Privacy Policy
(Why I collect your personal data, and what I do with it)
When you supply your personal details to me, they are stored and processed in order to provide a service to you, (the bits in bold are the relevant terms used in the Data Protection Act 2018, which includes the General Data Protection Regulation – ie the law):
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I need to collect personal information about your health in order to provide you with the best possible treatment. Your treatment and our agreement to provide that care constitutes a contract. You can of course, refuse to provide the information, but if you were to do that we would not be able to provide treatment.
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I have a ‘Legitimate Interest‘ in collecting that information, because without it I couldn’t do my job effectively and safely.
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I also think it is important that I can contact you in order to confirm your appointments with me or to update you on matters related to your medical care. This again constitutes ‘Legitimate Interest‘, but this time it is your legitimate interest.
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Provided I have your consent, I may occasionally send you general health information in the form of articles, advice or newsletters. You may withdraw this consent at any time – just let us know by any convenient method.
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I have a legal obligation to retain your records for 7 years after your most recent appointment (or age 25, if this is longer), but after this period you can ask me to delete your records if you wish.
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Your records are stored on paper and digital form where necessary for the functioning of the business. Paper records are stored in locked cabinets, and offices are always locked and alarmed out of working hours. Electronic records retain contact details and appointment history. These records are password-protected and encrypted and backed up regularly.
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I will never share your data with anyone who does not need access without your written consent.
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You have the right to see what personal data of yours I hold, and you can also ask me to correct any factual errors. Provided the legal minimum period has elapsed, you can also ask me to erase your records.
Ethics
Confidentiality - I follow the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) Ethical Framework. There are limitations to confidentiality and this includes money laundering, terrorism, safeguarding or if you disclose harm to yourself or to others, including a child under the age of 18 or under the age of 24 with a disability under the Children's Act (2004), I may need to inform the authorities of any concerns, risks or threats posed.
Regulations - I abide by the NCPS Ethical Framework of good practice.
Equality Act (2010) - I abide by the Equality Act and strive to treat all clients equally and avoid, to the best of my ability, not to discriminate.