As an independent psychologist, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is this: not every opportunity is worth taking. Even if a company offers you regular work or good pay, it still might not be the right fit if it doesn’t match your professional values, especially when it comes to client safety and ethical practice.
A simple but powerful principle guides my approach to work: do no harm. For me, that means always putting the client’s safety, wellbeing, and dignity first. Every decision I make is about protecting the people I support and delivering work to the highest possible standard.
Values Should Be Shared.
In the UK, psychologists are expected to follow ethical guidelines set by organisations like the British Psychological Society (BPS) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). These guidelines make it clear: we must act with honesty, integrity, and put our clients first.
When I work with a referral company or any other organisation, I expect them to share those values. Sadly, not all of them do. I’ve come across situations where:
- Assessments were rushed or poorly planned.
- Referrals were made without enough background or risk information.
- There was pressure to write reports a certain way, rather than giving an honest, clinical view.
- Clients were treated like numbers, not people.
- Information shared was inadequate and inaccurate.
- Companies that do not follow their safeguarding policies
- Information handling doesn't meet ICO standards.
- Companies that focus more on money than on the clients.
These kinds of practices are not only unprofessional, but they can also be harmful. And
when I see that happening, I know I can’t be part of it.
Saying “No” Is Sometimes the Right Thing to Do
It can be difficult to walk away from a regular source of work, especially when you’re self-employed. But for me, saying no to unsafe or unethical work is part of being a responsible professional.
Recently, I chose to stop working with a company that ignored serious concerns about client safety. I didn’t make that decision lightly, but I knew it was the right one. If I had stayed, I would have gone against everything I stand for. I knew that the company did not trust my professional judgement despite years of working in a safeguarding role.
High standards, quality work, and client welfare are non-negotiable for me. If a company doesn’t support that, then we’re simply not the right match.
Good Work Needs the Right Environment
Doing good psychological work takes time, care, and a safe, respectful environment.
Whether I’m writing reports, running assessments, or working directly with clients, I always aim for the highest quality. That’s not about perfection; it’s about professionalism.
The HCPC says we must always act in the best interests of our clients. That means we need to work with organisations that allow us to do our jobs properly — with no shortcuts and no
pressure to compromise.
Integrity Over Income
There’s no shame in walking away from work that doesn’t feel right. In fact, it’s a sign of strength. Some might say that turning down a contract means missing out, but I believe that protecting your values is worth more than a pay check.
I would rather take on fewer jobs and know that I’m staying true to my ethics, than say yes to something that could harm a client or lower the standards I hold myself to.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an independent practitioner and something doesn’t sit right about a company or contract, trust your instincts. Your values matter, and so do your clients. You have every right to walk away when things don’t align with your professional standards.
Because in the end, integrity is everything. And the people we support deserve nothing less.
References:
British Psychological Society (BPS). (2018). Code of Ethics and Conduct
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). (2023). Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics
