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In order to work together, I will need to obtain some information from you.  Your privacy is very important and I take steps to protect it.  Please read on if you want to know how your data and information will be used..

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How I obtain information about you on initial contact.

You may give me information about you by filling in forms on my website enquiry page, phone, email, text, or Facebook Messenger.  I may also receive information about you through a third party (directories or agencies) that you have used to contact me.  This includes the Counselling Directory, Anxiety UK, or an Employee Assistance Programme.

 

What information do I obtain?

Generally, information will include your name, telephone number and/or email address.  Where I receive information via a third party, the information received by me is determined by the third party.  I may also receive some personal information in relation to your enquiry. 

Where my work is based in a school or college, the information I receive about you is determined by the school or college.

Where your initial contact is made via a website or a directory, I may receive some technical information, for example an IP (internet protocol) address.

 

Information obtained about you on further contact. 

The majority of information I obtain about you will be obtained verbally through our conversations.  Other information may come from you via a text message, an email or a telephone call.

In our initial consultation, during the contracting stage of our conversation, I may ask you for and record further information.  For example, I may ask for further contact details, your GP details, or emergency contact details.

It is an ethical requirement for me to keep appropriate records about our work. 

• The information I record is kept separate from any contact information that I hold about you

• The record is coded for confidentiality 

• I will not record your name in the records

• I will keep a record of the dates which you attended a meeting with me

 

Where I store information about you.

1.  I may keep contact information in the following ways:

• On the Contacts directory of my mobile phone

• On the Contact directory of my Google account

• On hard copy, in a locked location.

• On my electronic Accounts Records (hosted through a third party App).

2. My records are usually kept on hard copy, written by hand.  In the event that I do record anything electronically, I protect the document.

 

How I use the information that I receive about you.

I will only use the information provided to me to carry out my work with you:

• To make initial contact with you

• To maintain contact with you during the course of our work together

• To carry out our work together

• To allow me to conduct my work in an ethical manner (e.g. in work with my Supervisor).  This is discussed in detail in our initial meeting as part of our contracting.

• In the event of a safeguarding issue.  This is discussed in detail in our initial meeting as part of our contracting.

 

The only other time I may be required to share information that you provide me with:

• To contact the emergency services in the event of an accident or incident, including to comply with Track and Trace requirements in relation to Covid-19

• In the event of my work being subpoenaed by the Courts.

• In the event that I receive a Consent Form signed by you for the release of your notes.

• Should anything happen to me, I have a Professional Will.  The Executor of my Professional Will has written permission to access your information in an event of exceptional circumstance (e.g. my death).  My Executor is also a qualified counsellor and abides by the same ethical standards as I do.  My Executor does not have access to your information unless in an event of exceptional circumstance.

 

What I will not do with your information.

I will not share any of your information with anyone for marketing purposes.

 

When and how do I destroy your information?

​Ethically, I am required to hold records of our meetings for a period of time.  However:

• I may shred or remove any contact information from contacts records and invoice systems

• I may remove your doctors information from the contract

• I may delete any electronic communications between us

When our work has been completed for seven years, I will shred any remaining information that I have kept regarding our work whether it be hard copy or electronic. 

 

Should you have any questions in relation to the way I protect your information, please do not hesitate to ask me.

 

ICO Reference: A8267721

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