I Matter - Governance and Safe Practice

Ensuring safe, clear, and appropriate use of the I Matter Learning Journey

1. Purpose of the I Matter approach

The I Matter Learning Journey is a structured psychoeducational programme designed to develop understanding of relationship health and its application in everyday and professional contexts.

Its purpose is to:

• support early understanding and prevention
• reduce risk of escalation through informed thinking
• provide accessible learning for both professionals and non-professionals

2. Scope of practice (what this is and is not)

Participation in I Matter learning and study support is educational in nature.

✔ What it is:

• psychoeducational learning
• reflective discussion about course content
• development of understanding and practical thinking

❌ What it is not:

• therapy or counselling
• medical, legal, or safeguarding advice
• crisis or emergency intervention
• a replacement for statutory or specialist services

I Matter learning can complement other professional approaches, but does not replace them.

3. Practitioner role boundaries

All I Matter roles (Link, Lead, Lead Plus, Senior Link) operate within clear boundaries:

• do not create a therapeutic or clinical relationship unless separately qualified
• do not replace statutory or specialist services
• do not provide supervised clinical practice
• do not act beyond their existing professional role and responsibilities

All practitioners must continue to:

• follow their own professional standards
• work within organisational policies
• act within legal and safeguarding frameworks

4. Safeguarding responsibilities

All participating organisations must:

• have an up-to-date safeguarding policy
• have a named Safeguarding Lead
• ensure participants are suitable for self-directed learning

Escalation principles

• Link Professionals escalate concerns to Leads or safeguarding leads
• Lead Professionals escalate higher-risk or unresolved concerns
• Lead Plus / Senior roles support adherence to safeguarding and quality processes

The I Matter programme does not replace existing safeguarding systems.

5. Organisational responsibilities

Organisations engaging with I Matter must ensure:

• participation is voluntary
• appropriate licensing is in place
• staff are trained to the correct level for their role
• safeguarding and escalation processes are clear

Additional guidance:

• Link roles support access and awareness
• Lead roles are required where structured study support is offered
• Lead Plus roles are recommended where there is more complex or sustained need

All professionals remain responsible for acting within their own roles and duties.

6. Independent practitioner clarification

Some practitioners may use the I Matter Framework independently alongside their own professional work.

These practitioners:

• hold their own professional qualifications
• operate under their own professional indemnity insurance
• provide services independently of I Matter organisational delivery

Their role is to:

• complement existing support
• offer additional insight or structured reflection

They do not replace statutory or therapeutic services.

7. Participation expectations

Participants and organisations should be aware that:

• the content may explore sensitive topics
• participation is voluntary and self-directed
• additional support is not provided outside agreed study support

Participants are responsible for:

• deciding whether the training is appropriate for them
• seeking additional support where needed
• continuing to follow other professional advice

8. Ongoing development and feedback

The I Matter approach is continuing to develop.

Participants and practitioners are encouraged to:

• provide feedback
• raise concerns early
• contribute to ongoing improvement of the model