Environmental Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Policy

Environmental Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Policy

Our commitment

YPS Psychology Ltd recognises that protecting the environment supports the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our services and business activities through practical, proportionate improvements.

Our aim is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, minimise waste and use resources responsibly while maintaining safe, accessible and high-quality psychological services.

Reducing travel

We will:

  • Offer online appointments and meetings where clinically appropriate and suitable for the people using our services.
  • Avoid unnecessary business journeys by using telephone and video communication.
  • Consider public transport, shared journeys and other lower-emission travel options where practical.
  • Plan essential journeys efficiently.

Individual needs, accessibility and clinical suitability will remain central to decisions about how services are delivered.

Using energy responsibly

We will seek to reduce energy consumption by switching off equipment when it is not needed, using energy-saving settings and considering energy efficiency when replacing equipment.

Where we have control over energy purchasing, we will consider renewable electricity options alongside cost and suitability.

Reducing paper and waste

We will:

  • Use secure electronic forms, reports and resources where appropriate.
  • Provide printed information where needed for accessibility or individual preference.
  • Minimise unnecessary printing and use recycled or responsibly sourced paper where practical.
  • Reuse materials and recycle waste wherever suitable facilities are available.
  • Arrange secure disposal of confidential information and responsible disposal of electronic equipment.

Data protection, confidentiality and required record-retention periods will always take priority when managing information.

Responsible purchasing and products

When buying equipment, supplies and services, we will consider durability, repairability, packaging and environmental impact alongside quality, safety and cost.

For physical products and resources, we will seek opportunities to reduce unnecessary packaging, use recyclable materials and avoid avoidable waste. We will consider suppliers’ environmental information when making purchasing decisions.

Understanding and reducing our emissions

We recognise that online services still have an environmental impact through electricity use, digital infrastructure and equipment manufacture.

We will work towards a clearer understanding of our main sources of emissions, including energy use, business travel, purchased goods, deliveries and externally provided services. As suitable information becomes available, we will use it to identify priorities and set realistic reduction targets.

We do not currently claim that YPS Psychology Ltd is zero-emission, carbon-neutral or net zero. Any future claims or targets will be supported by appropriate evidence and a clear explanation of their scope.

Responsibility and review

The directors of YPS Psychology Ltd are responsible for overseeing this policy and considering environmental impact in business decisions.

We will review the policy annually, assess progress and identify practical improvements for the following year.

Contact

For questions or suggestions about this policy, please contact YPS Psychology Ltd through our website contact page.

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Paul – Lead Account Manager

Working alongside Dr Yates, Paul ensures that services are well organised, accessible and delivered with care.

Paul oversees client relationships and supports the smooth running and development of YPS, helping individuals, families and organisations feel confident and supported from first contact onwards.

Paul’s focus includes:

  • Building strong, steady client relationships
  • Ensuring services are clear and easy to navigate
  • Supporting the growth and stability of YPS creating welcoming experiences that feel calm and reassuring
  • Web development, and videography
  • He ensures that YPS remains grounded, responsive and is focused on helping people move forward with confidence.

Paul leads on client relationship management, service coordination and organisational development. Paul works closely with schools, families and partner organisations to ensure clarity of communication, timely delivery and high service standards.

He supports referral pathways, contractual arrangements and long-term partnership development, helping ensure services remain consistent, reliable and professionally delivered.

Outside of work, Paul’s main passion is Walking Football. He plays for East Devon, Devonshire County, and South West County. His biggest achievement is having trials with the Over 50s England Walking Football group in 2025. He also enjoys restoring and driving classic cars. 

Joseph - Assistant Psychologist

BSc Hons in Tourism Management, Tourism, and Business Management, MSc Psychology Conversion, MSc Occupational Psychology

Working under the clinical supervision of Dr Yvonne Yates, Joseph supports the assessment and development of psychological services across the organisation.

Joseph’s work focuses on:

  • Supporting psychological assessment processes
  • Assisting in the preparation of structured reports
  • Contributing to the development of wellbeing and learning resources, and delivering training
  • Supporting data organisation and research-informed practice
  • Assisting with service delivery coordination

He has a strong interest in evidence-based psychology and values clarity, structure and ethical practice.

Outside of work, Joseph enjoys spending time with his springer spaniel, Willow, and going for long walks with her and the family. When he can, he hits the ski slopes on his snowboard, and he also likes ice-skating. 

Dr Yates - CEO, Lead Psychologist

HCPC-Registered Educational Psychologist | Founder, YPS Psychology Ltd

Dr Yates has specialist expertise in ADHD, depression, anxiety, learning differences (SpLD), and emotional wellbeing with children, young people, and adults.

She holds a Doctorate in Psychology (University of Manchester) and has extensive experience delivering:

• Educational psychology assessments, including ADHD and SpLD
• Mental health assessment and therapy
• Social skills and emotional regulation support

Dr Yates has worked in public organisations, including, schools, the NHS, and local authorities, and in private practice, for universities, colleges, and therapy healthcare bodies, such as, AXA PPP and Bupa. 

She is the author of Human Givens Therapy with Adolescents (Jessica Kingsley Publishers) and has published peer-reviewed research on adolescent wellbeing.

Her approach combines evidence-based psychology with practical, real-life strategies that help individuals feel calmer, more confident, and better equipped to succeed at school, university, and work.

Outside of work, Dr Yates is an avid crocheter and is also quite partial to silent discos. She looks forward to spending evenings by the fire, and watching movies with the family whilst creating her latest crochet piece.