Informed Consent and Client Protection
Informed Consent and Client Protection
- Purpose
This policy ensures that all therapeutic services at Auxilium Health are delivered ethically, transparently, and in compliance with South African laws and professional standards. It safeguards client rights to informed consent, accessible communication, and protection from harm or exploitation.
- Informed Consent
- Before therapy begins, clients must receive clear, written, and verbal information about:
- The nature, purpose, and goals of therapy.
- The methods and techniques used.
- The limits of confidentiality (e.g., risk of harm, legal requirements to report abuse).
- Potential benefits and risks.
- Fees, session structure, and cancellation policies.
- Consent must be:
- Voluntary – free from pressure or coercion.
- Informed – provided with understandable information.
- Ongoing – clients may withdraw consent at any time.
- Therapists will document informed consent and update it if treatment plans change.
- Communication and Language / Accent Considerations
- Clients have the right to receive services in a language they understand.
- Where language barriers exist, Auxilium Health will:
- Use plain, clear language in English or the client’s preferred language (where possible).
- Provide interpreters or translated materials if needed.
- Ensure that a client’s accent, communication style, or literacy level does not disadvantage them.
- Therapists will check client understanding regularly by asking for feedback and clarifications.
- Client Protection
- Auxilium Health is committed to protecting clients from harm, exploitation, or abuse within therapeutic relationships.
- Protection measures include:
- Adherence to professional codes of ethics (HPCSA / SACSSP, etc.).
- Respect for client dignity, privacy, and cultural background.
- Maintaining strict confidentiality except where disclosure is legally required (e.g., risk of harm, child protection).
- No sexual, financial, or personal exploitation of clients under any circumstances.
- Secure storage of client records in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
- Safeguarding vulnerable clients (children, elderly, or disabled clients) will follow the Children’s Act and Domestic Violence & Sexual Offences Acts where applicable.
- Complaints and Reporting
- Clients may raise concerns or complaints through Auxilium Health’s complaints procedure.
- Any allegations of misconduct, abuse, or exploitation by staff will be investigated promptly and reported to relevant professional and legal authorities.
- Whistle-blower protections will apply to staff or clients reporting misconduct in good faith.
- Review
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with current legislation and best practice in therapy and safeguarding
13 September 2024
Policy approved & authorised by: Management
Date: September 2024
Indemnity Policy
Auxilium Health Indemnity Policy
Purpose
This policy clarifies the responsibilities and protections for Auxilium Health, its staff, and clients regarding liabilities arising from the provision of psychological, therapeutic, and training services.
Scope
This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and associates of Auxilium Health.
Policy Statement
Auxilium Health is committed to providing high-quality, safe, and professional services.
Clients voluntarily engage with Auxilium Health services and accept that therapy, assessments, and training involve professional judgment and human factors.
Auxilium Health and its staff are indemnified against any claims, damages, losses, or liabilities arising from:
Misuse of information or advice given in good faith
Unintended outcomes of therapy or training
Client failure to follow guidance or recommendations
Actions outside the scope of Auxilium Health’s services
This indemnity applies whether or not the company holds professional indemnity insurance.
Client Acknowledgment
All clients are required to provide informed consent prior to participating in therapy or training sessions.
Participation is voluntary, and clients agree to take personal responsibility for their engagement with the services provided.
Responsibilities
Staff must operate within their professional scope, follow ethical standards, and document services accurately.
Management ensures policies, procedures, and legal requirements are communicated to all staff.
Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or whenever regulatory, operational, or legal changes occur.
13 September 2024
Policy approved & authorised by: Management
Date: September 2024
Mobile Clinic & External Environment Policy
Mobile Clinic & External Environment Policy
Purpose
This policy ensures the safety and professionalism of Auxilium Health practitioners during on-site sessions and outlines the responsibilities of clients and institutions hosting sessions.
Practitioner Safety
- Practitioners have the right to withdraw from a session if the environment is deemed unsafe.
- Practitioners will report unsafe conditions to the appropriate authorities.
- All sessions must comply with health, safety, and professional standards.
Client/Institution Responsibilities
- Ensure the venue is suitable, safe, and prepared to receive the practitioner.
