What data is collected and for what purpose?
I collect contact information, information about your wellbeing (assessment) and brief, anonymised notes about the theme of our counselling sessions. I use these details to inform my work with you, including contacting you about appointments, and to cover myself for insurance /legal purposes.
How is data stored and for how long?
Handwritten notes and all documents with your personal information on are kept in a locked cabinet or filing cabinet. Any electronic data is password protected. I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and comply with data protection law. In accordance with professional, legal and insurance requirements data is stored for a period of seven years from the end of our work together, unless agreed otherwise. At the end of this period data is disposed of as confidential waste and shredded. Any texts or emails on my phone or laptop will not contain personal information, are secured by password and will be deleted once our work ends.
Is data shared?
All data is kept securely and what is shared in sessions is bound by confidentiality except in the event of my being unexpectedly incapacitated by accident, illness or death. In this case, your contact details will be accessed by an elected professional who will contact you, and if necessary, arrange for the confidential disposal of data when there is no longer a legal requirement to retain it.
Your data and your consent:
You are entitled to access the data I hold and to correct misinformation. If you require copies of any information or notes, you can apply in writing and I will undertake to supply these to you in a 30-day period.
You may withdraw your consent for the data (apart from data I need to hold for legal purposes) to be retained at any time by notifying me in writing (signed and dated.)
I will ask for confirmation that you have read and agree with the information detailed here. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to discuss these with me.
You may withdraw your consent for the data (apart from data I need to hold for legal purposes) to be retained at any time by notifying me in writing (signed and dated.)
I will ask for confirmation that you have read and agree with the information detailed here. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to discuss these with me.
