protecting your data

I am required to collect some personal details from you, it is your choice about whether you agree to share these, however, I am unable to work with you if you decide not to. The purpose of collecting information is to ensure safe practice and for safeguarding purposes which are central to practicing in a safe and secure way for your protection. 

Details that I collect will always be stored in accordance with BACP and NCPS recommended good practice. Records will be securely locked and for adults will be held for up to 5 years and for children and young people for up to 7 years after the age of 18. All documentation is kept securely and anonymised. 

Some notes may be taken during sessions and these will be anonymised and kept securely. There are some legal exceptions to confidentiality but these are rare and include, for example, reporting acts of terrorism. This information is set out in the contracting as part of the first session. 

Information collected includes:

• Name; address; contact information; person to contact in an emergency; details of former counselling/therapy; GP details. 
• Medical information shared is to support your safety and to know who to contact in the case of an emergency and duty of care. 

Complaints

If you are unhappy with the service provided you have the right to complain. In the first instance the request would be to discuss the matter together but clients will be directed to the BACP guidelines from the outset.