- Provide safe parking for the practitioner and any required support staff.
- Provide proof of address and identity, if requested, for verification before the practitioner travels.
- Supervise learners, where applicable, to ensure their safety during sessions.
- Book all mobile clinic appointments at least 3 days in advance to allow adequate preparation time.
Session Suitability
- Auxilium Health will assess the venue prior to sessions and may refuse to conduct a session if it is unsafe or unsuitable.
Cancellation & Rescheduling
- Clients must notify Auxilium Health of cancellations as soon as possible. Last-minute cancellations may be subject to fees.
- Practitioners may reschedule or withdraw from sessions in cases of unsafe or unsuitable conditions.
Liability
- Auxilium Health is not responsible for incidents caused by unsafe client or institution practices despite prior guidance.
- Clients and institutions are responsible for ensuring all safety requirements are met prior to the session.
Emergency Procedures
- Practitioners will follow established emergency protocols in the event of an accident, injury, or unsafe occurrence on-site.
Approved by Management
13 Sept 2024
13 September 2024
Approved By Management
Appointment Booking and Cancellation
Appointment Booking & Cancellation Policy
Booking
All appointments (in-clinic or mobile) must be booked in advance.
Mobile clinic appointments must be booked at least 3 days in advance to allow adequate preparation.
Bookings can be made via our website, client portal, email, or phone.
Confirmation
Clients will receive confirmation of their appointment via email or text.
Any special requirements, venue checks, or adjustments should be communicated at the time of booking.
Cancellation & Rescheduling
Clients must provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations or rescheduling.
Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice may incur a fee.
Practitioners may cancel or reschedule appointments due to unsafe conditions, emergencies, or unforeseen circumstances.
Late Arrivals
If a client is late, the session may be shortened or rescheduled at the discretion of the practitioner.
No-Shows
Failure to attend without notice will be recorded and may affect the ability to book future appointments.
Fees & Refunds
Any applicable cancellation fees will be communicated during booking.
Refunds are only applicable in cases where services cannot be delivered due to practitioner unavailability or unsafe conditions.
Responsibility
Clients are responsible for providing accurate contact information and ensuring they are available at the scheduled time.
13 September 2024 Approved by Management
IT and Online Policy
Auxilium Health: IT & Online Policy
Purpose:
This policy sets out how Auxilium Health manages virtual sessions, online platforms, and digital communication to ensure client safety, confidentiality, and data protection.
Scope:
Applies to all staff, therapists, and clients engaging in online therapy, assessments, or training sessions.
Policy Statements:
- Platform Use & Security
- Only approved and secure platforms, Zoom, MS Teams, Google Meet and relevant approves platforms at that time may be used.
- Sessions and Training / Learning must use password protection and, where possible, end-to-end encryption.
- Staff must ensure software is up-to-date and secure.
- Client Portal & Learner Portal
- Clients and learners must access portals only via their own secure login credentials.
- Passwords must be kept confidential and not shared.
- Multi-factor authentication is recommended where available.
- Clients and learners must notify Auxilium Health immediately if they suspect unauthorized access.
- Portal content (documents, resources, or communication) is confidential and must not be shared externally.
- Client Confidentiality
- Client information shared online must be kept private and stored securely.
- Screenshots, recordings, or sharing session details without client consent is strictly prohibited.
- Data collected during sessions will be processed in compliance with POPIA.
- Informed Consent
- Clients must provide voluntary consent before participating in virtual sessions.
- Clients must be informed of the potential risks of online sessions (e.g., technology failures, privacy risks).
- Environment
- Clients online and Mobile Clinic must ensure they conduct and attend sessions in a private, quiet space to maintain confidentiality.
- Clients should be advised to do the same and avoid public or shared areas during sessions.
- Technical Guidelines
- Staff and clients should test connectivity, audio, and video prior to sessions.
- Clients / learners must ensure they have the right gadgets for use on digital platofrms
- Any technical disruptions must be reported immediately to staff.
- Record-Keeping & Data Storage
- Digital notes and records must be stored securely on encrypted systems.
- Records must only be accessible to authorised personnel.
- Retention and deletion of records will follow Auxilium Health’s Data Protection Policy.
