm are essential to the proposed CMPS framework.
If someone is in immediate danger
Call 999 in the UK. If a crime may have occurred, contact the police. For concerns about a child or vulnerable adult, contact the relevant local authority safeguarding service. Do not wait for CMPS: its complaints service is not operating.
Proposed code of conduct
Scope of the proposed code
The proposed code would address professional boundaries, power imbalances, coercion, bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, financial exploitation and conflicts of interest.
It would also cover confidentiality, informed consent, pastoral advice, work with children and vulnerable adults, digital communication, social media, appropriate referrals and whistleblowing.
These topics are a starting point for consultation, not a code currently in force.
Future procedures
Proposed procedures for concerns
Independent decisions
Appropriate separation between triage, investigation, hearings and appeals, with conflict safeguards.
External referrals
Proper escalation to police and statutory safeguarding bodies when a concern falls within their remit.
CMPS cannot replace criminal investigation or statutory safeguarding services. It is not currently accepting or investigating complaints.