Privacy Policy

This privacy policy discusses how any data I collect from you will be treated. 

The type of information collected

Information collected includes personal identifying information, for example name and contact details, as well as material shared in counselling sessions which I will refer to as case notes. Some of this data is classed as special category data.

Why information is collected

I collect personal information from you directly. The information I collect is necessary for us to work effectively together. Under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), I have a contractual obligation, and a legitimate interest basis for processing your information. This includes both personal identifying information and case notes.

How your information will be treated

Everything that you share with me will be treated as confidential. However, there are certain disclosures where I may have to pass on your information to a relevant authority, or third party. These include:

If I feel you, or another person(s) is at risk of serious harm.

1. Disclosures concerning serious crime such as money laundering, terrorist activity, drug trafficking.
2. If I am ordered to do so by the court.
3. Where possible, I will always discuss any disclosures with you in the first instance. 

How your information will be stored

All data is stored electronically in encrypted files on a password protected computer. Personal identifiable information is stored in a separate location to your case notes. Case notes will be pseudonymised.

I will keep both personal identifiable information and case notes for a period of 7 years aUer which, I will securely erase all your data.

Your data protection rights

Under data protection law, you have rights including:
Your right of access - You have the right to ask me for copies of your personal information.

Your right to rectification - You have the right to ask me to rectify personal information you think is inaccurate. You also have the right to ask me to complete information you think is incomplete.

Your right to erasure - You have the right to ask me to erase your personal information in certain circumstances.

Your right to restriction of processing - You have the right to ask me to restrict the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.

Your right to object to processing - You have the the right to object to the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.

Your right to data portability - You have the right to ask that we transfer the personal information you gave me to another organisation, or to you, in certain circumstances.

You are not required to pay any charge for exercising your rights. If you make a request, we have one month to respond to you.

Please contact me using the information provided in the footer of this document if you wish to make a request.

Concerns

If you have any concerns about the use of your personal information, you contact me directly using the information provided in the footer of this document.