- Incident Reporting
- Any breaches of online security, confidentiality, or unauthorised access must be reported immediately to the Data Protection Officer.
Compliance:
Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or contractual agreements.
13 September 2024
Approved By Management
Course Content Policy
Course Content Review Policy
Policy Statement
At Auxilium Health, we are committed to maintaining high standards for all our courses. This policy sets out how we ensure our course content is accurate, up-to-date, and appropriate to achieve the stated learning outcomes.
Course reviews are a key part of Auxilium Health’s quality assurance process and focus on:
- Ensuring content and assessment methods are appropriate to achieve the learning outcomes.
- Ensuring course content is accurate, current, and relevant.
Responsibility
- The Training & Development Manager is responsible for overseeing course reviews and implementing recommended changes.
- The Company Directors are responsible for ensuring the review process is followed and standards are maintained.
Frequency
- Each course is reviewed annually.
- Reviews are conducted by a Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) to ensure content accuracy.
- Any legal elements in course materials are reviewed by the company’s Legal Representatives to ensure all references are current and correct at the time of review.
Timing
- Subject Matter Specialists have a 30-day period to complete the review of their assigned subject areas.
- Findings are reported to the Training & Development Manager.
- The Training & Development Manager then has an additional 30-day period to implement appropriate updates to course materials.
- Legal review is incorporated into the SMS’s 30-day review period.
Reporting
- Following the content and legal review, a detailed report is submitted to the Training & Development Manager, outlining all elements requiring updates or amendments.
- The Training & Development Manager ensures that any necessary changes are implemented promptly and recorded as part of the quality assurance process.
Data Protection Policy
Data Protection Policy
Contact Details:
- Email: admin@auxhin.com
- Tel: 068 144 0222
- Data Protection Officer
Introduction
Auxilium Health (“the Company”) is committed to protecting the personal data of all clients, learners, staff, and business contacts (“data subjects”) in accordance with the Data Protection Act and relevant South African privacy laws such as the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) – Act No. 2 of 2000 and POPI Act (Protection of Personal Information Act) – Act No. 4 of 2013.
This Policy sets out the Company’s obligations regarding the collection, processing, storage, transfer, and disposal of personal data, and the rights of data subjects. It applies to all employees, agents, contractors, and other parties acting on behalf of the Company.
Personal data means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person, including names, contact information, identification numbers, location data, online identifiers, or other factors specific to an individual.
The Company is committed to lawful, fair, and transparent handling of all personal data, respecting privacy, trust, and legal rights.
Data Protection Principles
Personal data must be:
- Processed lawfully, fairly, and transparently.
- Collected for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes.
- Adequate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary.
- Accurate and kept up-to-date.
- Retained only as long as necessary and securely disposed of when no longer required.
- Processed with appropriate technical and organisational security measures.
Rights of Data Subjects
Data subjects have the right to:
- Be informed about the collection and use of their data.
- Access their personal data.
- Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Request erasure (“right to be forgotten”).
- Restrict processing.
- Data portability.
- Object to processing, including for direct marketing.
- Object to automated decision-making or profiling.
Lawful Processing
Personal data is processed lawfully if:
- The data subject has given consent.
- Processing is necessary for contract performance.
- Processing is required to comply with legal obligations.
- Processing protects vital interests.
- Processing serves legitimate interests, public interest, or official duties.
Sensitive personal data (e.g., health data) requires explicit consent or other legal justification.
Collection and Use of Personal Data
- Data is collected directly from data subjects or third parties.
- Data is only used for the purposes specified at collection.
- Data subjects are informed of all purposes and legal bases for processing.
- Personal data is reviewed regularly to ensure accuracy.
Data Retention and Disposal
- Personal data is retained only as long as necessary.
- When no longer required, data is securely erased or destroyed.
- Refer to the Data Retention Policy for specific retention periods.
Data Security
- All electronic data is password-protected and encrypted.
- Hard copies are securely stored in locked cabinets.
- Data backups are performed daily and encrypted.
- Personal data is not stored on personal devices without DPO approval.
- Access to personal data is limited to authorised personnel only.
