Privacy Policy

Introduction
I am registered as a sole trader (Jacqui Noel Counselling) in England and Wales. Jacqui Noel Counselling is the data controller of your personal information and is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (Reg No: ZA 561425). This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use and protect your personal data.

The type of personal information I collect
I collect a range of information about you. This includes:

• Your name, postal address, email address, contact telephone numbers, date of birth.

• Information relating to your health, wellbeing and vulnerabilities, such as previous and current medical treatment, physical and learning disabilities, mental health issues, alcohol and drug dependency.

• Information about your GP and any other support services you are working with.

• Information relating to the payment of services, such as banking details.

How I collect your personal information
This is personal information that you give when you interact with me via email or over the phone or during meetings, for example when you enquire about or use my services, or when you sign a contract with Jacqui Noel Counselling. I may also collect your personal information from the professional sources and agencies referred to above. Alternatively, your GP, parent or other trusted individual may send me your personal details when making a referral on your behalf.

Why I collect your personal information
I need to process your information so I can provide the contractually agreed service to you, which includes the arrangement, cancellation and rescheduling of appointments as required.

Assessment notes are taken during the initial counselling assessment and sometimes during further counselling sessions when needed. These notes help me identify problems, decide if the service I offer is best suited for you and plan interventions. If you decide not to proceed with counselling, your personal data is destroyed immediately.

Counselling notes are taken during therapy sessions. The primary purpose of counselling notes is to underpin the therapeutic work with clients, by acting as an aid for remembering key issues and interventions taken to develop a continuous, effective care plan.

My lawful basis for processing your information
If you are currently receiving therapy from me or are in contact with me to consider health treatment via therapy, I will process your personal data where it is necessary to meet our Contractual Obligations.

In certain circumstances, I will need to process your personal data because I am under a Legal Obligation to do so. Typically, this is when I must meet legal or regulatory compliance obligations, such as when I identify a serious risk of harm exists or I am required to exercise or defend legal proceedings or obtain legal advice to protect Jacqui Noel Counselling against theft, legal liability, fraud, abuse or other misconduct.

Who I will share your information with
In accordance with the BACP Code of Ethics, anything you choose to share with me remains confidential except in the following limited situations only:

• I am required, by law, to disclose to the relevant authorities any indication of any abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult (Children’s Act 1989/2004), any indication of a violation of the Terrorism Act 2000, the Drug Trafficking Act 1994, Court Order, or if I believe there is a serious risk of harm to you or others. This would be done with the client's consent and knowledge, where possible, unless there are safeguarding issues that prevent this.

• All Counsellors are required to have supervision to make sure they are working ethically and safely. I may discuss the work that we do together, however the supervisor will not know your personal details or your identity although during the counselling period, my supervisor will have the Client’s first name and telephone number supplied in a sealed envelope so that in the event of my death or serious illness the Client can be informed. Supervisors are bound by the BACP Code of Ethics in regard to confidentiality.

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Data Security
Your personal information is kept confidentially and securely and is only accessible by me. Your telephone number is stored on a separate password protected work mobile using your first name and initial of your surname only. My laptop is used for counselling work only and is encrypted for my use only. When out of use it is securely stored in a lockable cabinet.

Any hard copy notes, or other information will be kept with your therapy record and anonymised using a reference number. Client details and therapy records are kept separately in different locked filing systems only accessible by me.

Retention and storage of your personal information
Your key details, (name, date of birth, and client reference number, number of counselling sessions) are kept for 6 years after your last session has ended.

Your telephone number, email address, home address, assessment notes, text messages and emails will be destroyed (subject to the BACP Code of Ethics) after your last session.

Your anonymised counselling records are kept for 6 years after your last session has ended.

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Your individual rights
Processing of your personal data is governed by the UK data protection laws. This means you have rights to:

• Have copies of your personal information.

• Ask me to rectify personal information you think is inaccurate.

• Ask me to erase your personal information in certain circumstances.

• Ask me to restrict the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.

• Ask that I transfer the personal information you gave me to another organisation or to you, in certain circumstances.

If you would like to make a request, please contact me at jacqui@jacquinoelcounselling.co.uk

It is important that the personal information I hold about you is accurate and current. Please keep me informed if your personal information changes during your relationship with Jacqui Noel Counselling.

How to complain
If you have any concerns about my use of your personal information, please contact Jacqui Noel Counselling via email: jacqui@jacquinoelcounselling.co.uk. You can also complain to the ICO if you are unhappy with how I have used your data. The ICO’s helpline number: 0303 123 1113 ICO website: https://www.ico.org.uk