The purpose of this statement is to inform you about the personal information I collect and hold, why I collect this data, how long it is stored for and your rights over your personal data.

I am committed to complying with the terms of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018, and to the responsible and secure use of your data. I have a legitimate basis to collect data for the purpose of delivering counselling services.

I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). 

Information about you 

When you enquire about counselling I ask for contact details and relevant personal information that is needed to answer your enquiries and to keep you informed.

If you choose to proceed with counselling, I will keep an adequate and relevant record that is limited to personal details, session notes, attendances, payments and other relevant information gathered in the course of this provision.

Once counselling ends, all data in your file is stored securely for 7 years, and then destroyed.

All visits to, and contacts through, my website will inform web user statistics.

Use of this information

Your data will be used to provide you with my services and to meet the requirements of my regulatory body, the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and my insurer. 

Occasionally, I will use your information for quality control purposes and statistical analysis to help monitor the effectiveness of my business.

I will not share your details with any other person or organisation without your knowledge and permission unless there is a legal or ethical requirement as stated in the counselling contract.

Your information will not be sold or shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

Security

I take all reasonable precautions to prevent the loss, misuse or alteration of  information you give me. A combination of electronic storage and a locked cabinet are used to store client information. Both of these solutions are accessible by me only.

Communications in connection with this service may be sent by email. For ease of use and compatibility, communications will not be sent in an encrypted form. Email, unless encrypted, is not a fully secure means of communication. While I endeavour to keep my systems and communications protected against viruses and other harmful effects, I cannot bear responsibility for all communications being virus-free.

Your rights over your personal data 

If you would like to see the information I hold about you, or would like to correct, update or delete any records, please email me: contact@kevinasingletoncounselling.com

If you have any concerns about my use of your data, please contact me directly. If for any reason I cannot resolve the issue, you can choose to contact the ICO directly ico.org.uk.