Privacy

Your privacy is important, and we’ll do all we can to protect your personal information.

 South Gloucestershire Counselling is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

What personal client data we hold?

Client contact details (including name, address, phone number and email address), client electronic communications (emails, text messages/whatsapp messages/facebook messages), client session notes, client next of kin and/or emergency contact details, client GP details.

It is a requirement to keep client notes in accordance with the code of ethics, outlined by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), which we are members of.

How is the information stored?

This information is kept securely via password protected, electronic files.

Session notes are stored securely in paper form which is kept in locked facilities.  

We do not share your personal information with any 3rd party (unless in the event of a safeguarding concern which will be written in the contract you have with us).

Circumstances in which data may be shared with other agencies:

There are some circumstances where confidentiality can be broken. The limitations of confidentiality are discussed during the first initial session with the client and written in a contract that both parties will sign and have a copy of.

Limitations of confidentiality include:

If the client is at immediate risk of substantial harm to self or others.

Under a legal requirement (e.g. terrorism, drug money laundering, The children’s act etc)

Summons of clients notes via a court order.

How long are records kept?

We will keep your personal data for no longer than is necessary for the purpose(s) it was collected, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, regulatory, accounting or reporting requirements. We keep your data for the minimum period we consider necessary to resolve any queries and to ensure legal and regulatory compliance and in line with industry practice. We currently consider this period to be 7 years, unless the law prescribes a longer period.

You can request this information at any time.