- All emails containing personal data must be encrypted, marked “confidential,” and transmitted over secure networks.
Data Breach Notification
- All breaches must be reported immediately to the Data Protection Officer (DPO).
- Breaches likely to affect data subjects’ rights or freedoms must be reported to the relevant supervisory authority within 72 hours.
- High-risk breaches must also be communicated directly to affected data subjects.
- Notifications include: categories of data affected, number of data subjects impacted, DPO contact, consequences, and mitigation measures.
Accountability and Record-Keeping
The DPO oversees policy implementation and compliance. The Company maintains records of:
- All personal data collected and processed.
- Purposes of processing and legal basis.
- Categories of personal data and data subjects.
- Transfers outside South Africa, with safeguards.
- Retention periods and security measures.
Data Protection Impact Assessments are conducted for all new projects or uses of personal data.
Transferring Data Outside South Africa
Data transfers outside South Africa occur only when:
- Adequate protections are in place.
- Legal agreements, consent, or public interest justify the transfer.
- Transfers comply with South African privacy and international law requirements.
Data Subject Requests
- Data subjects may request access, rectification, erasure, or restriction of their data.
- Requests are handled by the DPO and responded to within one month, extendable by two months if complex.
- No fee is charged for standard requests; reasonable fees may apply for excessive or repetitive requests.
Approval and Review
- Approved & Authorised by: Management
Reasonable Accomodation Policy
Reasonable Accommodation Policy
- Purpose of the Policy
Auxilium Health International (AUXHIN) is committed to ensuring that all learners have fair access to education and training opportunities. In line with the Constitution of South Africa (1996), the Employment Equity Act (1998), the Skills Development Act (1998), and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (2000), AUXHIN provides reasonable accommodation to learners with disabilities or difficulties, and considers special considerations for learners facing temporary adverse circumstances.
Our aim is to remove barriers to learning, while ensuring that the integrity, validity, and quality of assessment outcomes are not compromised.
- Reasonable Accommodation
Definition:
Reasonable accommodation means modifications or support measures that reduce the impact of a disability or difficulty, so that a learner is not placed at a substantial disadvantage.
Requests:
- Must be made at registration/booking or within 7 days of enrolment, and at least 28 working days before an assessment or training event.
- Must be supported by appropriate documentation where applicable.
Examples of reasonable accommodation include:
- Accessible learning platforms (e.g., screen readers, display adjustments).
- Assistive software or low vision aids.
- Provision of learning materials in alternative formats (large print, coloured paper).
- Sign language interpretation.
- Adapted physical learning or assessment environments.
- Extra time or breaks during assessments (where appropriate).
Limitations:
- Accommodation may not be possible in programmes that provide a licence to practice or require demonstration of practical competence.
- Adjustments must not provide an unfair advantage or compromise the reliability and validity of the assessment.
- Each case will be considered individually, and what is “reasonable” may vary depending on circumstances.
- Special Considerations
Definition:
Special consideration applies to learners who experience temporary illness, injury, or unforeseen circumstances during or immediately before an assessment or training event.
Examples of valid grounds:
- Serious illness or accident.
- Recent bereavement in the immediate family.
- Traumatic domestic circumstances.
- Disruption caused by emergencies (e.g., severe accident, outbreak of infection).
Limitations:
- Cannot be applied where assessment requires practical competence or provides a licence to practice.
- Cannot compensate for lack of preparation or unauthorised absence.
- Minor illness or inconvenience does not qualify.
Requests:
- Must be submitted within 7 days of the event or assessment.
- Must be supported by documentation (e.g., medical certificate).
- Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
- Decision-Making Principles
Requests for reasonable accommodation or special consideration will only be approved if they:
- Do not compromise the quality and reliability of the learning outcomes.
- Do not provide an unfair advantage.
- Are practical and sustainable in the training context.
All requests must be submitted using AUXHIN’s official application process.
- Appeals and Review
- Learners who are dissatisfied with a decision may appeal through AUXHIN’s Appeals Procedure.
- All cases are recorded, monitored, and reviewed annually.
- This policy will be reviewed regularly to remain aligned with South African legislation and best practice.
