Privacy

Your privacy is of great importance to me and I am committed to complying with the terms of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regarding the responsible and secure use of your data

In order to provide psychological services I have a legitimate interest in processing personal data. The purpose of this statement is to let you know what personal information I collect and hold, why this data is collected, how long it is kept and what your rights are with regards to this personal data. I am registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO).

When you agree to receive psychological services from me you are asked to consent to the processing of your data under the terms of this policy.

What information do I collect?

I collect personal data such as name, address, date of birth, gender, GP/medical practitioner details, telephone numbers and email address. I also collect any data you give me regarding personal and family background, alongside potentially sensitive data relating to medical and mental health conditions. 

What do I use your information for?

I use your information in the following ways:

To provide clients with psychological services requested.
To offer appointment times and notify you about changes to your appointments. 
To fulfil any administrative, legal, ethical and contractual obligations.

What information do I share?

I will NOT share any information about you with other organisations or people, except in the following situations:
Consent – I may share information with relevant medical professionals or others whom you have requested or agreed I need to contact. 
Serious harm – I may share your information with the relevant authorities if I have reason to believe that this may prevent serious harm being caused to you or another person.
Compliance with law – I may share information when the law requires me to – i.e. safeguarding, terrorism, drug trafficking and serious crime.
Clinical Will– I have a clinical will which means in the event of sudden death or a serious accident or illness, a named colleague will be able to access the contact details so they can notify clients. 
Supervision– It is an professional requirement for any clinician offering psychological services to have regular supervision. Any supervisor used is an accredited member of the relevant accrediting body and works within their ethical framework. 

How do I keep your information safe?

All information you provide to me is stored as securely as possible. I will take all reasonable precautions to prevent the loss, misuse or alteration of information given.
All paper forms and correspondence are kept locked. All electronic files are kept on a password-protected device with virus protection software. 
Client notes and other documentation are destroyed seven years after the end of the psychosocial services offered.
Any known data breaches will be reported to the ICO within 72 hours.
Any requests for personal data need to be made through a data subject access request and will be supplied within one month.

Your rights

Under the GDPR, you have the right to:

Access your personal data – Rectify, erase or restrict your data – Object to the processing of your data – Request transfer of data (data portability).
You may withdraw your consent for me to hold and process your data at any time. However, if you do this while actively receiving psychological services, the services would have to end. You can withdraw your consent by stating this on an email to info@talkforchange.co.uk.
If you have any concerns about the way I handle your data please contact info@talkforchange.co.uk. If you feel this has not been resolved effectively you have the right to contact the Information Commissioners Office (www.ico.org.uk)

Changes to this policy

This document is a work in progress and may be modified from time to time.

October 2018