Date of Issue: 1st January 2026
Next Review Date: 1st January 2027
Approved by: Directors of artspace
1. Policy Statement
artspace is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct in all areas of our work.
Our facilitators and associates bring years of clinical and creative expertise as HCPC-registered art psychotherapists, applying this knowledge to create reflective, psychologically safe and inclusive environments for individuals and teams.
While artspace creative workshops are art therapy informed rather than therapeutic sessions, we hold the same professional values of integrity, respect, safety and ethical responsibility that underpin our clinical art psychotherapy practices.
This policy sets out the standards of behaviour, professionalism and accountability expected of everyone
representing artspace.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Define clear expectations for conduct and professional behaviour
- Promote consistency, integrity and ethical decision-making in all artspace activities
- Safeguard clients, participants and the reputation of artspace
- Ensure our work reflects our values of respect, care and professionalism
3. Scope
This policy applies to:
- All artspace employees, directors, associates and contractors
- All activities undertaken on behalf of artspace, including in-person and online workshops, meetings, events and all communications
- All interactions with clients, participants, partners, suppliers and the public
4. Core Values
artspace’s work is grounded in the following core values:
- Integrity: acting with honesty, fairness and transparency in all professional relationships
- Respect: valuing the dignity, rights and perspectives of every individual
- Safety: maintaining physical and psychological safety in all settings
- Inclusion: ensuring equal opportunity and access for all
- Care: bringing compassion, attentiveness and professional sensitivity to our work
- Accountability: taking responsibility for our actions and their impact
5. Professional Conduct Standards
All artspace staff and associates are expected to adhere to the following standards:
5.1 Professionalism and Representation
- Conduct themselves with professionalism and courtesy at all times
- Represent artspace and its values positively in all interactions, communications and online activity
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients and participants
- Use artspace materials, branding and resources responsibly and with permission
5.2 Confidentiality
- Respect the confidentiality of all client and participant information
- Share information only as necessary for operational purposes and always in line with artspace’s
Policies - Avoid discussing identifiable participant material outside the creative workshop context
5.3 Integrity and Honesty
- Be open, honest and transparent in communication with colleagues and clients
- Declare any conflicts of interest (personal, financial or professional) artspace’s Directors
- Accurately represent qualifications, experience and professional registration
- Refrain from making misleading claims about artspace’s services or outcomes
5.4 Boundaries and Role Clarity
- Clearly communicate that artspace creative workshops are not therapy and that facilitators are
present in a creative, facilitative role rather than a clinical one - Avoid offering specific therapeutic advice or interventions within a creative workshop setting
- Signpost participants to appropriate organisational or external support, if necessary
5.5 Respectful Communication
- Treat all clients, participants and colleagues with dignity and respect
- Listen actively and respond thoughtfully to differing perspectives
- Challenge discrimination, harassment or inappropriate behaviour promptly and constructively
- Use inclusive, non-judgemental and person-centred language
5.6 Safety and Risk Awareness
- Take reasonable care for their own health and safety and that of others
- Follow artspace’s Health and Safety Policy and relevant risk assessments
- Report accidents, incidents or safeguarding concerns promptly
- Be mindful of emotional safety, recognising that creative exploration can evoke personal reflection
5.7 Substance and Behaviour Standards
- Refrain from consuming or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs during artspace activities
- Maintain behaviour consistent with a professional environment
- Avoid any form of verbal, emotional or physical misconduct
6. Relationships with Clients and Participants
- Maintain clear and appropriate boundaries at all times
- Refrain from forming relationships with participants that could compromise professional judgement or create a conflict of interest
- Treat all participants equitably and without bias or favouritism
- Ensure participants understand the nature and purpose of the creative workshop, including limits of confidentiality and support
7. Safeguarding and Duty of Care
Although artspace creative workshops are not therapeutic interventions, facilitators have a professional duty to act responsibly if a participant discloses information suggesting they or others are at risk of harm.
All facilitators must:
- Follow artspace’s Safeguarding Policy for reporting concerns
- Record and share relevant information only with the appropriate person (usually the client’s
designated safeguarding lead or artspace Director) - Prioritise safety, confidentiality and ethical communication in all such circumstances
8. Professional Development and Supervision
artspace values reflection and professional growth. All facilitators and associates are expected to:
- Engage in regular reflective practice and professional supervision
- Maintain up-to-date professional registration (eg. HCPC)
- Undertake ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development) relevant to their role
- Stay informed of ethical, legal and professional developments affecting their practice
9. Social Media and Public Communication
When engaging online or in public forums:
- Represent artspace with professionalism and respect
- Avoid sharing confidential information of clients, participants or venues
- Ensure any opinions expressed are clearly personal and do not misrepresent artspace’s views
- Use artspace’s name or branding only with permission
10. Breaches of Conduct
Breaches of this Code, including unprofessional behaviour, discrimination, boundary violations or misconduct
will be addressed promptly and fairly.
Depending on the nature of the issue, outcomes may include:
- Informal discussion or reflective review
- Formal warning or termination of contract
- Reporting to relevant professional or regulatory bodies (eg. HCPC) if required
All concerns will be investigated with sensitivity, confidentiality and due process.
11. Review and Monitoring
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if required by changes in legislation, professional guidance or
artspace operations.
Feedback from facilitators, clients and partners will inform future revisions to ensure that our professional
standards remain transparent, ethical and robust.
12. Related Policies
This policy should be read alongside:
- Safeguarding Policy
- Health and Safety Policy
- Data Protection Policy
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
13. Contact
For questions or concerns regarding this Code of Conduct and Professional Standards Policy please contact:
Email: hello@artspacearttherapy.co.uk
artspace Professional Standards Leads: Sarah Edmonds and Karen Wilson