Privacy and Fair Processing Notice
The ‘Data Controller’ for the information you provide is Samantha Whittaker. This notice has been written to comply with privacy laws, known as the ‘GDPR’ (General Data Protection Regulation) and I will ask you to confirm that you are happy for me to process your information in the way described below. I treat your privacy seriously and I ask that you read this Notice carefully as it contains important information on:
• The personal information I collect about you
• What I do with your information, and
• Who your information might be shared with.
The information I use: This may include personal details, employment or education details, family, lifestyle and social circumstances. In addition I may use some sensitive information about you that might include information about your physical or mental health, sexual life, racial or ethnic origin, trade union membership, religious or other similar beliefs, offences or alleged offences.
Why I need it: To ensure you receive the best possible service from me, the information you provide helps me deliver therapy services to you, and maintain our accounts and records.
What I do with it: I am required to have professional clinical supervision of my work and may, when necessary, discuss client personal information in confidence with my professional supervisor. With your agreement and for the promotion of your welfare, I may also share certain information you provide to me with other healthcare professionals, social or welfare organisations, government agencies, employers, family members or others representing you. I will not break confidentiality without your agreement except in limited circumstances, and I will always tell you about this first if the Law allows me to. These limited circumstances include:
• If you disclose an intention to commit suicide or cause harm to yourself or another person.
• If I am concerned about your health or behaviour, and I believe you are not able to perceive this, I may need to seek further help.
• If I am required to by a Court of Law, or you disclose issues where a legal duty may stop me from keeping confidentiality (for example, matters relating to Terrorism, Money Laundering or Child Protection).
How long I keep it: Notes may be taken of your Therapy Sessions and will be securely held with your personal information in paper format and securely destroyed when I no longer have a legal requirement to keep them, which is usually up to six years after your relationship with me ends.
Your rights: You have a number of legal rights, for example if you believe the information I hold about you is wrong, you can ask to see this information and even have it corrected or deleted. You also have the right to withdraw your consent and ask me to stop processing the information I hold about you. If you complain to me and you are not happy with my response or believe I am not processing your data in accordance with the law, you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Contact us: If you have any questions or concerns about the information in this Notice, please contact the Data Protection Officer at: Sam Whittaker Counselling, 4B Derby House, 12 Winckley Square, Preston PR1 3JJ, or email samwhittakercounselling@gmail.com.