Privacy Policy

This policy explains what happens with the information I am keeping about you.

Gaining your consent

As a client, I need to inform you that I may need to share your information with other services and organisations, even if you don’t want me to. I will explain the limits of confidentiality when you register with me.

There may be situations where I need to share your information. This could happen if it’s necessary, for example:

• to protect a child
• vulnerable adult,
• yourself 
• the public. 

It could also be required for tax assessment purposes or if a court or law mandates it. Additionally, I may need to share statistical data only for re-accreditation with a professional body.

What information do I record?

The information I am keeping about you will include personal and sensitive information, such as:

Personal information (Client Registration)

• first name or given name
• family name or surname
• address
• telephone numbers and email addresses
• emergency contact and their contact details
• GP details
• Sensitive personal information (Session Notes)
• gender, ethnicity and marital status
• profession
• religious or other cultural beliefs
• physical or mental health condition
• sexuality
• offences (including alleged offences)
• information you are sharing in a session

Session notes are anonymised and stored separately from personally identifiable information. Electronic files are encrypted.

Session Notes and client registration are destroyed after a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 4 years.

Financial information

• bank account details
• payment receipts

As per HMRC regulations, financial records are stored for 5 to 6 years.

I use the information you provide me with to:

• maintain accurate records
• handle inquiries
• fulfil professional insurance
• HMRC obligations
• and ensure everyone’s safety

Information security

I want to assure you that any information you provide me will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. I take measures to store your information securely and limit access to it. Rest assured that I will only share your information if it is legally required or in an emergency where I cannot contact you.

I will only share your information, when necessary, with organisations that are authorised to receive it and will maintain its security.

3 Party Services

The following information is important to keep in mind. I contract with a service provider to maintain my website and several online counselling directories, which you may have used to contact me. Additionally, I use Ionos for email, GiffGaff phone network, and Zoom for video sessions. These services may collect some information about your use of their web pages, such as statistical data.

Please note that emails may not be protected in transit, and I advise keeping personal information to a minimum.

Corrections and concerns

If you are concerned about how I am handling your personal information, please contact me, and I will try to address those concerns. Alternatively, you may contact the ICO.

If you want your personal information deleted, please inform me, and I will take reasonable steps to comply with your request within 30 days. If I cannot fulfil your request reasonably, I will notify you of the reason as soon as possible.

Please note that your request must be in writing, signed, and dated.

Data controller

I (Adele Bould) am known as the data controller. I am responsible for collecting and processing your personal information. Processing includes the organisation, retrieval, consultation, use and deletion or destruction of information and its disclosure to others.

My registration number is xxxxxxxx . You can view my registration at the Information Commissioner’s website.

Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have difficulty understanding this information or want to ask more questions.

Date: April 2024.