This document is a data privacy notice to be read in conjunction with your counselling agreement from josparkescounselling.

Information about you

In order for me to be able to fulfil my responsibilities as a counsellor I will need to record personal information about you. This includes your name, address, contact details and emergency contact. Under an identifying code I will also take ‘assessment information’ on relevant medical information and aspects of your personal, social, and family history that you choose to share with me. For me to contact you and arrange appointments your telephone number and email address may be stored on a smartphone.

Information about counselling sessions

I will record brief factual notes of the counselling session under an identifying code to retain confidentiality. Where appropriate I may discuss these notes with my supervisor without revealing your identity, in accordance with ethical practice and guidelines.

Sharing information

I will not share your information with third parties except:

• Where you give consent for me to share information

• Where there is a specific legal requirement for me to do so

• Where the information is of such gravity, in the case of fraud, crime or serious harm to yourself or others, including the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults.

Holding information

Information, including brief session notes, will be held on a password protected laptop that only I use, and subject to the Data Protection Act. Counselling notes and information will be retained for 5 years after the counselling has ended before being destroyed, except where I agree with you to retain them for longer, or where I believe that it is in my best professional interest to do so. Personal contact details stored electronically will be deleted once counselling has ended.

Your rights

You have the right to ask to see information held by me about you. To do this please ask me or submit a request in writing. You also have a right to ask for information that you believe to be incorrect to be rectified. I will endeavour to provide you with the information requested within four weeks. I am registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) – reference ZB912414. If I become aware of a situation where your personal information may have accidentally or maliciously been obtained by a third party, I will notify you, and the Information Commissioner’s Office, within three days.

BACP Registered Member: 399884

MBACP BACP Membership: 00961299

Insured by Holistic Insurance Services: HIS77226

How To Complain

• If you have any concerns about the way I process your data please discuss them with me and I will do my best to understand and address your complaint. I will acknowledge the complaint within 30 days and take appropriate steps to respond and keep you informed; and without undue delay, tell you the outcome of your complaint.

• However, if you are still unhappy you can contact ICO by calling their helpline on 0303 123 1113