13 September 2024
Policy approved & authorised by: Management
Date: September 2024
Appeals Procedure for CPD Course Learners
Auxilium Health Appeals Procedure for CPD Course Learners
At Auxilium Health, we provide a formal process for learners wishing to appeal an assessment decision. All learners are assessed against the relevant learning outcomes for the course and, where applicable, the criteria of the regulating organisation. Assessment decisions are made by internal Assessors.
Areas for Appeal
Learners may appeal in the following situations:
- Assessor vs IQA decision: Where the Assessor’s decision on any assessment element differs from that of our Internal Quality Assurer (IQA). For example, if an assessment is marked as “achieved” by the Assessor but disagreed upon by the IQA.
- Reasonable adjustments or special consideration: Where an application has been submitted to the regulating organisation and a learner believes it has been handled incorrectly.
- Final overall assessment decision: For the CPD course.
Grounds for Appeal
The following are examples of grounds for appeal (not exhaustive):
- A reasonable adjustment was refused without explanation, or the adjustment applied was inappropriate or insufficient.
- A request for special consideration was not applied.
- There was inappropriate or irregular conduct by the Assessor.
Appeals Process
Stage 1
- The learner should initially discuss the assessment decision with the Assessor on the day it is received.
- If unsatisfied, the learner may request a “Learner Appeals Application” form, which can be submitted via post or email.
- The completed form, along with supporting evidence, must be submitted within five days of the assessment date. Appeals submitted after this period will not be considered.
Stage 2
- Upon receipt, the designated Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) will investigate the appeal and respond in writing within 20 working days.
- If the learner is dissatisfied with the IQA’s decision, a complaint may be made directly to the Owner of Auxilium Health.
Additional Notes
- Appeals require impartial evidence. Appeals based solely on disagreement with the Assessor’s decision will only be considered if accompanied by a video recording of the practical assessment.
- Learners may record their practical assessment using their own equipment, provided it does not interfere with the assessment, other learners, or the Assessor.
- Learners are responsible for arranging a video operator if needed.
- Learners must notify Auxilium Health prior to the assessment date of any medical issues that could adversely affect performance.
Approved & Authorised by:
Auxilium Health Management
Complaints Policy
Complaints Policy
Policy Statement
At Auxilium Health, we recognise that learner and client complaints are an important source of feedback and an opportunity to improve our services. We welcome complaints regarding any aspect of our services, including psychological services, CPD courses, workshops, or administrative support.
A complaint is any grievance, problem, difficulty, or concern regarding the services we provide. Complaints may relate to delays, lack of response, discourtesy, failure to meet commitments, or dissatisfaction with the standard of service received.
You should let us know if:
- You think we have done something wrong.
- We have not done something we said we would.
- You are not satisfied with a service or set of services provided.
Anonymous Complaints
We understand that it may be difficult to complain if you fear negative consequences. All complaints are treated confidentially. You have the right to raise a complaint anonymously; however, without contact details, we cannot provide feedback on the outcome of the investigation.
Procedure
Stage 1 – Initial Resolution
- Complaints should first be discussed with the team member concerned within 48 hours of the incident.
- If resolved, the complaint must be documented (Appendix 1) and submitted to the Company Administrator by the end of the next working day. No further action is required.
Stage 2 – Escalation
- If a learner or client is unable or unwilling to discuss the complaint with the team member, it should be referred to the Training Manager (or appropriate service manager) within 48 hours.
- The Training Manager will inform the Owner of Auxilium Health within 7 days and document the complaint (Appendix 2).
- The nature of the complaint will be discussed with the team member concerned within 48 hours. The Training Manager will then contact the individual to attempt resolution.
Stage 3 – Formal Resolution
- If the complaint cannot be resolved informally, the Training Manager will arrange a meeting with all relevant parties to reach a resolution.
- This meeting should take place within 30 days of receiving the complaint. The decision reached at this stage is final.
Assessment-Related Complaints
- Any complaint concerning an assessment, verification, or CPD course decision must follow the Auxilium Health Appeals Procedure.
Record Keeping & Confidentiality
- The Company Administrator maintains a record of all complaints.
