Data Protection and Privacy
I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and take your privacy seriously.
How I handle your information
I collect and hold the information necessary to provide counselling, supervision and coaching services and manage appointments. This may include your name, contact details, assessment information, correspondence, and brief counselling records. Under the UK GDPR, I process your contact details to fulfil our therapeutic contract and your health-related information for the purpose of providing counselling services.
Clinical notes are kept securely in paper format and are identified using a reference code where appropriate. I do not store clinical notes electronically. I retain counselling records securely for 5 years after our final work together to meet professional and insurance requirements, after which they are securely destroyed.
Your information is treated confidentially and will not be shared without your consent unless required by law, where there are safeguarding concerns, or where there is a serious risk of harm to you or others.
You have the right to request access to the personal information I hold about you and to ask for any inaccuracies to be corrected.
Clinical Will & Continuity of Care:
In accordance with BACP ethical guidelines, I maintain a professional Clinical Will. In the event of my sudden emergency, illness, or incapacitation, a designated professional colleague (who is bound by strict confidentiality) will access minimal client contact details solely to inform you and support your ongoing care options. No clinical notes are disclosed.
Your Right to Complain
If you have concerns about how your personal data is handled, please contact me at [email address].
I will acknowledge your complaint, investigate the matter promptly, and keep you informed of the outcome.
If you remain dissatisfied, you have the right to raise your concern with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