- All complaints are confidential and discussed only with those directly involved. Records are available on reque
Learner Charter: Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunities Learner’s Charter
“Everyone has a part to play in ensuring we achieve equality of opportunity. We believe that a positive attitude towards equality and diversity benefits our people, clients, and business partners. We encourage everyone to welcome diversity and respect each person’s individuality.”
Auxilium Health is committed to ensuring that the admissions process is open, transparent, and fair, and that no individual or group receives less favourable treatment due to:
- Age
- Disability
- Economic status
- Faith or religion
- Gender or marital status
- Sexuality
- Race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin
Learner Charter – Your Standards of Service
As a learner at Auxilium Health, you can expect:
- A high-quality learning experience.
- Equal opportunities and fair treatment.
- Courtesy and respect from all staff.
- Access to advice, guidance, and support to ensure informed choices and that your learning needs are met.
- A healthy and safe learning environment.
- Timely and relevant updates on your progress.
- Staff to listen to your issues, suggestions, or concerns and respond appropriately.
Learner Responsibilities
As a learner, you are expected to:
- Be fully committed to your course.
- Treat staff and peers with courtesy and respect.
- Provide accurate information to help meet your learning and assessment needs.
- Contribute to a healthy and safe environment.
- Abide by any rules relating to online assessments.
- Communicate issues, suggestions, or concerns using the procedures outlined in the Student Handbook.
Complaints
If you wish to make a formal complaint, please follow the Auxilium Health Complaints Procedure available on our website or contact us via:
- Email: admin@auxhin.com
Policy approved & authorised by: Management
Date: September 2023
Malpractice Policy
Malpractice Policy
Auxilium Health International (AUXHIN) treats all cases of suspected malpractice* very seriously and investigates all suspected and reported incidents in line with this policy.
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Define malpractice and maladministration.
- Provide examples of malpractice by learners, staff, or associates.
- Outline possible sanctions and corrective actions.
For the purposes of this policy, “malpractice” includes both malpractice and maladministration.
Definition of Malpractice
Malpractice refers to any act or failure to act that threatens the integrity, fairness, or credibility of AUXHIN’s training, assessments, and certification. This includes but is not limited to:
- Falsification of records or documents.
- Academic misconduct such as plagiarism or impersonation.
- Failure to follow assessment or training procedures.
- Any actions that compromise AUXHIN’s reputation or the validity of its services.
Examples of Malpractice
- Learner Malpractice
- Plagiarism or copying work without permission.
- Submitting work completed by another person.
- Impersonating another learner in assessments.
- Collusion (working together where not allowed).
- Disruptive or offensive behaviour during training or assessments.
- Forging documents such as certificates or identification.
- Fraudulent claims for special consideration.
- Staff / Associate Malpractice
- Allowing or ignoring learner malpractice.
- Assisting learners in assessments beyond what is permitted.
- Falsifying learner records or results.
- Divulging confidential learner performance information.
- Ignoring disruptive or inappropriate learner behaviour.
- Misuse of official documentation, including certificates.
Sanctions
If malpractice is proven, AUXHIN may impose appropriate sanctions.
For Learners:
- Written warning.
- Notification to employer/regulator (if applicable).
- Removal from course without refund.
For Staff/Associates:
- Written warning.
- Monitoring of future work.
- Suspension or dismissal.
- Reporting to relevant professional bodies or authorities.
Procedure
- Reporting
- Suspected malpractice must be reported to the Training & Development Manager within 2 working days.
- Reports should include all evidence and supporting information.
- Anonymous complaints will still be investigated, where possible.
- Investigation
- All parties will be notified within 10 working days of a report.
- The individual(s) concerned will be informed of the case and given 15 working days to respond in writing.
- AUXHIN will investigate fairly, respecting confidentiality.
- Outcome
- Sanctions will be applied if malpractice is proven.
- Individuals will be informed in writing.
- Relevant authorities may be notified if laws or regulations are breached.
- Appeals
- Any individual found guilty of malpractice has the right to appeal if they believe procedures were not followed fairly.
Record-Keeping
AUXHIN will keep records of all malpractice cases and outcomes for at least five (5) years, subject to review and monitoring.
Approved By Management
13 September 2024
Policy approved & authorised by: Management
Date: September 2024